Reliable Permit Solutions

What makes a trucking business unique? First, just like any other land transportation business (e.g., moving van business, limousine service, taxi service, etc.), the owner of the business can also be the driver for the vehicle. One of the stresses of handling your own business are the rigors of processing the necessary papers and permits for you to operate smoothly and hassle-free. 

Below are some of the essential Truck permits that each owner/operator should not forget.

Overweight Permit

Regulations regarding being overweight vary from one US state to another. But in general, the maximum weight for a U.S. semi-truck and the full trailer is 80,000 lbs. So, anything in excess is considered overweight.

Overweight loads must be non-divisible. It can be a single or one-piece or item which cannot be fragmented easily. Some States allow the hauling of divisible loads at certain conditions, but generally, it is not allowed. Divisible loads like topsoil, timber, metal fragments, construction aggregates, etc. 

• How much does the Permit cost? 

Permits may range from $5 to $5,000 depending on which State the load will be delivered.

• How Long Does it take to process the permit?

The average turnaround time for processing the permit takes around one (1) hour to two (2) hours.

Over-Sized Permit

Same as processing overweight permits, it varies from one US state to another. The general rule for truck-trailer-load combination: If it exceeds the width of eight feet and six inches (8’ 6”) and the height of fourteen feet (14’), an over-sized permit will be required. The regulation regarding length varies per state. 

It is a must that over-sized loads be non-divisible. 

• How much does the Permit cost? 

Generally, it may cost around two dollars and thirty cents ($2.30) per mile, depending on the size of the load. Bigger loads can cost around ten dollars ($10) a mile.

• How Long Does it take to process the permit?

The average turnaround time for processing the permit for over-sized permits takes around three (3) to four (4) hours.

Super Load Permit

Almost the same as processing over-sized permits, it also varies from one US state to another. Super loads should also be non-divisible. 

• How much does the Permit cost? 

Generally, it may cost around one hundred dollars ($100) to five thousand dollars ($5,000) per trip.

• How Long Does it take to process the permit?

The average turnaround time for processing the permit for Super Load permits takes around three to five (3-5) business days.

Temporary Fuel and Trip Permits

Temporary fuel and trip permits are very important permits when hauling out of their home state. They are issued to those who do not have an International Registration Plan (IRP) registration or an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) decal and license.

What is a trip permit?

A standard trip permit allows the owner of any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer to move the vehicle from one location to another without registering the vehicle. Standard trip permits are valid for three consecutive days.

How much are overweight permits?

Currently the minimum cost for a permit is $10.00 ($30.00 for a Superload (see Superload question below)). For overweight loads there is a weight fee of $5.00 for every 8,000 pounds (or portion thereof) for weight over the legal weight limit of the vehicle.

When Are Truck Permits Required?

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)

Applies to all vehicles with:

* 2 axles weighing over 26,000 pounds or

* Vehicles with 3 or more axles regardless of weight, traveling in two or more states.

Note: When traveling to a state in which a vehicle does not hold an IFTA decal and license, a temporary fuel permit is needed.

International Registration Plan (IRP)

Applies to all vehicles with:

* 2 axles weighing over 26,000 pounds or

* Vehicles with 3 or more axles regardless of weight, traveling in two or more states.

Note: When traveling to a state in which a vehicle is not registered under IRP, a temporary trip permit is needed.

Oversize/Overweight Permits

If a vehicle is oversize or overweight, a temporary permit is needed. This permit authorizes movement according to vehicle configurations and weight.

A permit may be required if:

* Overall height exceeds 13'6"

* Overall width exceeds 8'6"

* Trailer length exceeds 48'

* Overall weight exceeds 80,000 pounds.

Note: There are many determining factors when reviewing oversize/overweight permitting requirements. The above bullets are just general guidelines. 

Mileage Permit

When operating in KY, NM, NY, and OR, a vehicle may require a Mileage Permit in addition to fuel and trip permits.

How quickly can you get a permit?

Our average turnaround time for Fuel or Trip Permits is one hour. For Oversize and Overweight Permits, the average turnaround time is approximately three to four hours. All Oversize/Overweight applications must be reviewed by the applicable state which may cause some delays.

How would I know if I need an oversize or overweight permit?

In most cases, if the load is divisible, you do not qualify for an oversize or overweight permit.

A permit may be required if:

* Overall height exceeds 13'6"

* Overall width exceeds 8'6"

* If trailer exceeds 48'

* Overall weight exceeds 80,000#

There are many determining factors when reviewing oversize/overweight There are many determining factors when reviewing oversize/overweight permitting requirements. The above are just "general" guidelines. Please contact our office for more information.

Trip Permits

When traveling to a state in which a vehicle is not registered under IRP, a temporary trip permit is needed.

Fuel Permits

When traveling to a state in which a vehicle does not hold an IFTA decal and license, a temporary fuel permit is needed.

Mileage Permits

When operating in KY, NM, NY and OR a vehicle may require a mileage permit in addition to fuel and trip permits.

Highway Use Tax (HUT)

When traveling in New York, carriers may require a Highway Use Tax (HUT).

Author: Reliable Permit Solutions

Starting a trucking company has more requirements than other companies since you are delivering various types of goods across different jurisdictions. These requirements also ensure that your carried loads will be delivered safely to the location.

That said, here are the basic requirements if you want to start a trucking company. Better start prepared than keep up with all these. Also, you may look for trusted and best truck permit processing to help you!

1. Acquire a Class A driver’s license

Since your drivers will be driving flatbed trucks, trailers, and tractors and other similar cargo vehicles, they need a commercial Class A driver’s license. This document basically says your driver is capable to handle a large vehicle. Meanwhile, a Class B license will allow you to drive buses and delivery trucks and a Class C license for passenger vans.

2. Get a business registration in your state

A business registration simply makes your business legal and official. This means that the state government has given you a “go signal” to operate since you have completed your other requirements. Your business and its name will be recognized as a business entity.

3. Register for Department of Transportation and Motor Carrier Authority Numbers

The federal government requires any trucking company moving cargo in the United States to get these numbers.

The DOT number is used to record your company’s track in terms of general safety and compliance with policies. Meanwhile, the Motor Carrier Authority number is for the authorities to know what kind of trucking company are you and what kind of cargo your company is allowed to carry.

4. Apply for state transportation permits and International Registration Plan plate

Since each state has different laws and regulations, your trucks should have state transportation permits inside it when they are operating.

Meanwhile, the International Registration Plan license plate allows your company’s trucks to operate on all states and some provinces in Canada. You also need to pay an annual renewal fee to renew the validity of the plate.

5. File your Heavy Highway Use Tax Return or Form 2290

If your truck weighs over 55,000 pounds without cargo, you will not just be filing your typical Income Tax Return but also a special tax return. The purpose of this is to tax your trucks for the wear-and-tear and more intense usage of US roads and infrastructure. Tax credits are given to in some cases for those who drive less than 5,000 miles in one calendar year.