Warning: The HazMat Registration Deadline is June 30th!

We know you truckers have a lot to worry about right now with HVUT season looming over the horizon, but with all the hustle and bustle surrounding the upcoming HVUT and IFTA deadlines, a lot of folks forget that it’s time to renew your HazMat certificate of registration, too!

And just like filing your 2290, it’s not wise to wait until the last minute to register. Because let’s face it, no one likes dealing with fines and late penalties.

For those unfamiliar with the registration process or that need a slight refresher, we’ve got everything you need to know about HazMat registration.

Why Do I Need to Apply for a HazMat Registration Certificate?

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration requires anyone that offers transportation of shipments containing hazardous materials, including hazardous waste, to file a registration statement with the Department of Transportation in addition to paying an annual fee. This is required for the transport of any hazardous material requiring a US DOT placard, which includes oil, petroleum, and propane.

The HazMat Certificate registration period for the upcoming year began May 1, 2016, and runs until June 30, 2016.

How to Register to Carry Hazardous Materials

By calling us, of course! That’s right, just give us a quick call at 803.386.0320 and we’ll get you all taken care of.

And if you’re unsure which placards are required for your operation, we can help you determine what’s right for your business.

HazMat Recordkeeping Requirements

After obtaining the proper registration, it is necessary to follow PHMSA regulations, which require that registration be kept on file at a company’s place of business for three years and available for inspection at any time.

Every truck or tractor used in the transportation of hazardous materials is also required to keep a copy of the current registration on board.

HazMat Penalties

Penalties can be imposed on those that fail to register or to comply with recordkeeping requirements. If a roadside inspection or DOT audit shows that a truck is not properly registered, the owner of the truck faces:

• Fines up to $32,000 per day of violation. 
• The revocation of their interstate or intrastate operating authority. 

To avoid penalties, be sure that all of your trucks are properly registered today. To check on the registration status of any of your trucks you can visit the PHMSA company registration search.

If you need help with your HazMat registration, or even with your HazMat safety permit, give us a call at 803.386.0320, or fill out a service request form!

Read More »

How to Obtain the Proper Permits: Trip, Fuel, HazMat, and More!

So you just got a call from your dispatcher, and now you’ve got to take a load somewhere you’ve never been. Somewhere far away, a magical place, filled with luscious fields and amber waves of grain. Sound familiar?

OK, so it’s probably not quite that glamorous. But what if you’re going somewhere you’ve never traveled before and you don’t have the proper authority? Well if you are, we can assure you it’s going to be the opposite of glamorous. That is, unless you enjoy paying fines to the government! But not to worry, we’ve got the perfect solution to keep you on the road legally, no matter where you're going or what type of load you’re hauling -- so take a look!

Temporary Trip Permit:

To travel anywhere interstate without your IRP credentials you’ll need to secure a temporary trip permit. These permits allow you to travel legally without having your IRP registration. Convenient, right? And just so you know, If you’re using one of these to travel, you’ll need to get it before you actually enter the jurisdiction -- so don’t wait until the last minute!

Temporary Fuel Permit:

So a trip permit allows you to travel without being registered under IRP, but what about IFTA!? Don’t worry, there’s a permit for that too. Just get a temporary fuel permit and you'll be able to travel interstate without registering under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). But just like with trip permits, you’ll want (and need) to have these taken care of and purchased before actually entering the jurisdiction.

Hunter’s Permit:

If you’re currently wondering what the heck a Hunter’s permit is, you may have also heard/seen it referred to as an Unladen Permit. These permits are used for leased owner operators that were forced to turn in their IRP plates and decals after the lease with their carrier is terminated.

HM Safety Permit:

Now that we’ve covered fuel and trip permits, what about those of you carrying loads with hazardous materials? Well, there’s a permit for that, too. Anyone carrying dangerous or hazardous substances (you know, like toxic, radioactive, or combustible materials) will need to renew this Hazardous Materials Safety Permit every two years (biennially).

PHMSA Permit:

In addition to the HazMat safety permit, HazMat carriers must also get a PHMSA permit, also known as a HazMat Certification of Registration. All carriers transporting hazardous materials must obtain this permit, and the exact type of permit you need depends on the specific material you’ll be transporting. This permit, however, has to be filed every year, and the registration year conveniently (or inconveniently, depending on how you see it) runs just like the HVUT tax year, from July 1-June 30 the following year. But unlike HVUT, and unfortunately for you, if you register mid year there is no prorated amount -- you’ll have to pay your registration in full.

Harvest Permit:

If you just finished your harvest and are going to start transporting heavier loads, then the harvest permit is for you! This permit allows you to temporarily increase your gross vehicle weight without having to do it permanently, saving you money if you’re only transporting heavier loads during harvest season -- hence the name!

Read More »

HazMat Certificate Deadline: Let TSNA Help You Register!

With the beginning of HVUT season comes the end of the HazMat Registration period. If you need to renew your certificate it’s not too late yet, but the deadline to register is less than a week away! For those that successfully waited until the last minute, it’s officially your time to register.

If you’re unfamiliar with the registration process or need a slight refresher, we’ve highlighted everything you need to know about applying for a Hazmat Certificate of Registration.

Who Needs to Register:

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requires anyone that offers transportation of shipments containing hazardous materials, including hazardous waste, file a registration statement with the DOT and pay an annual fee. This is required for transporting any hazardous material that requires a US DOT placard, including oil, petroleum, and propane.

When and How Do I Register?

