TSNAmerica: Trucking Nation News Update

We’re back again Trucking Nation! And once again, we’ve crammed all the latest and greatest news updates in our newest installment of the Trucking Nation News Update. So sit back, buckle your seat belt, and let’s throw this thing into gear!

E-Logs

We know, we’ve mentioned this a time or ten, and so has everyone else. But the official ruling is FINALLY in place (took long enough, right?) and is set to go into effect December 16, 2017.

The federal rule that will require all truck operators to use electronic logging devices has now been published into the Federal Register, but not without backlash from the trucking industry. OOIDA has petitioned the ruling, and President and CEO Jim Johnston even went as far as to say OOIDA plans to, “fight this with everything we’ve got.” So while this rule may be now be published, it’s future is still unclear. (shocker)

Note: If you have a truck made before the year 2000, you’re a lucky trucker, because the e-log rule doesn’t apply to you. Enjoy your freedom!

URS- Unified Registration System

The Unified Registration System officially began its phased launch on December 12, 2015, putting into effect an entirely new system. What is it? It’s a new electronic online registration system made to streamline the FMCSA’s registration process. Skeptical? We don’t blame you.

But the good news is if you’re already registered you won’t have to worry about it until next year, because only new applicants are affected by the December 12 launch. Anyone that already has an existing USDOT, MC, or FF number will not be required to register using the new system until Sept. 30, 2016.

Don’t worry folks, we’ll be giving you plenty more information about the process before then, so stay tuned for our Unified Registration System FAQs!

Deadlines

With the excitement that comes with the holiday season and the end of the year, don’t forget about deadlines! Like we mentioned before, UCR Registration period is open and we’re here to help. The registration period began back in October and runs until the end of the year, so if you’ve successfully procrastinated doing it until now you may as well just let someone else do it for you! (Cough, us.) So just give us a call and let us take some of the unneeded stress of your plate this holiday season.

And just a quick and friendly reminder, the IFTA 4th quarter also concludes at the end of the year, so you’ll need to have your IFTA reports done and filed by January 31, 2016. Just in case you were wondering, yes, we do IFTA too.

You can give us a call at 803.386.0320 or email us at support@tsnamerica.com anytime. The end of the year is almost here—what are you waiting for?

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The 5 Necessities of the Road

Ever been in the truck and thought, “Darn I wish I had my...” You can fill in the blank with whatever you’d like there. We know you have, we all do it. It’s called Murphy’s law. And as a trucker, it’s one you should be especially familiar with, because on the road you understand that “whatever can go wrong will go wrong.” We know—it’s deep. But no worries, that’s what Truck Services of North America is here for, to prepare our friends in the Trucking Nation for what lies ahead. Take a look below at the five necessities of the road.

Emergency Package

One of the most important things you can have on the road, and not-so-ironically, the most useful, is an emergency kit. On the road, you never know what's going to happen, so it’s always best to be prepared. Some things to include in your kit: first aid supplies, extra food (non-perishable), water, reflective clothing (in case you need to work on your truck on the side of the road in the dark), and some chains for your tires. While you may not ever actually have to use any of these items, you should be familiar with the saying “better safe than sorry”—and trust us, it’s true.

Tool Kit

This is another necessity for emergency purposes, since you never know when your truck is going to require some quick maintenance or have a minor issue while you’re driving. So be sure that your truck is always stocked with tools so you can make the quick fix yourself if need be. The last thing you want is to have sit and wait on someone else to find and help you. Sometimes if you need something done quickly and efficiently, the best method is to do it yourself.

Electronics

Yeah we know, just saying electronics is a little vague. But give us a minute to explain, because as trucker you need all the electronic devices you can get. First and foremost, your smartphone is an incredibly useful tool. In the case of an emergency, you don’t want to have to rely on your CB radio if you need to contact help. Plus, with a smartphone/laptop/tablet (basically anything with Internet access) the entertainment options are unlimited. You can play games, stream movies or TV shows (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime), and even watch live sporting events (ESPN3) when you aren’t behind the wheel. And if you like knowing exactly where you’re going, how long it’s going to take to get there, and receiving live traffic updates, then a GPS is an essential tool for you, too.

