TSNAmerica Is Now Offering Full-Service UCR Filing Services

Here at TSNAmerica, we are always looking for ways to make life easier for America’s truckers.

That’s why we’re adding full-service UCR registration to our list of services. All you need to do is call in, provide the appropriate information, and we’ll take care of your UCR registration for you! It's just like our Form 2290 solution!

Here are some frequently asked questions about UCR registration.

What is UCR registration?

The Unified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCRA) created the UCR, a federally regulated program for commercial motor vehicles that travel interstate.

Who has to register under the UCRA?

Every motor carrier based in one of the

se states that travels interstate must register under the UCR program. If you are in one of the states that do not participate, you don’t need to worry about UCR registration.

When do I have to register for UCR?

The UCR registration deadline is on December 31, 2020.

What information do I need to register?

All identifying information about your company including company name and address, owner name, and USDOT number.

The Make, Model/Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Number of Passengers, License Plate Number, and State, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each vehicle you wish register.

Register today!

Call us today at (877) 520-8640 and register quickly! Our knowledgeable experts will take care of everything you need!

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UCR Registration is Now Open!

Yeah we get it, the timing is less than ideal. But what’s new? We know all you truckers are currently buried under piles of of paperwork trying to finish up your 3rd quarter IFTA returns, but don’t forget about your UCR registration amidst all the madness!

The period officially opened on October 1, and now is the time to get it out of the way before the end of the year deadline. After all, nobody likes things hanging over their head; you’ve got enough on your plate already. So give us a call and let us complete your UCR registration, and while we’re at it, we can do your IFTA return for you, too!

If you aren’t sure what UCR registration is or how to go about getting yours taken care of, no worries, just keep reading and we’ll answer some of the most common UCR questions.

What is UCR Registration?

UCRA stands for the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement, which is mandated by the federal government. (Although it is administered by participating states) The registration is typically only for vehicles that operate interstate or internationally, and the fees are based on the total number of vehicles used or leased by the individual or company.

Most carriers that operate intrastate only, or that are registered under the PRISM program are not required to complete UCR registration. Although, certain states do have a UCR program for intrastate only carriers, like Georgia. If you’re unsure of the requirements of your state, be sure to check, as many state requirements change from year to year.

What’s My Base State?

Your base state is simply the state you are registered with that collects UCR fees on behalf of all participating UCR states. When choosing your base state, it is typical to choose the state where your business is headquartered, unless that state doesn’t participate in UCR.

If your state doesn’t participate, but you still need to register for UCR, you can choose the closest state that does participate where your business has an office or an operating facility. If that still isn’t an option for you, then you can just choose the nearest participating state as your base.

How Do I Change My Base State?

Well if you do need to change your base state, you couldn’t have picked a better time to do it. Even if your business has moved to another state, base changes are allowed once a year, and can only be done during the registration period - which is now! Just make sure you give the advanced notice of the change to your base state, and when renewing, choose your new base state.

What Happens if I Don’t Register or Register Late?

Each state that participates in the UCRA has the authority to enforce registration compliance through roadside enforcement checks and comprehensive business audits. During theses enforcement checks and audits, states are given the option to issue citations and fines if anything is found not to be in compliance. So while we can’t say for certain what will happen to you, we can confidently say that you can expect a pretty hefty fine.

We know that you have until the end of the year to register, but putting it off until then is probably the best possible way to forget about it entirely. So if you don’t think you’ll have time to get your UCR renewal completed, or if you just flat out don’t feel like doing it (we don’t blame you) then just give us a call at 803.386.0320, email us at support@tsnamerica.com, or send us a service request. Let us take the paperwork out of your way so you can get back to your day!

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RigMinders: A New Deadline ReMinder App for Transportation Professionals

When it comes to helping our clients, we stop at nothing!

We founded TSNAmerica to make a valuable contribution to those in the trucking industry. Which is exactly why we’ve been hard at work developing a brand new app!

This app is unlike any other, and we’re extremely excited to unveil it.

It’s called RigMinders.

RigMinders is the only customizable reminder app tailored to transportation professionals. It comes preloaded with every industry filing deadline you can think of, plus a short description of what each deadline is.

