Unified Registration System Compliance: Businesses with Trucks

Traditionally, “motor carrier” trucks have been required to register the vehicle for a DOT number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – for the most part this has only impacted “for hire” trucks carrying goods across state lines. 

Beginning October 2016, stricter enforcements will be mandated, significantly broadening the requirements into smaller trucks.  This new enforcement will require thousands of small businesses, so read on if you are operating trucks in your business and cross state lines.

 What are the rules?

Now, any business operating a truck at 10,001 Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and crossing state lines, must register that vehicle with the FMCSA, obtain a DOT number, pay a fee to the Unified Carrier Registration and operate within all FMCSA rules. 

Virtually any business operating a vehicle this size and crossing state lines for any business reason is required to comply.  This could even be for lawn care, delivery of goods/products, contractor service calls, etc.  Your DOT number must be visibly displayed on your truck.  Fines and penalties apply for failure to comply with all DOT rules.  You must update information biannually or every time your operation changes.  If your business name is displayed on the truck (or if it’s obviously a business truck), your drivers could get pulled over and checked. 

Not sure what size trucks you operate?  Here is a good chart to help: Vehicle Types.  This is considered Class 3 Light Duty and includes the Ford F-350, Dodge Ram 3500, GMC Sierra 3500, etc.

Some examples of DOT rules to comply with include: Drivers must be 21 years of age, carry proof of a DOT medical exam and maintain logs of driving time (if traveling more than 100 miles).  Drivers are not allowed to drive more than 11 hours or work more than 14 hours straight, after which they must rest of at least 10 hours.

You can begin the registration process at the FMCSA New Application site.  Furthermore, I am putting together a compliance packet and will provide this and free consultation at no cost.  Our agency has been dealing with this to help other “for hire” clients for a number of years now, so we can help you navigate the rules.  The FMCSA website has many resources for you as well.

Please let me know if you would like to be on the list for the compliance packet or if you want to meet with me to discuss your needs.