The hazmat registration period began on May 1 and the deadline to register is June 30. There are three different ways to register for a Hazmat certificate, including:

• Visiting the PHMSA website 
• Sending in a registration form via postal mail
• Calling TSNAmerica! Let us do it for you!

What if I Register Late?

Don’t let this happen, you just read our warning that the deadline is less than a week away! But if for some reason you do register after the deadline, you will be subject to penalty from your local, state, or federal government. If a roadside inspection or Department of Transportation audit shows that your truck is not properly registered, you can be fined up to $32,000 per day of violation and lose interstate or intrastate operating authority. If you aren’t sure if your truck is registered, you can always be safe and check the PHMSA company registration search.

Once I Register Am I Done?

After registering, you must also keep copies of both the registration statement and the certificate of registration for three years at your place of business so it is available for inspection. All motor carriers and vessel operators must also keep the current copy of their registration certificate, or a document with the current registration number on board.

If you have any questions about getting your Hazmat Registration Certificate, just give us a call at 803.386.0320 or email us at support@tsnamerica.com. Not only will we answer any questions you have about the registration process, but we can also do it for you! So if you’re in a crunch for time or just flat out don’t want to deal with it, then let TSNAmerica take it off your plate.

Read More »

HazMat Certificate Registration Period Now Open

Along with the hustle and bustle of HVUT renewal season comes the registration deadline for vehicles transporting hazardous materials. Just like filing your 2290, it’s not wise to wait until the last minute to register, or you could subject yourself to late penalties and fines.

The HazMat Certificate registration period for the upcoming year began May 1, 2015, and runs until June 30, 2015.

For those unfamiliar with the registration process or that need a slight refresher, we have highlighted everything you need to know about applying for a Hazmat Certificate of Registration.

Why Do I Need to Register?

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration requires anyone that offers transportation of shipments containing hazardous materials, including hazardous waste, to file a registration statement with the Department of Transportation in addition to paying an annual fee. This is required for the transport of any hazardous material requiring a US DOT placard, which includes oil, petroleum, and propane.

Registration for the upcoming year is due by June 30th, but please note that partial years are still required to pay the entire filing fee. Therefore, if you already registered in May, your registration will need to be renewed again before July 1st.

How to Register

Registration to transport hazardous materials can be applied for online through the PHMSA website or by mail. The fees for registration vary as small businesses and nonprofit organizations get significantly lower rates than large businesses.

Several different categories of hazardous materials have been created by PHMSA, and each requires a different certificate and a unique placard displayed on the vehicle.






If you’re unsure which placards are required for your operation, contact TSNAmerica, and we can help you determine what’s right for your business.

Recordkeeping Requirements

After obtaining the proper registration, it is necessary to follow PHMSA regulations, which require that registration be kept on file at a company’s place of business for three years and available for inspection.

Moreover, every truck or tractor used in the transportation of hazardous materials is required to keep a copy of the current registration on board. Truckers are also given the option to instead keep a document with the current year’s registration number.

Penalties

Penalties can be levied on those that fail to register or to comply with recordkeeping requirements by either the local, state, or federal government. If a roadside inspection or DOT audit shows that a truck is not properly registered, the owner of the truck can:

• Be fined up to $32,000 per day of violation. 
• Lose their interstate or intrastate operating authority. 

To avoid penalties, be sure that all of your trucks are properly registered today. To check on the registration status of any of your trucks you can visit the PHMSA company registration search.

If you need help with your HazMat registration, or even with your HM Safety Permit, give Truck Services of North America a call at 803.386.0320, or fill out a service request form. As a premier processing agency, we will take care of the registration process for you in its entirety.

Read More »

Hazardous Materials Registration

The Hazardous Material Registration Statement Renewal deadline is only days away. June 30, 2014 is the deadline. You can apply online, by mail or contact Truck Services of North America.

If you are a person that offers for transportation or transports in commerce a shipment containing hazardous materials, including hazardous wastes, you are required to to file a registration statement with the U.S. Department of Transportation and to pay an annual registration fee. This program is administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).  The registration period runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

Penalties For Failure To Register: The requirement to register is based on the federal hazmat law. The enforcement of this requirement is conducted cooperatively by federal, state, and local agencies. Federal, state, or local officials may impose penalties for failing to register or failing to meet the recordkeeping requirements.

Copies of the registration statement and the certificate of registration must be kept for three years at your principal place of business and must be available for inspection. Motor carriers and vessel operators must also have on board a copy of the current certificate of registration, or another document bearing the current year’s registration number identified as the “U.S. DOT Hazmat Reg. No.” Every truck or truck tractor or vessel you use for the transportation of a hazardous material that meets the registration criteria must have this proof of registration on board.

Read More »

Issue 3 of Trucking Info Hub - Here To Keep You Truckin’

The 3rd issue of Trucking Info Hub - Here To Keep You Truckin’ the quarterly newsletter by Truck Services of North America is now available. In this issue you will find upcoming deadlines, including the 2014-2015 Form 2290 Filing and Hazardous Materials Registration Renewal Deadlines, and informative content on the legal pitfalls in broker liability and the importance proper record keeping for truckers.

Trucking Info Hub is provided by TSNAmerica as a complimentary service and is for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional to address specific legal concerns regarding your business needs.

Read More »

Reminder: HazMat Registration Renewal Due By June 30th

HazMat Registrations are to renewed annually. The renewal period opened May 1 and is due no later than June 30, 2013. You have 2 days left to renew!

You can apply online, by mail or contact Truck Services of North America.  As a premier processing agency, TSNA can file your HazMat Renewal for you. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way! Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com and fill out the Service Request Form, email us at support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

Read More »