We’re talking IFTA (quarterly filings & license renewals), IRP, UCR, HVUT, State Use Taxes– you name it, there’s a reminder for it. AND you can also add custom personal reminders too.

Whether you need to remember vehicle maintenance, an invoice due date, or a job, RigMinders will help you complete all tasks on time and with style!

All you need is a WiFi-enabled device. Smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop– wherever you are, RigMinders will follow.

Try it out now on your Android or iOS device. It’s free afterall!

Simply enter your name and email address, choose a password, and you’re ready to start receiving personal and industry reminders on any device, wherever you are!

Customizing Your RigMinders

1. Quarterly Truck Deadlines 

First select any quarterly trucking deadlines that apply to your operation.

From IFTA, to IRP, to New Mexico Weight-Distance, all of the major deadlines are already there.

Simply swipe the button “on” to be reminded of each. And if you can’t remember what a certain filing is for, simply tap it to see a short description.

Then press the “Other Truck Deadlines” tab at the top to navigate to the next set of deadlines.

2. Other Deadlines

Here you’ll find an array of annual and biennial filing deadlines.

Whether you have trouble remembering your Form 2290, HazMat license renewal, or your USDOT biennial update, there’s a reminder here for you.

Once you’ve selected from all of the preloaded deadlines in RigMinders, it’s time to add custom reminders!

3. Add Personal Reminders

By selecting the yellow +Add Reminder button on the top right of the screen, a pop-up will open where you can add details for a personal, custom reminder.

Have trouble remembering your next scheduled maintenance? Add it to RigMinders! Are you a habitual late bill payer? Add your bill due dates!

If it’s an important, time-sensitive task, add it to your RigMinders to ensure you’ll get the job done.

4. Reminder Preferences

RigMinders not only allows you to customize your reminders, but also the reminder type and frequency.

At the bottom of your screen, you’ll see a black box prompting you to change your reminder preferences. Click there to be taken to this screen.

Here you can choose whether you’d like to be reminded of your deadlines the week before, day before, or day of the due date (or all 3). You can also choose how you’d like to be reminded, either by email or push notification. Press save, and you’re finished!

5. Editing Your RigMinders

After saving your preferences, you’ll be shown a summary screen with all of your deadline selections and preferences.

If something is missing or you’d like to make a change, simply press the pencil icon to be taken to that section where you can change your selections.

Remembering your important personal and industry deadlines has never been this easy!

No other app comes preloaded with reminders just for transportation professionals. And RigMinders is far more reliable than tying a string around your finger or using a sticky note.

And best of all, it’s free because it’s our gift to the Trucking Nation! If you have any questions about RigMinders, or need help filing for any of these deadlines, just give us a call at 803.386.0320 or email us at support@tsnamerica.com.

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Maintain Your Operating Authority: Are You Forgetting Something?

So you’ve managed to obtain your operating authority- which is no easy task!

But now comes the even trickier part of ensuring that your authority is maintained correctly.

With “maintenance” tasks required on a quarterly, annual, and biennial basis, it’s easy to forget one or more of the filings that are required for you to continue operating. But unfortunately, forgetting isn’t an option when your livelihood is at stake.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to file- and when- for you to maintain your interstate operating authority like the pro that you are.

Basic Authority Maintenance

• USDOT # Biennial Update: Your DOT# must be updated every two years in order to remain active. To update, simply provide the FMCSA with your current contact info, even if it hasn’t changed. The deadline for your biennial update is determined by the last digit of your DOT # which corresponds to a particular month. For example, numbers ending in 9 must be updated every other year in September. Not sure what your digit means? We can tell you what year/month your update it due and help you avoid penalties or deactivation. 

• Change in Operation or Cargo: If your operation changes in any way, or if you start carrying a different type of cargo, you may need to apply for another authority in addition to your MC#. TSNA can apply for your FF or MX numbers as needed and help ensure uninterrupted operation.

• Change in Contact Info: If your contact information changes, even slightly, you must immediately notify the FMCSA, as well as your BOC-3 blanket agent. This is to ensure that you can be contacted immediately in the event that your business is served legal papers. 

