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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our most commonly asked questions to find quick answers and detailed information about our services. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us!

A DOT Number is required for commercial vehicles operating across state lines. To find out if your business needs one, Driver Advantage can provide detailed guidance and handle the application process for you.

An MC Number is essential for interstate commerce. Driver Advantage can help you determine if your business needs one and assist with obtaining it.

Starting a trucking company involves multiple steps, including registration and compliance. Driver Advantage can guide you through each step to ensure a smooth start.

Registering your trucking business requires completing various forms and filings. Driver Advantage can streamline this process and ensure all necessary paperwork is correctly submitted.

You don't need to have a truck before applying for a DOT Number. Driver Advantage can help you understand the requirements and assist with the application process.

You can apply for an MC Number without owning a truck. Driver Advantage can provide clarity on this process and assist with the necessary filings.

Determining your Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is crucial for compliance. Driver Advantage can help you accurately calculate and document your GVW.

You get your DOT# immediately after completing the application

You get your MC# immediately after completing the application; however, it can take several weeks for your authority to become authorized. Driver Advantage can help streamline this process and ensure timely submission of all required documents.

In addition to a DOT Number, you may need other permits and filings. Driver Advantage can provide a comprehensive list of requirements and assist you in meeting them all.

You can begin interstate operations once you have your MC Number and meet other regulatory requirements. Driver Advantage can help you understand and fulfill all these requirements.

Filing IFTA taxes requires detailed mileage and fuel records. Driver Advantage can assist you in gathering this information and filing your taxes accurately.

IRP registration requires specific documents, including vehicle and ownership information. Driver Advantage can guide you through the documentation process to ensure compliance.

Commercial vehicles must display specific decals for identification and compliance. Driver Advantage can provide details on these requirements and assist with obtaining the necessary decals.

A TxDOT Number is required for intrastate commercial vehicle operations in Texas. Driver Advantage can determine if you need this number and assist with the application.

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) simplifies fuel tax reporting for interstate carriers. Driver Advantage can help you understand if you need IFTA and assist with the registration process.

A BOC-3 filing designates process agents in each state for legal documents. Driver Advantage can handle this filing for you to ensure compliance with federal regulations

Trucking Compliance FAQs

Simple, accurate answers for truck drivers about IRP, DOT, MC, UCR, and more.

IRP / Apportioned Plates / IFTA

What is IRP (International Registration Plan)?
IRP is an agreement that lets truckers register once and operate in multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
What is an IRP number?
Your IRP number identifies your account under the International Registration Plan.
What is IRP registration?
It allows your truck to travel in multiple states or provinces using one registration and license plate.
What is an IRP cab card?
A cab card lists all jurisdictions where your truck is registered to operate under IRP.
What are IRP plates?
IRP plates are apportioned license plates issued to trucks operating in two or more states or provinces.
What is apportioned registration?
It means your registration fees are split among states based on how many miles you drive there.
What is an apportioned plate?
An apportioned plate is the license plate given to a vehicle registered under IRP.
What is an IRP fee?
IRP fees are based on vehicle weight and miles driven in each state or province.
What is the difference between IRP and IFTA?
IRP covers registration fees, while IFTA covers fuel tax reporting between states.
What is IRP cost by state?
IRP costs vary by state depending on weight, distance, and each state’s fee schedule.

DOT / MC / FMCSA Authority

What is a DOT number?
A DOT number is a unique ID from FMCSA for companies that operate commercial vehicles across state lines.
What is an MC number?
An MC number is your Motor Carrier authority number allowing you to haul loads for hire across states.
What is a USDOT number used for?
It tracks your company’s safety, inspections, and compliance records with FMCSA.
What is an operating authority?
It’s legal permission from FMCSA to transport freight for pay.
What is a motor carrier number?
It’s another term for your MC number — proof you’re authorized to operate interstate.
What is a common carrier?
A common carrier hauls freight for the public under FMCSA authority.
What is a contract carrier?
A contract carrier hauls freight for specific clients under contract.
What is the difference between DOT and MC numbers?
The DOT number identifies your company; the MC number gives you permission to operate for hire.
What is FMCSA?
FMCSA stands for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees commercial trucking safety.
What is DOT compliance?
DOT compliance means following FMCSA safety, maintenance, and recordkeeping rules.

