If you’re thinking about starting a trucking company, then you might be wondering how to get the authority to operate a commercial vehicle. This is a very important question since it involves a lot of paperwork and legal requirements.
However, before you dive into the process, you need to understand that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a specific set of rules and regulations that must be followed. These rules are meant to ensure the safety of the public and the drivers themselves.
The process of starting a new moving business and getting commercial carriers’ authority is not a child’s play at all. With the help of FMCSA registration, you can get your trucking authority easily and continue your carrier business.
First of all, I would like to introduce you to FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). It is an organization or an agency in the U.S. Department of Transportation that regulates the carrier business in the country.
If you are going to register your commercial carriers with FMCSA then you have to keep these things in your mind:
Key Considerable Things While Getting Your Carrier Authority By FMCSA:
1. Fundamental Startup Expenses
Getting investment for your business is the most important and tricky step regarding your business startup. Here are some primary business expenses details for your consideration:
Investment Arranging Trucks (Carriers)
In fact, it is the biggest expense if you are going to start your moving and hauling services business. You can arrange trucks and trailers on lease as well as buy them if you have enough capital for your business. By the way, leasing is the best option if you don’t have enough investment for your moving business.
If you want to buy your own and new trucks and trailers even if you don’t have enough investment, you can get a loan from any bank. Though, the final decision is yours. You can choose what suits you.
Trucks / Carriers Registration
You will find different payment plans about getting trucking authority by the FMCSA registration agency. These are USDOT numbers and MC numbers which depend on if you are working instate or just active intrastate.
Miscellaneous Initial Expenses
You have to face miscellaneous expenses during your new carrier services business startup which includes your carriers/trucks insurance expenses and different government taxes, etc.
2. DOT Number and MC Number Registration
Actually, it is the best step for your new moving services business. You can get USDOT number as well as MC number by “FMCSA Registration” which is a U.S. government-associated agency. After getting these numbers you can run your carrier services business without any hurdles in the future.
All the movers have to comply with FMCSA regulations to continue their businesses. I am introducing you with USDOT number and MC number now:
What is USDOT Number?
Actually, in the word “USDOT”, there are two abbreviations, the first is US (United States) and the second is DOT (Department of Transportation). It is an interstate carrier operating authority having a unique and special identifier.
A USDOT number is assigned by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to carrier services provider firms running their operations in interstate commerce.
The U.S. govt. uses this unique number to keep track of a trucking services provider’s safety records which includes, compliance history and feedback, registration status, ratings, audits, investigations, trucks, and trailers inspections reports, etc.
All of this data is accessible on the FMCSA registration website.
What is MC Number?
The MC stands for Motor Carrier, MC number is a motor carrier number which is also a specific and unique identifier by FMCSA. It is for Interstate moving services providers firms. It is important to note that all the carrier operators don’t need to have MC numbers like DOT numbers.
In fact, a mover active interstate needs an MC number as well as a DOT number. Adding to this for-hire carriers also require Motor Carrier numbers. All the hauling and healing trucks need a motor carrier number if they operate crossing the state lines in the USA.
Biggest Plus Point Having Carrier Authority Via FMCSA
If your commercial carrier is authorized to operate, interstate or intrastate, you can run your business with ease and without any fear. If your carrier is registered with the FMCSA registration agency, then you can hire driving staff on your own easily without the need for any permit to do so.
This aspect provides you with peace of mind and chances to grow and develop your trucking services business very well.
Driver Certification Matters
Actually, FMCSA asks carrier services providing companies to make their drivers’ certification/qualification files. It has big importance and a big effect on your business. It is not a difficult task. FMCSA Registration LLC can assist you in this process.
If your company has certified and qualified commercial drivers who know all the important information about commercial driving and trucking, the chances of any potential unfortunate incidents can be reduced. You can run your company with your mind serenity.