Annual Renewals

• UCR, IRP & IFTA Renewals: All three licenses must be renewed annually, usually by December 31st. IRP renewals, however, may be due at the end of another quarter depending on regulations in your base state. Check with TSNAmerica to see if you have a staggered deadline. 

• State Use Tax Licenses: If you’re subject to an additional state use tax, then these licenses must also be renewed annually. For example, the Kentucky Use Tax can only be paid if you first have a KYU Number, and the Oregon Weight Weight-Mile Tax can only be filed with a current Weight Receipt. 

• HVUT: Heavy vehicle use tax must also be paid each year. The HVUT tax year opens July 1st, and Form 2290 is due by the end of July for all renewals. It is important to file your Form 2290 on time, even if no tax is owed. The stamped Schedule 1 (your receipt for filing) is required for tag renewals. TSNAmerica can file your 2290 over the phone, same day! Just one more way we go above and beyond to accommodate your busy schedule!

• Recordkeeping: As always, proper recordkeeping is vital to remaining compliant. Failure to maintain records could result in penalties, so be sure you’re updating your distance and fuel records daily. 

Quarterly Tax Filings

• IFTA Returns: In addition to renewing your IFTA license annually, mileage and fuel use reports by jurisdiction must be submitted each quarter at the end of January, April, July & October. Any fuel taxes owed must be paid at the time of filing. 

• State Use Tax Returns: Like IFTA, state use taxes also require quarterly mileage/fuel use reports. If you operate in Kentucky, New York, New Mexico, or Oregon, then you are subject to a quarterly tax based on the miles accrued in that state. 

• Quarterly Recordkeeping: For all of these quarterly taxes, proper recordkeeping is essential. Submitting inaccurate or incomplete distance and fuel records will only result in paying more taxes, and it can even result in being audited, paying penalties, and in the worst case scenario, your license being revoked. All original documents, receipts, and trip sheets should be kept in your base jurisdiction for at least 4 years after the close of the quarter. 

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when your paperwork outnumbers you 20 to 1. Level the playing field by making TSNAmerica your ally.

When you become a TSNAmerica client, you’re our client for life. We won’t register your MC# and then leave you to figure how to maintain your authority all by yourself. We go the extra mile to remind you about upcoming deadlines and to lend you a helping hand when you need it most.

In fact, we can file all of the above and then some! No matter what your business needs, chances are we have a service to cover it. To view all of our service packages, head over to tsnamerica.com, or to speak with one of our processing professionals, just call us directly at 803.386.0320. We look forward to being your partner!

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Obtain Your Operating Authority: Follow this Checklist

Are you ready and rarin’ to hit the open road?

If starting a transportation company is what you fancy, then you’ve come to the right place!

To obtain your interstate or intrastate operating authority, make sure you have everything on this list covered, and then nothing will be holding you back.

USDOT#

Issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the USDOT# serves as your vehicle’s identification for compliance reviews and more. 

The DOT# is required for your vehicles if 1. You operate interstate (across state and international lines), 2. You transport passengers or cargo, and 3. Your vehicle has a total gross or combined weight of 10,000 lbs or more. If you meet all 3 of these criteria, you must register with the FMCSA and obtain a DOT#.

There are exceptions, however. Many states now require intrastate carriers to also have DOT#’s, especially if you transport hazmat.

MC#

Also granted by the FMCSA, the MC# is the authority issued to interstate for-hire carriers. Additional authorities (FF or MX numbers) may need to be obtained depending on your business’s operations and cargo. TSNAmerica can help you determine which authority is needed for your business.

BOC-3

The blanket of coverage, known as BOC-3, must be filed with the FMCSA before your MC# will be activated. The BOC-3 designates process agents in all states that your business operates, and these process agents accept legal papers in your absence. TSNAmerica is an FMCSA registered blanket agent, so we can file your BOC-3 directly with the FMCSA, same day. No third party involvement.

UCR

The Unified Carrier Registration is a federally-mandated, state-administered program for the registration of interstate carriers in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Like the DOT#, UCR is required for vehicles weighing 10,001 lbs or more. This license must be renewed annually, and businesses will be charged an annual fee based on the number of vehicles they own or lease long-term.

