FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are a series of frequently asked questions. These are inquiries that we receive from customers on a regular basis. Do you have a question that you do not see listed? If so, please message or call our team at any time. One of our dedicated trucking industry experts will answer your question ASAP.
How Can I Ensure That My DOT Number Is Active?
You have four options for figuring out the status of your DOT Number. 1. Access the FMCSA SAFER website online. You can search by name, MC Number, or DOT Number. 2. You can email the FMCSA using their web form. 3. You can call the FMCSA Customer Service hotline. 4. Our organization can check the status of your DOT Number on your behalf.
How Often Do I Have To Renew My DOT Number?
You must renew your DOT Number every two years. This is an official FMCSA policy. You have to renew the number even if your company information has not changed.
What Does a Bill of Lading Do?
Each bill of lading has three main purposes. 1. It serves as a document of title. 2. It functions as a receipt for shipped goods. 3. It plays the role of a contract between shippers and carriers.
Can You Provide an Example of Using a Bill of Lading?
Here is an example. Say that a moving company provides a bill of lading form to a 3rd party carrier. The carry delivers boxes to a retail store. Next, the 3rd party provides the bill of lading to the store. This way, the bill of lading functions as an official receipt for the shipment of boxes.
What Does “BOC-3 Filing” Mean?
A BOC-3 filing refers to the FMCSA’s Designation of Agents for Service of Process. It functions as an official US federal filing. The BOC-3 assigns a process agent. That agent accepts legal documents on behalf of clients. The clients are either logistics to transportation companies. This process takes place in every state where a company does business.
How Much Does Filing Each BOC-3 Cost?
The cost of filing BOC-3’s can vary. Some companies charge $40 for every BOC-3 filing. But as of now, our organization only charges $19.99.
Do BOC-3’s Expire?
No, a BOC-3 filing never expires. This is according to official FMCSA policies. It only expires when someone changes the official name of a company. It can also expire when a company applies for reinstatement.
What’s a BOC-3 Process Agent?
Trucking companies must select specific process agents. Process agents represent the companies in each state where trucks haul goods. Process agents accept state court papers on behalf of trucking companies. This takes place when there is some sort of legal problem.
What’s a Broker Package?
Broker packages refer to a company’s official Broker Authority. The FMCSA grants companies with Broker Authority. This positions the companies to arrange cargo to get transported. Next, for-hire carriers can transport the cargo.
What Does the Role of a Freight Broker Entail?
Sometimes freight brokers are individuals. Otherwise, they are companies. The freight brokers connect a shipper wanting to transport goods with motor carriers. Freight brokers also help shippers locate new motor carriers to do business with.
Do Brokers Need an MC Number?
Yes, brokers must have an active MC Number. But that’s not all. They must have an active USDOT Number as well. They also need to secure a BOC-3, list of process agents, and a UCR.
How Do I Become a Contract Carrier?
Here are some basic steps that you can take through the FMCSA to become a contract carrier. 1. Provide your DOT Number or MC Number to start the registration process. 2. Bind your company with an official Transportation Services Contract. 3. Provide information about how people can contact you. 4. Send a W9. 5. Fill-in information on your Carrier Profile. 6. Accept all terms related to the Motor Carrier Agreement.
What Are Driver Qualification Files?
DQF’s/driver qualification files are part of an official FMCSA record keeping process. Trucking companies must maintain updated DQF’s for every driver. This way, the companies can pass random and routine safety audits.
How Long Do You Have to Hold Onto Driver Qualification Files?
You must hold onto each driver’s DQF file for three years after the individual no longer works for you.
Does the DOT Require Pre-Employment Drug Testing?
Yes. Before a CDL driver can operate a CMV, he or she must perform a negative drug test.
What Happens When Someone Fails a DOT Drug Test?
Say that your employee fails a DOT-regulated drug test. You must then adhere to official DOT regulations. The first step is to remove the worker form performing all safety-sensitive jobs. The driver might also lose his or her licensing and certifications.
How Do I Secure Operating Authority for My Truck?
Here are some steps you can take to receive Operating Authority. 1. Register your company in the county and state of operations. 2. Get an EIN. It stands for Employer Identification Number. 3. Go to the US Department of Transportation and ask to register your business. 4. Get an MC Number through the FMCSA. 5. Get a BOC-3. 6. Find an insurance company that will meet your needs.
Can I Get My Own Authority Even Though I Don’t Have a Truck Right Now?
Yes, you can. The FMCSA and DOT do not have any regulations that prevent you from doing so.
What’s the Difference Between an MC Number and USDOT Number?
MC Numbers recognize for-hire carriers that transport goods through interstate commerce. USDOT Numbers recognize all carriers that operate in the interstate commerce sector.
Who Must Have an MC Number?
Businesses that function as for-hire carriers have to secure MC Numbers. This applies to businesses that specialize in transporting passengers. Businesses that arrange to transport passengers through interstate commerce need MC Numbers.
How Do I View the Status of an MCS-150?
You can go to the FMCSA’s SAFER website and input your basic information. If you experience trouble doing so, please call our organization.
What Does an MCS-150 Form Do?
You must file an MCS-150 form to secure or update a USDOT Number. AN MCS-150 form helps the FMCSA confirm that your information is accurate.
What Are Biennial MCS-150 Updates?
The FMCSA enforces that businesses update MCS-150 forms every two years. That’s why they’re called “biennial” updates. There are some states that want businesses to update an MCS-150 every year. This applies when you’re renewing fleet or truck registration. Please contact our organization to receive an updated list of those states.
What Does “Motor Carrier Authority” Mean?
Interstate Trucking Authority and Motor Carrier Authority mean the exact same thing. Owners of trucking companies must have this authority. Otherwise, they cannot operate as motor carriers that are for-hire. They also need authority to transport regulated goods and even passengers. This applies to standard interstate commerce regulations.
Who Must Have Motor Carrier Operating Authority?
All motor carriers that transport US government-regulated commodities need this authority. It applies to transporting household goods, passengers, and property. Business owners must maintain proof of insurance with the FMCSA. Otherwise, they cannot maintain Motor Carrier Operating Authority.
How Much Money Do Owner-Operators Make?
The average annual pay of owner-operators varies based on many factors. In 2021, California owner-operators made an average of $184,851. This comes out to $3,555 per week. But keep in mind that owner-operators have to spend part of their earnings on business.
How Can Independent Truckers Get Paid?
Most independent truckers get consistent work opportunities by signing with carriers. Half of independent truckers get paid per-mile. The other half get paid by percentage of every load.
What Does UCR Registration Mean?
Unified Carrier Registration is the long-form version of UCR. It refers to the US government system for registering commercial vehicle operators. These are people involved in either interstate or international travel. You must renew your UCR information every year by the 31st of December.
Do I Have To Register for UCR if I Only Work in Intrastate Commerce?
No, you do not. UCR registration only applies to interstate commerce.
How Can I Check the Status of My UCR?
You can do so by going to the UCR.gov website. If the website seems complicated, please call or message our organization.
Who Must Have Active UCR Registration?
All motor carriers that operate across state lines must register for UCR. This applies to all companies that carry cargo state-to-sate. Brokers and leasing companies involved in interstate commerce must also register.