US DOT Requirements

Trucking regulations and exemptions can be cumbersome, and proper compliance with appropriate federal requirements isn't an easy process. Schultz Transfer Systems has extensive experience working with numerous trucking regulation authorities, and is here to handle this work for you. While you can undertake this time-consuming process yourself, Schultz Transfer Systems offers a service to do it all for you, and it's usually faster because STS can quickly pinpoint what a customer needs, then process the applications directly.

Schultz Transfer Systems offers assistance with the following federal requirements:

STS also offers services for state regulations. Click here to see a list of state registrations and requirements.

Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

The Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is also known as Federal Tax Identification Number. This nine digit code identifies businesses for tax, banking and other legal purposes. Companies that have equipment with a GVWR over 55,000 pounds must have an FEIN. This is recommended for any type of business. However, companies with no employees and sole proprietorship may use the Social Security number for tax reporting.

US DOT Number

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company’s safety information acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections. A USDOT Number is required to operate as a Common or Contract carrier hauling cargo in interstate commerce. This is also required to haul hazardous materials in interstate commerce, or for commercial vehicles that are over 10,000 pounds.

ICCMC Number

You must obtain an Interstate Commerce Commission Motor Carrier (ICCMC) operating authority if you are operating as a "for-hire" motor carrier of regulated commodities or passengers in interstate commerce, unless your "for-hire" operation is limited to the transportation of exempt commodities, or you operate within a commercial zone, exempt from the interstate Operating Authority rules.

Unified Carrier Registration

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) requires individuals and companies that operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate or international commerce to register their business and pay an annual fee based on the size of their fleet. The UCR applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more. The revenues generated are used for enforcement of motor carrier safety programs.

HVUT Tax

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) is an annual federal interstate highway tax imposed on certain motor vehicles operating on public highways. The tax revenues are distributed back to the states for highway construction and maintenance projects. Vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more are required to pay HVUT.

DOT required equipment maintenance and repair reports

Every motor carrier must ensure that all motor vehicles operating under its authority are properly inspected, repaired, and maintained. For each vehicle controlled for 30 consecutive days or more, the motor carrier must maintain a record of inspection, repairs, and maintenance indicating their date and nature.

DOT driver file development and updating

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) establish minimum qualifications for drivers. Motor carrier companies must maintain driver qualification files to ensure compliance with the FMCSR guidelines. Failure to do so may subject the company to lawsuits, DOT fines, and penalties.

Drivers daily log auditing and reporting

Drivers are required to maintain a daily log, known as a Record of Duty Status. A Record of Duty Status documents all work and rest periods within a 24 hour period. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) define hours of service regulations. These regulations state that a driver can work just so many hours at a time in order to avoid driving while fatigued. A motor carrier is liable for violations of the hours of service regulations, and therefore is required to review driver daily logs to ensure that they stay compliant with FMCSR guidelines.

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