IRP

The International Registration Plan is required for all interstate carriers with vehicles weighing over 26,000 lbs or with 3 or more axles. IRP licenses must be renewed each year, but the deadlines vary by state and are often staggered based on the month in which you first registered. If you aren’t sure when your renewal is due, just give us a quick call and we can help you sort it out.

IFTA

The International Fuel Tax Agreement is required for all interstate carriers with vehicles that weigh over 26,000 lbs or have 3 or more axles. Not only must this license be renewed annually, but registrants are required to submit quarterly reports of their mileage and fuel use broken down by state. Any fuel tax owed must also be submitted at the time of filing. To determine which state is your base jurisdiction and for tips on proper IFTA recordkeeping, just ask TSNAmerica for assistance.

HVUT

Heavy vehicle use tax is an annual federal tax levied on commercial vehicles that weigh 55,000 lbs or more and that travel at least 5,000 miles on public highways throughout the year. Whether you’re an interstate or intrastate carrier, you must pay your annual HVUT if your vehicle meets the criteria above. After filing, you’ll receive a stamped Schedule 1 as confirmation. This is one piece of paper you want to keep on hand as a current stamped Schedule 1 is required to renew your tags, renew UCR, and more.

To pay your HVUT, you can either E-file your Form 2290 or have TSNAmerica do it for you! We can even file your HVUT over the phone by just collecting a few key pieces of information.

Intrastate Authority

If you stay entirely within the boundaries of your state (intrastate only), then most of the above will not apply to you, except for the DOT#. Many states now require DOT#’s for intrastate for-hire carriers.

It’s also possible that your state has an additional state use tax: New York, Oregon, Kentucky, and New Mexico all do. We can help you register for this state tax and keep up with the quarterly and annual filings. 

Once you make it through the hurdles of initially obtaining your authority, then comes the work of maintaining your authority correctly. The USDOT# must be updated biennially, IFTA and UCR registrations renewed annually, and IFTA reports filed quarterly.

That’s why at Truck Services of North America our mission is to stay with your business for the long haul. We won’t just set up your authority and leave you to figure the rest out. We stick with you and ensure that your business remains up-to-date on all registrations, permits, and taxes.

To see how we can help you establish and maintain your business, view our service packages at tsnamerica.com. Then call us at our headquarters in Rock Hill, SC at 803.386.0320 or shoot us an email at support@tsnamerica.com.

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New Year's Checklist: Everything Your Business Needs To Start 2015 Strong!

You know that gnawing feeling, when you just know that you’ve forgotten something, but you don’t know what?

It’s not a pleasant feeling to have, particularly when it involves your business. Maintaining your own operating authority, or that of multiple trucks in a fleet, is no small task.

With numerous taxes, registrations, and renewals to file continually throughout the year, it’s pretty easy to overlook something!

That’s why your friends at Truck Services of North America have made a list! (Yes, we checked it twice…) It’s everything your business needs to start 2015 out strong!

Many items on this Checklist are due by tomorrow 12/31. While it may be too late to get it submitted on time, it’s not too late for damage control! Minimize penalties by getting on top of it today.

TSNAmerica can help get you back on track, whether you’re behind on quarterly IFTA filings, or you need temporary fuel permits to cover a gap. Let’s dive in to our ultimate 2015 New Year’s Checklist!

1. IFTA License Renewals- Due 12/31

• IFTA license renewals are due in all states tomorrow. If you’re an interstate carrier with a vehicle weighing over 26,000 pounds or with 3 or more axles, then you are required to carry a valid IFTA license and display credentials in the cab of each vehicle. 
• If you submitted your renewal application on time, then your vehicles will be covered under the grace period for the display of new credentials throughout Jan. & Feb. of 2015–but only as long as your 2014 credentials are still displayed. 
• If you did not submit your renewal application on time, or if you have outstanding returns to be filed or taxes owed, then you must obtain temporary permits for each state your intend to travel through until your valid 2015 credentials arrive.

