Trucking Industry Update

Well folks, as the year comes to a close, it's busy time again in the Trucking Nation. In addition to all the fun that comes with year-end registrations and renewals, there are a lot of other trucking related happenings going on that we think you should know about. Why? Because you're a trucker, and you like to be aware of your surroundings. And at TSNAmerica, we like to keep our favorite truckers (that's you) as informed as possible.

Trucking News and Regulations

E-log Mandate:

Yeah we know, you’ve heard all about this one and every time you hear about it, it's something different. Well, we’re here to continue that trend! This rule has been all over the place the last few months, and while many of your were probably hoping it would kind of, you know, just disappear, it unfortunately looks like it’s here to stay.

Just this week the final rule outlining the specifications of the e-log mandate cleared the White House Office of Management and Budget. The review process took longer than planned, but technically the rule was able to clear four days ahead of the FMCSA’s original schedule. The final rule is still on track to be published into the Federal Register on November 30. So as much as you may be itching to find out more about this regulation and how it’s going to affect you, you’ll have to wait patiently just like the rest of us!

Highway Bill:

While you most likely are already familiar with the new highway bill (or should be, anyway), the bill is finally nearing reality, which would make it the nation’s first long-term highway bill in nearly a decade.

If you heard about this months ago and are wondering what the heck took so long, it’s mostly due to all the fine details in the bill that needed to be sorted out. Part of the bill, the Surface Transportation Restoration and Reform Act was recently passed by the house, and the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy Act was passed by the Senate. Not sure what these acts are or what they entail? Well we wouldn’t worry about those too much if we were you. All you need to know is this is the government’s way of trying to improve the conditions of your roads as fast as possible. About time right? Judging by the current condition of the nation’s roads, the final passage and implementation of this bill can’t come soon enough.

When exactly will that be? Well if you’d quit asking so many questions we’d tell you! Just kidding, we’ll tell you anyway. Under the extension of the short-term highway fix, Congress has until December 4, 2015 to make a final decision, with a possible vote coming any day. So either way, it won’t be long before this one gets passed, Trucking Nation.

So as always, you’re welcome for making you the most informed trucker on the road. Stay tuned for more updates, because we’re chock full of 'em and we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date on all the latest trucking happenings. And remember, if you have any questions, or need any assistance getting your pesky UCR registration taken care of before the deadline, just give us a call at 803.386.0320, or email us at support@tsnamerica.com!

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Renewal Packages: Finding the Right One for You

Ever had multiple things to do at the same time? Well of course you have, because you’re a trucker!
Whether it’s dealing with UCR Registration, use taxes, or getting your NY HUT certificate renewed, there’s always something on your plate.

But wouldn’t it be nice if your plate was empty? And no, we don’t mean a literal plate. But now that you know we’re referring to your metaphorical plate full of things to do, you’re probably thinking that sounds pretty nice. And you should - because it is! No more worrying about trivial tasks that, as a trucker, you simply don’t have time for. Now you may be curious as to how exactly we’re going to do that, but just keep on readin’ and we’ll tell you!

Renewal Packages

We'll just cut right to the chase: the best way to simplify your life as a trucker is to take advantage of one of our new renewal packages. Why? Well, because who wouldn’t want to have someone else deal with all of the hassles that come along with updates, renewals. and registrations? At TSNAmerica, we know what truckers want, and more importantly, we know what truckers need. You want to spend your time driving, not dealing with mindless, trivial tasks. This is why you’re going to take a look below and pick the package best suits you and your business!

Basic Annual Renewal Package - Starting at $295

-IFTA Renewal + state fees, if applicable
-IRP Renewal + state fees
-UCR Renewal + UCR fees
-DOT Update


Premium Annual Renewal Package - Starting at $340

-IFTA Renewal + state fees, if applicable
-IRP Renewal + state fees
-UCR Renewal + UCR fees
-DOT Update
-One State Permit Renewal (NM, HUT, OR) + state fees


Complete Annual Renewal Package - Starting at $385

-IFTA Renewal + state fees, if applicable
-IRP Renewal + state fees
-UCR Renewal + UCR fees
-DOT Update
-Two State Permit Renewals (NM, HUT, OR) + state fees

Still not convinced? Well just give us a call and talk with us for a few minutes, we can be pretty convincing. You can also give us a call if you aren’t quite sure which package would be best for you, or if you have questions about any of our specific renewal packages. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone today and let us make your life a little bit easier so you can get back to truckin’. You can reach us by phone at 803.386.0320, or by email at support@tsnamerica.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon, Trucking Nation!

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The End of the Year is Near: Time for UCR and NYHUT Renewals!

Well congrats Trucking Nation, you’ve officially made it through the third quarter alive. And now you’re all done with taxes and registration for the year! Just kidding.

Sorry to get your hopes up, but you’ve still got a lot left to do before the year’s end. So let’s take a quick look to see what’s coming up, and as always, how we can help!

UCR Registration

UCR Registration is mandatory as part of the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement, and is required for carriers that operate interstate. While the program is overseen by the federal government, it is administered by participating states. If you operate in a participating state, you must register with your base jurisdiction, and pay the required fees. As for the fees, they’re based on the total number of vehicles used or leased by a particular individual or company.

If you operate intrastate only, you may be in luck! Or you may have to pay anyway; it just depends on your state. For example, if you live in Georgia or another state that uses the PRISM program, even if you only operate intrastate, you still have to pay UCR fees. Keep in mind state requirements often change from year to year, so be sure that you’re always up to date of the rules and regulations of your base state, or any state you operate in. If you have any questions about a particular state, just give us a shout and we’ll make sure you’re the most well-informed trucker on the road!

The deadline for UCR registration? You guessed it, it’s the end of the year, December 31. If you guessed wrong, well, then at least you know the correct date now.

So if you haven’t already done so, stop procrastinating and make it happen!

NYHUT

As most of you already know, or should know at least, if you operate in the state of New York with a vehicle that weighs 26,000 pounds or more, you get a special benefit. What's the benefit? Use tax! That’s right, you get the honor and privilege of paying to help keep the highways you know and love in good shape. OK, so it might not be much of a benefit, and actually more of a burden when you think about it; but hey, sometimes "you gotta do what you gotta do." And if you operate in New York and meet the qualifications, then, unfortunately, this is something you gotta do.

If you have to pay this special use tax, then you’ll need to be registered with the state, and have a New York HUT certificate. Now many of you are probably thinking, how often do I have to do renew this stupid certificate? Well friend, we’ve got some good news and bad news for you. The good news: you only have to renew it once every three years. The bad news: this is the year you have to renew. So before the end of the year, you’ll need to get that taken care if to ensure that you’re operating legally.

Now that we’ve given you all this great information, you’re probably wondering how to actually get your renewals done. Well, do you want the easy way or the hard way? We’ll assume you like things easy, because who doesn’t, right? So just give us a call at (803).386.0320, and let us show you just how easy it can be. Let TSNAmerica take the paperwork out of your way, so you can get back to your day!

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