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How can I change from one type of truck operating authority to another?
If you find that you need to choose a truck operating authority after being exempt in the past, or you need to change from one type of operating authority to another, you can do so using the process outlined below. A thorough understanding of how operating authorities work and what they require can help you … Read more
How to get an MC Number/Operating Authority
A company that is interested in engaging in certain types of transportation activities must have an MC Number, which is also known as operating authority. Specifically, companies that (a) transport passengers via interstate commerce and that (b) transport federally regulated commodities that are owned by others or coordinate the transportation of those commodities, are required … Read more
What do I do if I get a warning letter from the FMCSA?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for making sure that commercial trucks and drivers are safe enough to be on America’s highways. To protect the public, the FMCSA completes regular inspections of equipment, driver log books, records of violations, and more. If your business is found to have a violation, the FMCSA … Read more
What does the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC cover?
Regular maintenance for your trucks and fleet vehicles does more than just prevent you from experiencing emergency repair work costs and downtime; it enhances your safety on the roadways, too. As a trucker or an organization that owns trucks, if you perform deliveries or shipping services, you are also required to comply with key maintenance … Read more
What does the Unsafe Driving BASIC cover?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains records on seven levels of unsafe driving behavior that it uses to rank motor carriers. The name of the system is BASIC, which stands for Behavioral Analysis and Safety Improvement Category. The Unsafe Driving BASIC specifically addresses FMCSA 49 CFR Parts 397 to evaluate motor carriers in … Read more
Until I get my own operating authority, can I lease my services to a for-hire carrier with operating rights?
One common question from truckers who have not yet obtained their operating authority (MC number) from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is whether they can still lease their services to a for-hire carrier that has operating rights. According to Section 376.11, the answer is yes as long as the trucker meets all FMCSA … Read more
What hazardous materials require a Hazardous Materials Safety Permit?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces a program known as Hazardous Materials Safety Permit (HMSP). The purpose is to increase safety for the driving public and commercial truck drivers. The FMCSA maintains a database outlining the types of materials that require truckers to obtain a permit before they can transport them. We include … Read more
Do motor carriers need to report drug and alcohol test results to FMCSA every year?
No trucking company owner likes to think that drivers will fail a random drug or alcohol screening or cause an accident due to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a program of the federal government tasked with creating and maintaining regulations for commercial vehicles to keep America’s … Read more
What is the Unified Registration System?
The Unified Registration System (URS) was created to simplify and streamline the registration process required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This online process is designed to integrate several different registration procedures to make registering a commercial vehicle more efficient. The URS works as a portal for registration and a database on all regulated organizations … Read more