Even though the trucking industry is one of the most profitable in the United States, people lose motivation when they realize they must go through a complicated registration and license acquiring process.
Going through the regulations for the trucking company can be difficult, but we can make things easier for you by providing a step-by-step guide for all the licenses and permits you require for your trucking company.
Commercial Driver License
Whether you drive your truck or hire drivers at the start of your business, you and all of your company’s drivers must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). You must first complete driving lessons and sharp training to obtain a driver’s license. After that, you will be subjected to a background check before receiving a written permit to take the driving test.
Another important consideration is that you must be at least 18 years old to obtain a driver’s license. Furthermore, truck drivers in some states must be 21 years old. The requirements vary from state to state. You can learn more by reading your state’s CDL manual.
DOT And Motor Carrier Authority
If you want to start a trucking company in the United States, you’ll need a USDOT authority to operate your trucking business and a Motor carrier number for hauling cargo. The USDOT number is used to track your company’s safety record and compliance with rules and regulations.
The US dot number will be required by the FMCSA to check the safety record of your company and for monitoring the other information required during the inspection. The motor carrier (MC) number, also known as “operating authority,” identifies the type of trucking business you run and the types of goods you are allowed to transport.
Both numbers can be obtained by registering your company with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
Unified Carrier Registration
It is mandatory to obtain unified carrier registration to operate a commercial vehicle, whether you are traveling within or outside the state’s borders. This registration program ensures that your trucking company is covered by insurance in each state where you drive your vehicle. Driving a commercial vehicle from one state to another is not free at all.
Every state asks for compensation for using their roads and earning from their people. If you do not obtain UCR and are stopped by authorities while driving across state lines, you will be fined and subject to other penalties. For CDR, you need to pay a certain fee which will depend on how many trucks you are operating within or outside of the state.
Get Insurance
When you buy a car, you are required to register for the insurance plan. Buying a truck and operating it as a business vehicle is no different. You are also required to get insurance for your vehicle. Well, what kind of insurance you need highly depends on what kind of goods you are going to transport and in what states you are going to operate.
Your insurance needs can also be related to the risks your business can face such as chances of exposure to injuries and accidents. It’s a primary requirement for all truckers to have insurance.
Take A Step Toward Success
If you are new to all of these regulations and are starting a trucking business, these may help you understand the trucking regulations. Owning and operating a trucking company may appear overwhelming at first, but once you have everything your trucking company requires to operate, you are ready to go on a successful drive.