2. UCR Renewals- Due 12/31

• Also required for all interstate carriers with commercial vehicles weighing at least 10,001 pounds, the Unified Carrier Registration renewal is due by tomorrow. 
• The renewal fees will be based on the number of vehicles in your fleet. Unlike IFTA, you will not be required to display credentials on your vehicle. 
• If your business headquarters has moved, now is the time to change your UCR base state. Advanced notice must be given to your current state. Call TSNAmerica for help with the transition!

3. IRP Renewals- Due 12/31

• Following the same requirements as IFTA, the International Registration Plan is mandatory for all interstate carriers with vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds or with 3 or more axles.
• While IRP renewal deadlines are different in every state, the following states have all IRP renewals due tomorrow 12/31: Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon & Wyoming. 
• For states with staggered renewal deadlines (based on when you first registered), many have a deadline of 12/31 as well. These staggered deadline states are Arizona, Missouri, Montana & Utah. Check your IRP credentials if you’re unsure when your renewal application is due.

4. Intrastate Authority Renewals- Due 12/31

• The following states require intrastate authority renewals by 12/31: Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi & Rhode Island.
• Each state has a different renewal procedure (E-filing, mail, etc.) and each has unique requirements. Check out this blog, for more information about renewing your intrastate authority. 
• In addition to a renewal application and fee payment, most states also require proof of current insurance and that your business be in good standing before you will be allowed to renew. 
• Ready to cross state lines? If your business is ready to transition to interstate, TSNAmerica can help make the transition smooth. Check out our deluxe authority packages!

5. 4th Quarter IFTA Filings- Due 01/31/15

• Tomorrow is the close of the fourth IFTA quarter! Have you been keeping precise fuel and mileage records for the past 3 months?
• Whether the answer is yes, no, or somewhere in between, the good news is, you still have a few weeks to get your act together–and we can help!
• Late Penalties: The January deadline will be here before you know it! Avoid late fees by getting on top of IFTA now by using a program like ExpressIFTA to prepare your returns. 
• Or just have TSNAmerica prepare your return for you! That means zero calculations for you! We’ll prepare the form based on your trip sheets, and then submit it directly to your state. 
• IFTA Audits: Check out these tips for avoiding the dreaded IFTA audit! 

In addition to these five titans, don’t forget about other requirements specific to your state, such as the New Mexico Weight Distance and Oregon Weight Receipt Renewals. Whether you need to file a state use tax like these or one of the big interstate renewals above, Truck Services of North America knows the requirements for your state and can file everything you need fast.

View our service packages at tsnamerica.com. Then send us a Service Request Form, call us at 803.386.0320, or email us 24/7 at support@tsnamerica.com. We’re ready and eager to help you make 2015 the best year yet! Cheers!

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Merry Christmas from Truck Services of North America!

The Truck Services of North America family would like to wish you and yours a magical and very Merry Christmas!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we hope that you can find the time to take a break and cherish the ones you love. Even if you’re away from home or OTR, a simple phone call can still make someone’s Christmas brighter and make any place feel more like home!

Our offices will be closed this Thursday 12/25 & Friday 12/26 so that we can spend time with our loved ones. We hope that you will be able to do the same. But if you need us, we will still be providing 24/7 emergency email support through the holiday! Just email at support@tsnamerica.com. In the meantime if you need anything at all, call us at 803.386.0320.

If you’re just too busy with holiday madness to finish up your end-of-year paperwork, don’t be afraid to ask for a helping hand! Even though it’s getting down to the wire, we can still file everything you need extra fast (with a little help from Santa and his elves).

Here’s what you may need to file by 12/31:

• IFTA License Renewals
• UCR Renewals
• IRP Renewals in AZ, MO, MT, UT, KS, NE, OR & WY
• Intrastate Authority Renewals

Thank you again for supporting our USA-based business. Your support and referrals mean the world to us, and thanks to you, 2014 has been a fantastic year! Here’s to making 2015 even better together!

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Countdown to December 31st: UCR & IFTA Renewal Reminders

The closer 2015 gets, the faster the days seem to fly by! It seems like Thanksgiving was just yesterday, but if you can believe it, there’s only about 2 weeks until Christmas!

