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Imagine you are a giant, and you want to drive a big truck across the land. You have a lot of things to carry, such as mountains, rivers, forests, and cities. You also have a lot of people to transport, such as kings, queens, knights, and peasants. You want to make sure you have the right permission to do so because you don’t want to get in trouble with the law— so that you can avoid fines, arrests, or bans.
That’s how it feels like to be an 18-wheeler driver in the U.S. You need to have the proper authority to operate your vehicle and haul your cargo. You need to apply for the right one for your business and pay a fee for it. You also need to follow the rules and regulations of the FMCSA and keep your authority active.
But, wait, do you know how you can get the right authority for your 18-wheeler truck? Don’t panic if you don’t, it’s your blessing day and this article may have all the necessary virtues that can solve your problems.
This article explains how to get authority for your 18-wheeler in the U.S. in a step-by-step guide. It also answers some common questions and provides some useful tips for 18-wheelers. By the end of this article, you are going to know everything you need about authority for your 18-wheeler and how to get it.
To get an authority for your 18-wheeler truck business:
- Understand Why You Need Authority for Your 18-wheeler
- Choose Your Authority Type
- Register Your Business
- Apply for Your Authority
- Wait for Approval
- Start Operating
Are you sure you don’t want to miss this opportunity? Let’s start with the first step:
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1. Understand Why You Need Authority for Your 18-wheeler
To receive authority for your 18-wheeler, understand why you need authority. Take note that authority is not just a piece of paper or a number on your truck. It is a way of ensuring your qualification, safety, and responsibility as a motor carrier. Do you even know authority can protect you and your customers, including the public from potential risks and liabilities?
Here are some reasons why you need authority for your 18-wheeler:
Allows you to abide by the law
Know that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the interstate transportation of goods and passengers by motor carriers. If you operate across state lines or haul certain types of cargo, such as hazardous materials, you need to have the appropriate authority from the FMCSA. Operating without authority can result in fines, penalties, or even suspension of your USDOT number.
Defines your scope of operation
Authority determines what kind of cargo you can haul, where you can haul it, and how much you can charge for it. Authority also affects your insurance requirements, tax obligations, and safety regulations. Having the right authority for your business can help you avoid legal troubles and maximize your profits.
Enhances your credibility and reputation
You need authority to show that you have met the minimum standards and qualifications set by the FMCSA. Also, it indicates that you have the necessary insurance and safety compliance to operate as a motor carrier. You can even attract more customers, negotiate better contracts, and build trust with shippers and brokers.
2. Choose Your Authority Type
To grasp if you need authority for your 18-wheeler, choose your authority type. Pick the right authority type for your business based on what you want to haul and where you want to go. There are different types of authority for different types of cargo and operations. You can find a list of them on the FMCSA website.
Here are some examples of authority types you may need and why you may need them:
Motor Carrier of Property (except Household Goods)
Allows you to transport general commodities, such as machinery, metal, furniture, etc., that are not household goods. You may need this authority if you want to haul goods for other businesses or individuals, such as delivering products to stores or moving equipment to construction sites.
Motor Carrier of Household Goods
Allows you to transport personal items, such as furniture, clothing, appliances, etc., that belong to individuals or families. Use this authority if you want to haul goods for people who are relocating or moving to a new home.
Motor Carrier of Passengers
Allows you to transport passengers for compensation, such as bus or shuttle service. Get this authority if you want to haul people for tourism, transportation, or entertainment purposes, such as taking tourists to attractions or providing airport shuttle service.
Broker of Property (except Household Goods)
Allows you to arrange for the transportation of general commodities by motor carriers for a fee. Get this authority if you want to act as a middleman between shippers and carriers, such as finding the best rates and routes for your clients.
Broker of Household Goods
Allows you to arrange for the transportation of personal items by motor carriers for a fee. Apply for this authority if you want to act as a middleman between people who are moving and carriers, such as finding the best movers and services for your clients.
3. Register Your Business
To understand if you need an authority for your 18-wheeler, register your business. To do this, you need to have a legal name, a tax ID number, and a USDOT number for your business. You can apply for these online through the Unified Registration System (URS) on the FMCSA website. Think of these as your business identity cards.
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4. Apply for Your Authority
To fathom if you need authority for your 18-wheeler, apply for the right authority. How can you do this? Don’t panic, just visit the FMCSA website. You need to fill out an online form and pay a fee of $300 for each authority type you request. You also need to provide information about your insurance and safety compliance. You can do this through the URS as well. This step serves as your application letter to the government.
5. Wait for Approval
To find out if you need authority for your 18-wheeler, wait for approval. Know that you may have to wait for several weeks for the FMCSA to process your application and grant you the authority. You can check the status of your application online using your USDOT number.
6. Start Operating
To get if you need authority for your 18-wheeler, begin your operation. Once you receive your authority, you can start hauling cargo and passengers according to the rules and regulations of the FMCSA. Keep your authority active by renewing it every two years and maintaining your insurance and safety records. Think of this as driving your big truck on the road with a license.
Recap
To be aware if you need authority for your 18-wheeler truck, understand the importance of getting authority for your 18-wheeler and choose the kind of authority that matches your operation. Then, register your business with the appropriate body and submit an application for your authority. Wait until the government approves your application, then you can begin to drive your truck with a license.
