Operating Authority Services

You will need the authority itself, apportioned license plate, IFTA account and UCR. To obtain your authority, you will need a USDOT Number and the type of cargo you will be hauling. Every new company that applies for a DOT number has to undergo a safety audit. Every driver will have to have a driver qualification file, complete pre-employment drug testing and enroll in a random drug testing pool. Previous driving experience will have to be verified. Once you get the authority, you must display your company name and DOT number on the outside of the truck and you will be able to operate legally in all 48 continental states.

Through the International Registration Plan (IRP), you will obtain your apportioned license plate, which you will  designate the states in which you will run in. The renewal process will vary from state to state.

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), between the 48 contiguous States and 10 Canadian Provinces, where the member jurisdictions acts cooperatively to administer and collect motor fuel use taxes. The purpose of IFTA is to establish and maintain the concept of one fuel use license and one administering base jurisdiction for each license holder (licensee). Under IFTA, you only have to report to one state and the state allocate the fuel tax payments. IFTA tax Returns must be filed quarterly.  Returns are due the last day of the month following the end of the calendar quarter.  IFTA decals are renewed annually based on the calendar year.

Kentucky, New Mexico and New York  have an additional weight-distance tax based on the number of miles you run in those states. Oregon doesn’t participate in IFTA, imposing instead a tax per trip in the state or issuing a permit to collect taxes. Kentucky issues a non-renewable KYU number that remains active and legal as long as you stay current with registrations and tax filings. New Mexico’s permit is annual on the calendar year and has to be renewed. New York issues NYHUT permits in a three-year series.

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is required for any 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.

DOT is getting stricter so you will want to be aware of the rules and regulations and keep up with your records, registrations, taxes and log books.  As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist you in obtaining your own operating authority. 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.

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Form 2290 First Use Month

When filing Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, you will be asked to provide the first use date for the vehicle. This dates refers to the time when the vehicle was placed in service during the tax period.  If the vehicle has been placed in service for  previous years and will continue to be in service this year, the first use month will be July and the Form 2290 will need to be filed no later than August 31st.  This is because the tax period for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes begins in July 1st  and ends June 30th of the following year.

If a new vehicle is placed in service during the tax period, the first use month will be the month in which the vehicle was first used. The deadline to file Form 2290 is the last day of month following the first use month. If a vehicle was only used for part of the tax period, the tax will be prorated.  For example, vehicles that were placed in service during the month of May will need to file HVUT using the Form 2290 by June 30, and the tax will be based on 2 months, instead of the full year.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can file your Form 2290 Heavy Highway Use Tax 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.

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Hazardous Materials Registration Renewal Deadline June 30th

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 begins 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.

The renewal period opened May 1 and is due no later than June 30, 2013. 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.

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ATTN California IFTA Filers!

If you hold a California IFTA, you are required to file quarterly IFTA returns. The paper return your received in the mail for 2013 1st Quarter IFTA, was the last IFTA return that the Board of Equalization will mail to you.  Beginning 2nd Quarter 2013, you will be required to E-File IFTA your returns.

See the full notice, you should have received in the mail.  It explains how to set up your account in detail, so that you will be ready to file your 2nd Quarter IFTA Tax Return next month.  Or you can have TSNA do it for you.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with E-Filing your IFTA.  We prepare and file your return for you.  TSNA takes the paperwork out of you. 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.

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ATTN: NY HUT License Holders

Carriers operating certain commercial motor vehicles that weigh 18,000 lbs or greater in New York are required to register and obtain NYHUT tax credentials. Once a NYHUT account has been established, carriers must file and pay mileage tax on a quarterly basis.

Beginning January 1, 2013, each vehicle that is registered with HUT is required to affix a decal on the front of the vehicle.  On June 4, 2013, the New York State Police and Tax Department reminded commercial motor carriers to register for the Highway Use Tax and display the decal, if they have a gross vehicle weight of more than 18,000 lbs.  Failure to do so resulted in an average 500 citations per month in February, March & April.  

See more details here: www.tax.ny.gov/press/rel/2013/hutregistration.

Truck Services of North America works to help you stay informed of situations that may affect you. For more information about any of our other services, contact us at TSNAmerica.com, email support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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Get Prepared For Highway Use Tax Returns

June is the final month of the 2nd Quarter for Highway Use Tax.  Kentucky, New Mexico, New York & Oregon all require a use tax license if you operate in that state. Each license requires a quarterly return must be filed.  The 2nd Quarter Return filing deadline is July 31, 2013.