With Christmas just weeks away, that means it’s time to confront the harsh reality that December 31st–with it’s plethora of deadlines–is rushing upon us!

Is panic slowly setting in?

No, I don’t want to dampen your Christmas spirit, but it’s important to take a break from ordering gifts on Amazon to get your renewals, and everything else you need to maintain your authority, taken care of asap! And with help from your friends at TSNAmerica, filing your renewals will seem much less daunting!

So let’s take a quick break from decking those halls and go through a quick rundown of the essentials for the two yearly renewal giants: UCR & IFTA.

UCR

• Due by Wednesday, December 31st (at the latest)!
• The Unified Carrier Registration is a federally-mandated registration for commercial vehicles weighing a minimum of 10,001 pounds. Though only 41 states currently participate in UCR, interstate and international carriers from these non-participating states are still required to register with UCR and choose a base state nearby. 
• This registration must be renewed annually, and the fees due are determined by the number of vehicles used by your company (or leased for a period exceeding 30 days). 
• Though you’ll receive new renewal credentials each year, these credentials need not be displayed on your vehicle. In fact, it is illegal to do so. 
• The registration renewal period is the time you must change your base state if your business headquarters has moved to another state. Remember, you must provide advanced notice of the change to your current base state.

IFTA

• Due by (or before!) Wednesday, December 31st!
• The International Fuel Tax Agreement is a fuel tax levied on interstate carriers in the 48 contiguous United States and 10 provinces of Canada. Rather than pay fuel tax to each individual state you operate in, IFTA simplifies this process by allowing you to make a single tax payment to your base state each quarter. Your base in turn distributes the funds to other states in proportion to the mileage you accrued there.
• You must register for an IFTA license and report your fuel use and distance records each quarter if you’re an interstate carrier with a qualifying vehicle weighing over 26,000 pounds or with three or more axles. 
• If you’re already an IFTA registrant, don’t forget to keep precise fuel and mileage records. “Fudging” these numbers leads to IFTA audits. Check out these helpful tips on how to keep immaculate IFTA records and avoid the dreaded audit. Of course, if you have TSNAmerica prepare your IFTA returns for you, we know to check for all of these errors! Just one more step to ensure you’re safe!
• The IFTA license must be renewed annually; however, your license will only be renewed if your IFTA account is in good standing. That means you must have already submitted a return for every quarter AND paid all of the taxes due. Until you do both, you cannot renew. If you’re stuck in the past with overdue IFTA returns, call TSNAmerica, and we’ll help you file fast and get back on track!
• Some states require that you submit your renewal weeks before the deadline to ensure time for processing, so it’s crucial to not wait until the last minute!
• But we know that procrastination happens, and the IFTA Association knows it too. That’s why they’ve put a grace period in place to cover those without new credentials during Jan. and Feb. of 2015. 
• The grace period only applies to those who filed their renewal application prior to the deadline! If you miss the Dec. 31st cut off, you are required to have a temporary permit for each state you plan to travel through until your new credentials arrive. If you need temporary permits, TSNAmerica can get you the hook up! We can get you every permit you need filed in record time!

How do you stack up with this checklist? Noticed a few big things you’ve overlooked? No matter what the issue is, Truck Services of North America has the expertise to eliminate your increasing paperwork and make sure you kick off the New Year on the right foot!

Check out all of our services at TSNAmerica.com, then call us today at 803.386.0320 or send us an email support@TSNAmerica.com.

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UCR Renewal Period Open for 2015

Has the paperwork been piling up lately? With the season of registration renewals upon us, it’s bound to happen! But while you’re diligently working on IRP renewals and compiling your 3rd quarter IFTA returns, don’t forget to file your annual UCR renewal!

Luckily, Truck Services of North America is equipped to handle all of the above, and then some! We can calculate your fuel tax and prepare your IFTA filing faster than you can say International Fuel Tax Agreement. Simply send us your trip logs, but don’t wait until the last minute! We file on a first come, first served basis. We can quickly file your IRP renewals too. You name it, we can take care of it and take the paperwork out of your way!