UCR / Unified Carrier Registration

What is UCR registration?
UCR registration is an annual fee carriers pay to operate across state lines.
What is UCR filing?
It’s submitting your company’s UCR registration and payment for the current year.
What is a UCR number?
Your UCR number confirms your trucking company is registered and compliant.
What is unified carrier registration?
It’s a federal program requiring interstate carriers to pay annual fees for safety enforcement.
What is the UCR fee for trucking?
UCR fees depend on how many trucks you operate and renew each year.
What is the UCR agreement?
It’s an agreement among states to collect fees that fund transportation safety programs.
What is the UCR system?
It’s the online portal used for registration and fee payment under the UCR program.
What is the purpose of UCR?
UCR ensures carriers help fund highway safety enforcement and remain legally active.

CA Number / MCP / California Trucking

What is a CA number?
A CA number is issued by the CHP to identify carriers operating in California.
What is a CA MCP?
The CA MCP is a Motor Carrier Permit that allows commercial vehicles to operate legally in California.
What is a California Motor Carrier Permit?
It’s a state permit confirming your company has insurance and meets California’s operating requirements.
What is a CHP CA number?
It’s the carrier identification number given by the California Highway Patrol.
What is a PUC ID in California?
A PUC ID is issued to passenger or household goods carriers regulated by the Public Utilities Commission.
What is a CA DOT number?
California uses your USDOT number for tracking interstate and intrastate carriers.
What is a California Carrier Identification Number?
It’s another name for your CA number assigned by the CHP.

KYU / Kentucky Permits

What is a KYU number?
A KYU number registers your company for Kentucky’s Weight Distance Tax program.
What is a Kentucky Weight Distance Tax?
It’s a mileage tax for trucks over 59,999 pounds operating in Kentucky.
What is a KYU permit?
A KYU permit proves you’re authorized to operate and pay taxes in Kentucky.
What is KYU filing?
It’s the quarterly submission of your miles and payments for the KYU tax.
What is the KYU tax rate?
Kentucky charges about 2.85 cents per mile for vehicles over 59,999 lbs.

State-Specific Permits

What is the New Mexico WDT permit?
It allows heavy trucks to travel in New Mexico and pay the Weight Distance Tax.
What is a New Mexico Weight Distance Tax?
It’s a per-mile tax on trucks over 26,000 lbs operating in New Mexico.
What is an Oregon Weight Distance Permit?
This permit lets heavy trucks legally operate in Oregon while paying mileage taxes.
What is an Oregon Weight Tax?
Oregon’s weight tax charges based on a truck’s weight and miles driven in the state.
What is a Texas DMV number?
A Texas DMV number identifies intrastate carriers operating only within Texas.
What is a Texas DOT number?
Texas uses your USDOT number to track carrier safety and compliance.
What is a CBSA carrier code (Canada)?
It’s a Canadian ID that lets carriers cross the border with approved documentation.
What is a SCAC code?
SCAC is a four-letter code used to identify freight carriers for shipping and customs.
What is a BOC-3 filing?
It’s a legal filing naming agents who can receive court papers for your trucking company.
What is a Process Agent in trucking?
A process agent handles legal documents for your company in each state.

Other Trucking Compliance FAQs

What is a trucking authority?
It’s FMCSA authorization to operate as a for-hire carrier.
What is a motor carrier of property?
A business that transports goods owned by others for pay.
What is an interstate carrier?
A company that runs commercial vehicles across state lines.
What is an intrastate carrier?
A company that operates only within one state.
What is a New Entrant Safety Audit?
An FMCSA review checking new carriers’ safety compliance in their first year.
What is a DOT Safety Audit?
An FMCSA inspection of your safety, maintenance, and driver records.
What is a DOT New Entrant Program?
A monitoring period for new carriers to prove compliance with safety rules.
What is a Motor Carrier Permit?
A state-issued permit allowing your company to operate commercially.
What is a DOT drug test?
A federally required drug and alcohol test for CDL drivers.
What is a USDOT biennial update?
The required update every two years to keep your DOT number active.

Additional FAQs

What is the cost of a DOT number?
Getting a DOT number from FMCSA is free.
What is the cost of an MC number?
An MC number costs $300 when filed directly with FMCSA.
What is a trucking compliance service?
A service that manages your filings, permits, and safety paperwork for you.
What is an LLC for trucking authority?
An LLC protects your personal assets from business liability in trucking.
What is a freight broker authority?
It allows you to arrange loads between shippers and carriers for pay.
What is a BOC-3 agent?
An authorized person who receives legal documents for your company in each state.
What is the difference between MC and MX numbers?
MC numbers are for U.S. carriers; MX numbers are for Mexico-based carriers.
What is an interstate operating authority?
It’s the FMCSA authorization for hauling freight across state lines.
What is an apportioned cab card?
A document showing all states where your truck is registered under IRP.
What is IFTA audit preparation?
Keeping fuel and mileage records ready for a possible state tax audit.