D.O.T COMPLIANCE

IRP plates refer to license plates issued under the International Registration Plan (IRP), which is an agreement between the 48 contiguous U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces. The plan allows for the registration of commercial vehicles that travel in multiple jurisdictions, enabling these vehicles to be registered in one base jurisdiction (state or province) and then legally operate across other member jurisdictions without needing separate registrations for each. In summary, IRP plates are used for interstate or interprovincial vehicles, helping Commercial drivers stay compliant with registration laws while reducing administrative burden.

Travel plates are temporary or special-use license plates issued for vehicles that are used for interstate travel, typically by commercial vehicles, for a specific period or under certain conditions. These plates allow a vehicle to legally operate in jurisdictions outside its home state or province, often during the process of obtaining proper registration or for vehicles that are being moved temporarily.  Permitting and/or taxation is required for traveling into Kentucky, New York, New Mexico, or Oregon. 

 A Trip and Fuel Permit is a temporary permit issued to commercial vehicles that allows them to operate legally in jurisdictions outside their base state or province, specifically for the purpose of traveling or transporting goods across state or national borders. These permits are commonly used by trucking companies and commercial vehicle operators who may not have permanent registration in every state they travel through.   A trip permit is a temporary authorization that allows a commercial vehicle to operate in a jurisdiction where the vehicle is not registered. This permit is typically used when a vehicle needs to travel through one or more states but doesn’t have the required permanent registration or plates for those states.  

 A fuel permit is a temporary permit that allows a commercial vehicle to travel and operate in certain states or provinces without being registered for fuel taxes in those jurisdictions. In the U.S., this typically applies to the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), which requires commercial vehicles to pay fuel taxes based on the amount of fuel consumed in each state or province they operate in.  

You will need these permits in the following situations:

• Your vehicle is not registered under IFTA
• You do not have an IRP Plate
• Your power unit has 3 or more axles
• Your power unit has 2 axles and a gross vehicle or registered weight over 26,000 lbs.
• Your tow vehicle and trailer have a combined gross vehicle or registered weight over 26,000 lbs.

FTA QUARTERLY FILINGS 

IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) quarterly filing is an essential process for businesses that operate commercial vehicles across multiple states or provinces. It involves reporting the amount of fuel purchased and miles traveled in each jurisdiction during the quarter. The purpose of IFTA is to simplify fuel tax collection and distribution among member jurisdictions, ensuring that fuel taxes are paid where the fuel is consumed. Quarterly filings are required to maintain compliance with IFTA regulations, and failure to file or pay on time can result in penalties or interest charges. Accurate record-keeping and timely submission are key to avoiding these issues and ensuring smooth operations for fleet owners.  

UCR

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a federal program that requires interstate motor carriers, motor private carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, and leasing companies to register annually and pay a fee based on the size of their fleet. The UCR program helps fund state enforcement of motor carrier safety regulations. All entities operating commercial vehicles in interstate or international commerce must comply with UCR, and failure to do so can result in fines and operational restrictions. Registration is typically required by December 31st each year, with fees varying depending on the number of vehicles in the fleet. Once registered, carriers receive a certificate of compliance, which must be kept up to date to avoid penalties. 

2290 FILINGS 

Form 2290 filings are a necessary requirement for anyone operating heavy vehicles with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more on public highways. This federal tax, known as the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT), helps fund the maintenance and repair of highways. Filings are due annually, with the tax year running from July 1st to June 30th. The form must be submitted to the IRS by the due date, and any delay in filing or payment can result in penalties and interest charges. Accurate reporting of vehicle details, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), is crucial for compliance. Once filed, truck owners receive a stamped Schedule 1, which serves as proof of payment and is often required for registration and legal operation of the vehicle.