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Trucking Authority and Permit Services: The Ultimate Guide for Trucking Businesses

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Starting your own trucking business is an exciting journey—but without the proper permits and filings, your wheels won’t legally hit the road. That’s where Trucking Authority and Permit Services come in. At Truckers Authority, we offer a complete lineup of services to help you launch, operate, and grow your trucking company with confidence.

Whether you’re an owner-operator or building a fleet, this guide explains everything you need to know about federal and state-level trucking permits, along with the step-by-step process to obtain your operating authority.

What Are Trucking Authority and Permit Services?

 

Trucking Authority and Permit Services refer to all the registrations and filings required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and state agencies to operate legally.

There are two primary types of authority:

  • Interstate Authority: Allows you to transport goods across state lines.
  • Intrastate Authority: Allows you to operate within a single state.

In most cases, carriers need both federal and state registrations to run their business without delays or penalties. These include your USDOT and MC Number, BOC-3 filing, UCR, IFTA, IRP, Form 2290, and any applicable state permits.

👉 Learn more about what authority you need on FMCSA.gov and Transportation.gov.

Why Trucking Authority and Permit Services Matter

Operating without the right permits isn’t just risky—it’s illegal. FMCSA and state DOTs issue fines or revoke your ability to operate if you’re caught non-compliant. Here’s what proper authority and permits do for your business:

✅ Establish legal operation status
✅ Build trust with shippers and brokers
✅ Prevent costly shutdowns or delays
✅ Help you qualify for contracts and freight opportunities

Additionally, many insurance providers won’t activate coverage until you’ve secured these filings.

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Our Core Trucking Authority and Permit Services

At Truckers Authority, we handle everything from registration to compliance so you can focus on driving. Here’s a breakdown of our most requested services:

✅ USDOT and MC Number Registration

Your USDOT Number is required for all commercial vehicles operating over 10,000 lbs, while your MC Number (Motor Carrier Authority) is required for transporting federally regulated goods across state lines.

➡️ Get started here: USDOT & MC Number Setup

✅ BOC-3 Process Agent Filing

Required to activate your authority, this filing assigns a process agent in each state to receive legal documents on your behalf.

✅ Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

Mandatory for all interstate carriers. This filing confirms you’re operating legally across multiple states.

✅ Form 2290 Filing

Required by the IRS for any truck over 55,000 pounds. We handle filing and proof of payment for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT).

✅ IFTA Account Setup

The International Fuel Tax Agreement allows you to report fuel taxes for every jurisdiction you operate in. We register and prepare your quarterly reports.

✅ IRP (Apportioned Plates)

The International Registration Plan enables multi-state vehicle registration. We manage your apportioned plates and renewals.

✅ Drug & Alcohol Consortium Enrollment

FMCSA requires enrollment in a testing program for CDL drivers operating vehicles that weigh 26,001 lbs+ or transport passengers/hazmat.

 

State-Level Trucking Permits We Offer

Operating in multiple states? Each one may have unique requirements. Below is a list of all state-specific Trucking Authority and Permit Services we help with:

  • Kentucky KYU Number (Weight Distance Tax)
  • New Mexico Weight Distance Permit
  • New York HUT (Highway Use Tax)
  • Oregon Weight-Mile Tax Permit
  • Nevada Trip Permits, Fuel Permits, and Oversize/Overweight Permits
  • Texas Intrastate Operating Authority (TxDMV)
  • California Motor Carrier Permit (CA MCP)
  • Florida DOT Number Registration
  • Illinois Intrastate Authority
  • Georgia IRP and IFTA Setup
  • South Carolina State IFTA & Intrastate Authority
  • North Carolina Intrastate Registration
  • Tennessee Franchise Tax Compliance Filing

…and all 48 states where we provide support.

📌 Explore your state’s specific requirements at Trucking Authority Services

 

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Trucking Authority and Permits

Here’s a simplified checklist to follow:

  1. Form Your Business Entity

    Set up your LLC, Corporation, or Partnership. We help you get your EIN and Articles of Organization.

  2. Apply for USDOT & MC Authority


    Complete FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS) to request your operating authority.