Kentucky Use Tax (KYU Number) 

• All commercial motor vehicles (except buses) with a gross weight of 60,000 lbs and over traveling into or through Kentucky must be registered with the state. Carriers with an active KYU Number are then required to file a quarterly return and pay mileage taxes to Kentucky. New qualifying vehicles must be listed with Kentucky prior to the vehicle entering the state. Temporary permits are also available.

New Mexico Weight Distance Tax 

• All commercial motor vehicles with a gross weight in excess of 26,000 lbs. must be registered with the state before traveling into or through New Mexico. Entrance can be paid at the port if not registered; however, it is not cost effective to pay at the port unless you travel through New Mexico only once or twice per year. Once a Weight Distance Tax account in New Mexico is established quarterly reports must be filed and mileage tax paid.  

New York Highway Use Tax (NYHUT) 

• Carriers operating certain commercial motor vehicles that weigh 18,000 lbs or greater in New York are required to register and obtain NYHUT tax credentials. Once a NYHUT account has been established, carriers must file and pay mileage tax on a quarterly basis.  

Oregon Weight-Mile Tax 

• All commercial carriers with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,001 lbs. must obtain a temporary or annual permit to travel into or through Oregon. Oregon does not belong to the International Fuel Tax Agreement; however, a proper tax permit must be obtained before entering this state. Heavy fines are imposed on carriers entering into Oregon without the proper credentials. 
• Oregon requires all new entrants to become bonded before permanent credentials are issued. Bonds may be placed by a Surety Company or posted with cash. The size of your fleet will determine the amount of the bond required.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with your KYU, New Mexico, NY HUT, and Oregon Weight Distance Taxes.  We also handle IFTA, (International Fuel Tax Returns). TSNA takes the paperwork out of you.  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.

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New Entrant Safety Audit

The FMCSA has a safety evaluation program called the “New Entrant Safety Audit." The new entrant’s roadside safety performance will be closely monitored to ensure the new entrant has basic safety management controls that are operating effectively. 

If the audit discovers that adequate safety controls are not present, the carrier has 60 days from the date of the notification (45 days if transporting hazardous materials or passengers) to take the actions specified in the notice, and to submit proof that it has remedied its safety management practices. If the carrier does not, they must cease operations on the 61st day. If the carrier is making a good faith effort, the FMCSA may extend the 45 or 60 days to give the carrier more time to comply.

Here are just some of the things you can do to avoid an audit:

1. Make sure all drivers have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with all required endorsements. 
2. Make sure you have the required levels of insurance
3. Correct all safety violations before operating the vehicle
4. Take required random drug tests
5. Keep all records of inspection and maintenance
6. Always have a security plan when offering or transporting hazardous materials

The penalties for noncompliance vary, depending upon the severity and frequency of the offense. Some fines can continue to accrue if left unchecked. For more safety violation info see www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/NewEntrant.

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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Get Your Temporary Trip or Fuel Permit

Temporary Trip Permits are required when traveling into a state in which a vehicle is not authorized to operate due to IRP registration limitations or intrastate authority. The trip permit is a temporary permit issued in lieu of IRP credentials for properly registered vehicles.

Temporary Fuel Permits are required when traveling into or through a state in which a carrier is not permitted to operate due to lack of IFTA decals and licenses. Carriers must secure a temporary fuel permit prior to entering a jurisdiction for which they are not properly permitted.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with your obtaining the necessary temporary permits.  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.

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2290 Filing Period Now Open For Vehicles First Used in May 2013

If you first placed your vehicle on the road anytime during the month of May, you must file your Form 2290 by June 30, 2013. If a vehicle was used during any part of a month, the tax will be calculated for that month as a whole. For example, if a vehicle was used on May 20th, it will be taxed as though it was used the entire month.  

The tax will be prorated based on the number of months the vehicle will have been used during the tax year. So vehicles that were placed in service during the month of May will need to file HVUT using the Form 2290 by June 30, and the tax will be based on 2 months, instead of the full year.

While the deadline is the last day of the following month, you may need to file your Form 2290 before the deadline in order to get or renew your IRP plates.  Many states require a stamped Schedule 1 as proof that your 2290 was filed before they will issue or renew your plates.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can file your Form 2290 Heavy Highway Use Tax 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.

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Roadcheck 2013 Starts Tomorrow!

Reminder, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Roadcheck starts tomorrow and runs through June 6th.  Approximately 10,00 CVSA-certified local, state, provincial and federal inspectors will perform inspections at 1,500 locations across North America.

The purpose of the Roadcheck is targeted to enforce and educate about motor carrier, vehicle, driver and cargo safety and security.  

Are you prepared? The CVSA has a Roadcheck Checklist for Drivers posted on their website.  Truck Services of North America works to help you stay informed of situations that may affect you. For more information about any of our other services, contact us at TSNAmerica.com, email support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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