Sidekick

Ever been bored on the road? We know you get to see a lot of interesting things and a lot of beautiful scenery as you travel about the country. But hey, sometimes there’s no replacement for some actual company. Lots of truckers bring their significant others or furry friends along with them on the road. So don’t be afraid to ask your wife/husband to join you on the road for a trip, or let your furry friend ride shotgun. Just don’t let them in the driver’s seat!

Comfortable Bed

When your truck is essentially a home on wheels, the bed better be comfortable, right? So take the necessary steps to ensure you’re sleeping on a cloud. An egg crate is a sure-fire way to make that bed a little bit softer. Like your bed extra soft? Add another on top, the more the merrier. After all, ‘tis the season to be merry, right?

While we may have already listed five things, since temperatures are dropping across the country, you can also try purchasing a mini space heater for your cab. Even if your bed isn’t comfortable, with a nice toasty cab you sure will be.

Be on the look for more tips from your friends at TSNAmerica. And remember, friendly tips aren’t the only thing we’re good for. We’ve got a slew of services we offer just for truckers, so take a look, give us a call, and let us take care of it for you!

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UCR Registration: FAQs

Whether you like it or not, the deadline for renewing your UCR registration is fast approaching. We know it can be confusing, but luckily for you, your friends at Truck Services of North America are here to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about UCR registration. So if you’ve got a question, hold on to it for a minute, because we’re probably about to answer it for you!

FAQs

What is UCR registration?

Good question, and even though we’ve answered it 3600 times and explained exactly what UCR registration is in a previous blog about the opening of the UCR registration period, we’ll answer it one more time—just for you.

UCR registration is mandatory under the UCRA, or Unified Carrier Registration Agreement, and is regulated by the federal government. Typically, the registration is only for vehicles that travel interstate, and motor carriers are required to pay fees depending on the number of vehicles they need to be registered. Although, some states do not participate in the program, and some have a program for intrastate only carriers, like Georgia.

Who has to register under the UCRA?

All motor carriers operating in these states must register under the UCR program. If you do not operate in any of the states listed, then guess what, you don’t have to worry about it! If you operate intrastate only or under the PRISM program, you’re also not required to register.

Note: If you operate intrastate in Georgia, you must register with the state, which has separate UCR filing requirements.

When do I have to register for UCR?

Well, technically you don’t have to register ever if you don’t want to. But if you want to be, you know, on the road legally, then it’s probably in your best interest to register on time. When is on time? You’ve got until the end of the year to make sure you have all your trucks paid for and registered—so don’t wait until the last minute!

Why do I have to register?

That’s an easy one, it’s because the government is out to get you and take your money. We’re obviously kidding (or are we?) but it sure seems that way sometimes. In reality, the reason you have to pay for UCR registration is that the roads don't fix themselves, and the funding from HVUT and UCR fees is ideally supposed to go towards fixing the roads (although we've all seen how well that works). So basically, you pay because you have to, and unfortunately there's no way around it!

Do I have to pay a fine if I’m required to register and don’t?

Of course, you do. If you operate in 2016 without registering for 2016 UCR, you'll be liable for civil penalties. The board of UCR directors is given the authority to determine non-compliance through bill of lading audits, compliance reviews, and roadside inspections. So if you don’t get your jollies from paying fines, we strongly suggest registering and doing so on time.

I just don’t have a clue. Can you help me with this?

Not to worry friend, of course, we can—that’s exactly what we’re here for. Just give us a call at 803.386.0320, and we’ll help you take that pesky UCR registration of your to-do list, as well as answer any of your UCR-related questions that we didn't cover. And remember, we also offer lots of other trucking services, so take a look and let us know what you need!

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