Which states require special permits to operate?
What is operating authority?
Operating authority is a term used by the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration and other state
transportation agencies to describe a grant of legal permission
to engage in for-hire transportation by a motor vehicle.
What is the difference between interstate and
intrastate commerce?
A motor carrier is said to conduct interstate
commerce if the vehicle, its passengers, or cargo cross a State
boundary. Intrastate commerce is trade, traffic, or
transportation within a single State.
What are the differences between common,
contract, and broker authority?
Common authority is for carriers that provide
for-hire transportation to the general public. Common carriers
must file both liability insurance and cargo insurance.
Contract authority is for carriers that provide for-hire
transportation to specific individual shippers, based on
contracts. Contract carriers are only required to file
liability insurance. Broker authority is for a company who
arranges for the transportation of cargo belonging to others for
compensation utilizing for-hire carriers. Brokers are required
to file a $10,000 surety bond.
What is an MC Number?
An MC Number stands for Motor Carrier Number and
is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
if you plan to transport regulated commodities for-hire across
state lines.
What is a US DOT Number?
A US DOT Number is assigned by the United States
Department of Transportation and is used by various government
agencies to identify a motor carrier. All motor carriers are
required to have a US DOT number to operate.
What is a BOC-3 Designation of Process Agents?
A BOC-3 designates a process agent in each state
who may be served court papers in any proceeding brought against
a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder. A BOC-3 is
required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
before operating authority can be granted. We are a blanket
company recognized by the FMCSA and can therefore file a BOC-3
on your behalf.
I have my authority, what else do I need?
Depending on where you intend to operate and your
type of operations there are several other federal and state
regulations you will need to comply with. Our knowledgeable
staff can assist you to determine what other permits or filings
you will need.
What is IRP?
IRP stands for International Registration Plan
and consists of your apportioned tag / base plate and cab card.
It is required for vehicles with a GVW (gross vehicle weight) of
over 26,000 lbs that cross state lines. Registration is done
through your base state and you must select the other states you
plan to operate in.
What is IFTA?
IFTA stands for International Fuel Tax Agreement
and is required for vehicles with a GVW (gross vehicle weight)
of over 26,000 lbs that cross state lines.
Which states require special permits to operate?
New York, New Mexico, Oregon, and Kentucky all
have special permits they require for certain types of motor
carriers. Depending on your type of vehicle and operations, you
may be required to obtain these permits. Our specialists can
help you determine if you qualify.