  3. File BOC-3


    We assign your process agents and electronically file with FMCSA.

  4. Secure Insurance & File BMC-91


    Insurance must meet FMCSA minimums:
    • $750,000 for general freight
    • $1,000,000 for hazmat
    • $5,000,000 for passenger transport
    • $300,000 for cargo vans and light vehicles under 10,001 lbs

  5. Register for UCR


    Required annually for all interstate carriers.

  6. File Form 2290 with the IRS


    HVUT tax must be paid before plates are issued.

  7. Register for IRP and IFTA


    We handle state registrations and quarterly filings.

  8. Enroll in Drug & Alcohol Program


    FMCSA requires a pre-employment drug test and ongoing random testing.

  9. Apply for State-Specific Permits


    Based on where you’ll operate, you may need additional filings.

Trucking Authority Services

Our Additional Services
We offer a comprehensive range of services to support your trucking business:

• MC Number Application: Facilitates interstate operations
• BOC-3 Filing: Mandatory for activating your authority
• Unified Carrier Registration (UCR): Ensures compliance for interstate carriers
• Form 2290 Filing: Helps meet IRS Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) requirements
• IFTA and IRP Registration

Business Formation Services

• New Business Setup: Assistance with forming corporations, LLCs, or partnerships tailored to your trucking needs. Learn more in our LLC for Trucking Company Guide

State-Specific Permits

• State Intrastate Authority: Includes obtaining necessary permits and understanding state requirements
• State IFTA Registration: Simplifies fuel tax reporting
• State Apportioned Registration: Facilitates multi-state vehicle registration for commercial vehicles

🡺 Explore All Trucking Services Here

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are Trucking Authority and Permit Services?

They are the filings and registrations required to legally operate a commercial trucking business. This includes USDOT and MC Permit Services, BOC-3, UCR, IFTA, IRP, and various truck permits at the state level.

2. Do I need both a USDOT and MC Number?

Yes, if you're operating across state lines and transporting goods for hire. The USDOT number tracks safety compliance, while the MC number gives you operating authority.

3. How long does it take to get my trucking authority approved?

Typically, the process takes 21 to 25 days from the FMCSA. This timeline depends on insurance filings and whether all required documents are submitted correctly.

4. What is a BOC-3 filing and why is it important?

The BOC-3 assigns a legal process agent in each state where you operate. It's mandatory to activate your MC authority.

5. Can I handle these filings myself instead of using trucking permit companies?

Yes, but many trucking companies choose to work with experienced permit service providers to avoid mistakes and delays.

6. What’s the difference between intrastate and interstate authority?

Intrastate authority allows you to haul loads within a single state, while interstate authority is required to cross state lines. Both often require specific permit services for trucking companies.

7. What are IRP and IFTA and do I need them both?

Yes, if you operate across state lines. IRP deals with vehicle registration across states, and IFTA simplifies quarterly fuel tax reporting.

8. Do I need to pay the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290)?

If your truck is over 55,000 lbs, yes. This IRS filing is mandatory before you can get IRP plates.

9. How much insurance do I need to activate my MC authority?

FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 liability for general freight. Hazmat, passengers, and other specialized operations may require more.

10. What if I’m only operating in one state? Do I still need truck permits?

Yes. Many states, like California, New York, and Oregon, require intrastate permits—even if you don’t cross state lines.

11. What is UCR registration?

The Unified Carrier Registration is an annual fee-based registration for all interstate carriers. It's separate from the MC and USDOT numbers.

12. Why should I choose Truckers Authority over other trucking permit companies?

We offer complete, bundled permit services for trucking companies with fast processing, expert support, and compliance tracking—unlike many one-size-fits-all providers.

13. Do I need to enroll in a drug and alcohol testing program?

Yes, if you're operating CDL-required vehicles over 26,001 lbs or transporting passengers or hazardous materials.

14. What happens if I operate without the required permits?

You risk fines, out-of-service orders, and even a suspension of your authority. Proper truck permits are essential to avoid operational shutdowns.

15. How do I know which permits I need for each state?

That’s exactly what we help with. Our team identifies and files the specific USDOT and MC Permit Services and state-level requirements based on your operation type and routes.
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