State of the Week: Part 2- Georgia Interstate Trucking

Georgia’s so nice, we blogged about it twice!

That’s right, folks. It’s time for Part 2 of our State of the Week feature on Georgia. Last time, we covered the three essentials for Georgia intrastate truckers. But today, we’re knockin’ over fences, crossing state lines, and exploring the wide-world of interstate trucking!

If you’re based in GA, what will you need to establish your interstate authority? Well, you’ll still need the basics, like your MC #, US DOT #, and annual Heavy Vehicle Use Tax.

But the answer to this question also depends on how often you plan to roam out-of-state. If your interstate travels are few and far between, then TSNAmerica can help you obtain temporary trip & fuel permits.

• Temporary Georgia Trip permits are a replacement in lieu of registering for IRP. Georgia Temporary Trip Permits are valid for 72 hours only. Temporary Georgia Fuel permits replace IFTA participation and are valid for 10 days. Both Georgia Trip and Fuel permits are required for any interstate travel for vehicles weighing over 26,000 lbs or with 3 or more axles, regardless of weight, even if it is only for a moment. 

If you need to travel out-of-state more than 2 or 3 times a year, then the most affordable option is to make everything official and get registered with Georgia IRP, IFTA, and UCR.

• 1. IRP: For interstate carriers, the International Registration Plan allows commercial vehicles to have just one registration plate and one cab card that grant authority to travel between jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canadian provinces. IRP is required for commercial vehicles that weigh over 26,000 lbs and/or have three or more axles. After completing your IRP registration and receiving your Georgia apportioned plate, you’ll pay quarterly fees to your base jurisdiction. The fees are based on the number of miles driven in each state, but you will only pay the state of Georgia, which then distributes the funds accordingly.
  
  The Georgia apportioned plates must be renewed yearly, but there are different renewal periods determined by the date the plate was first issued. WIth so many deadlines to remember, why not let TSNAmerica take care of your Georgia IRP renewal? IRP regulations are one of our specialties. We also process Georgia IRP supplements, can file to increase your IRP weight, and can add IRP jurisdictions, all in record time!
  
  And if you only need to make a one-time trip across state lines, TSNAmerica can obtain a Georgia temporary IRP permit in lieu of registering for IRP.
• 2. IFTA: The International Fuel Tax Agreement was implemented to simplify the collection and distribution of diesel fuel tax. Vehicles that travel interstate and that weight over 26,000 lbs and/or have 3 or more axles must register with IFTA in addition to IRP. Once registered, you will need to file an IFTA quarterly return with the state of Georgia, wherein you report the number of miles driven in each jurisdiction and pay fuel tax accordingly. Accurate fuel and mileage records must be maintained for both IFTA and IRP reports.
  
  Typing up trip sheets and calculating fuel tax can be a time-consuming nightmare! And unfortunately, mistakes are all too easy to make and can sometimes lead to an IFTA audit. TSNAmerica offers affordable Quarterly IFTA Filing Services. All you need is to provide us with your trip logs. We take care of all the calculations, check for errors, and file your return directly with the state department. No reason to break a sweat over your IFTA fuel tax report!
  
  But remember, if you’re only traveling out-of-state once, TSNAmerica can obtain a Georgia temporary IFTA permit instead of registering for IFTA.
• 3. UCR: The Unified Carrier Registration Agreement applies to all commercial vehicles weighing at least 10,001 lbs. or more that travel interstate. To maintain your Georgia UCR registration, you must first register your company with the Georgia Dept. of Revenue, then file a yearly application and pay an annual fee based upon the number of vehicles used.
  
  UCR can be confusing since even those operating as brokers, freight forwarders or leasing companies must still register for their Georgia UCR. But don’t take a gamble with your interstate authority. TSNAmerica removes the guesswork from registrations and renewals. Let us establish your Georgia UCR or renew it for your business each year. 

Whether you’re a part-time interstate traveler or a full-time nomad, TSNAmerica will provide speedy services tailored to your business’s needs. We have our finger on the pulse of the industry, so you never have to worry about changes in rules or fret over renewal deadlines. We’re always current and looking out for our clients, ensuring they have everything they need without lifting a finger. 

Call us today at 803.386.0320 and speak with a real, happy person in sunny Rock Hill, SC! You’ll never get trapped navigating an automated system. You can also shoot us an email at support@TSNAmerica.com, preview our services at TSNAmerica.com or send us a Service Request Form.