But IFTA isn’t the subject of discussion today. We’re here to give you the low-down on UCR procedures–just in time for the renewal deadline!

Under the Hood of UCR

The Unified Carrier Registration Agreement is a federally-mandated, state-administered annual registration for commercial vehicles weighing at least 10,001 pounds. The registration fees, which help fund motor safety programs, are based on the number of vehicles used or leased (for a period longer than 30 days) by the company and typically only apply to vehicles that operate interstate or internationally.

Interstate-only carriers or USDOT registrants under the PRISM program are not required to register with UCR. However, some states, like Georgia for instance, have instituted a UCR program for intrastate carriers. Be sure to check the UCR regulations in your state as these can change year to year.

Currently 41 states participate in UCR, but even if you’re not based in a participating state, you must still register annually by selecting a base state nearby.

Where’s My Base?

Your base state collects the UCR fees on behalf of all participating states. This simplifies the registration process by replacing SSRS, the Single State Registration System. When selecting your base, you should choose the state your business is headquartered in, unless that state does not participate in UCR. If that is the case, choose a participating state that your business has an office or operating facility in. Finally, if neither of those options work, then choose the nearest UCR state to your business headquarters.

Change of Base?

If you need to change your base state, you’re in luck! Base changes can only be made once a year during the renewal period. If your business has moved to another state, or if your state has elected to change its UCR status (changing from participants to non-participants or vice versa), then you will need to change your base state when you renew. You are also required to give advance notice of the change to your current base state.

How Do I Renew?

Now for the tricky part! The UCR renewal period is open from now until December 31st. The renewal form from your base, along with your state’s fee, must be submitted before that date for you to remain compliant.

After filing, you’ll receive written documentation from your state to keep for road checks and proof of compliance. You do not need to display these credentials on your vehicles; in fact, it’s illegal for any state to require it.

UCR Audits

Audits happen. Under the UCRA, states are required to perform audits, both randomly and deliberately in certain circumstances. If you register fewer vehicles this year than last year, and this deduction places you in a lower payment bracket, you will be audited. All states are required to audit businesses that move into lower payment brackets to ensure that the vehicles were actually lost, sold, etc, and that there is no fraudulent activity.

It’s also crucial that you keep all documents related to your UCR registration for at least three years thereafter. You will be required to present this documentation and make it available in your base state if you are selected for audit.



Waiting until the last minute is never a good idea, so if you’re too swamped to sort out your UCR renewal, give us a call. Ring us at 803.386.0320 or email us at support@TSNAmerica.com. You can also submit a Service Request Form or view our services at tsnamerica.com. We’re proudly based in Rock Hill, SC, and offer superior customer support.

Let TSNAmerica handle UCR, IRP, IFTA and any other long acronyms that are sucking up your time! That’s not why you’re in this business, so don’t let them dominate your time. Plus it’s always nice to have one less thing to worry about, especially when your business’s success depends on it!

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Obtain Your Operating Authority

Getting your own operating authority gives you the freedom and ability to run your own operation. In addition to getting your authority, you will be required to register your vehicle and set up the necessary tax accounts, in order to run legally.

At Truck Services of North America, we have packages to assist you and can customize a package to meet your individual needs.  We offer many services, and here a few:

FMCSA Interstate Operating Authority

Also referred to as an "MC","FF" or "MX" number, depending on the type of authority that is granted. Generally, 'for-hire' carriers engaging in interstate are required to have Interstate Authority Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). TSNA has the expertise to get you your federal authority - quickly and accurately.

Intrastate Authority

Intrastate trucking authority is the right granted by a state to commence for hire trucking operations within the borders of that specific state. A company that is only engaged in intrastate activities does not need to register with IRP or IFTA.

USDOT Number

Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number. The USDOT Number is a unique identifier used to monitor your company’s safety and compliance during inspections and audits. FMCSA regulations require that all companies and individuals transporting passengers or cargo across state lines using commercial vehicles with a total gross or combined weight of 10,000 lbs or more must register with the FMCSA and obtain a USDOT number. Many states now require ALL commercial vehicle registrants to obtain a USDOT number, including intrastate carriers.

Companies required to obtain a USDOT number must re-file appropriate documentation biennially or in the event the company needs to update information with the FMCSA.

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program is a federally-mandated, annual state-administered registration program. In 2007, Congress replaced the Single State Registration System (SSRS) with the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program. The UCR agreement requires all interstate carriers, freight forwarders, leasing companies and brokers based in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to register and submit an annual filing. Those registered under the UCR agreement are also subject to annual fees based on the total number of commercial vehicles operated by the company.

BOC-3 (Process Agents)

Federal regulations require all motor carriers, brokers and freight forwarders to have a current BOC-3 form on file with the FMCSA. The BOC-3 is used to designate process agents (also known as BOC-3 agents) in every state in which the business operates. The process agent serves as a representative for your business in the event that legal documents or court papers must be served.

As a premier process service agency, Truck Services of North America provides the services and tools to help start your business and keep it compliant. Let TSNAmerica navigate your business through the maze of paperwork! Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com. Don’t see what you are looking for?  No problem, simply fill out the Service Request Form and note the service you require in the message section and we will contact you for details.  Of course you can always email us at support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320. TSNAmerica takes the paperwork out of your way!

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Benefits of TSNAmerica

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America provides the services and tools to help start your business and keep it compliant. We take care of filing the necessary paperwork on your behalf for registrations, renewals, quarterly taxes, permits and more, so you don’t have to mess with it allowing you to stay focused on the road.  

Here are some of the many services we handle:

Operating Authority

• We handle the complicated process of getting your operating authority to give you the freedom and ability to operate on your own

USDOT Number

• The USDOT Number is a unique identifier used to monitor your company’s safety and compliance during inspections and audits.

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

• The UCR agreement requires all interstate carriers, freight forwarders, leasing companies and brokers based in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to register and submit an annual filing.

Federal Form 2290 HVUT (Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return)

• Used to calculate and pay the HVUT due on highway motor vehicles used during the period with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)

• IFTA is where member jurisdictions act cooperatively to administer and collect motor fuel use taxes for carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions. It is required for all commercial motor carriers, having a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 lbs. or more, or those with 3 or more axles, who travel outside their base state. The IFTA license decals will provide blanket coverage for 48 states and all of the Canadian provinces.

International Registration Plan (IRP)

• Also called Apportioned Registration, a registration reciprocity agreement among the 48 contiguous states of the United States, the District of Columbia and provinces of Canada providing for payment of apportionable fees on the basis of total distance operated in all jurisdictions.

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• Also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, a unique 9 digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service and is used to identify a business entity.

Start Up Services

• We have packages to get you what you need to get on the road as quickly as possible. We can also customize a package based on the individual services you require.

TSNAmerica saves you time and money by preparing registrations, tax forms and permits, quickly and accurately. Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com. Don’t see what you are looking for?  No problem, simply fill out the Service Request Form and note the service you require in the message section and we will contact you for details.  Of course you can always email us at support@tsnamerica.com or call 803.386.0320. TSNAmerica takes the paperwork out of your way.

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Trucker Services Packages

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America takes care of filing the necessary paperwork on your behalf for registrations, renewals, quarterly taxes, permits and more so you don’t have to mess with it, allowing you to stay focused on the road.

At TSNA, we have packages to assist you and can customize a package to meet your individual needs.  We offer many services, and here a few:

• Basic Authority Package - $600
• FMCSA Interstate Operating Authority
• US DOT Number
• BOC-3
• EIN Number

• Premium Authority Package - $800*
• All of the services included in the Basic Authority Package
• UCR
• IFTA
• IRP
• Form 2290 HVUT

• Complete Authority Package - $950*
• All of the services included in the Premium Authority Package                
• KYU Number               
• NYHUT
• OR Weight-Mile Tax
• NM WD

*( Price for Premium & Complete Authority Packages do not include all state and federal fees.)

Let TSNA navigate your business through the maze of paperwork! Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com. Don’t see what you are looking for?  No problem, simply fill out the Service Request Form and note the service you require in the message section and we will contact you for details.  Of course you can always email us at support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way!

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