Electronic Permits for Truckers, Future of Transportation Getting Revolutionized
In this digital age, innovation is revolutionizing each industry, including transportation and containerization. Trucking documentation is no exception. From compliance and efficiency to monetary benefits and maintainability, electronic permits for truckers are transforming North America’s transportation approach. Lots of advancements in digitalization have led to groundbreaking innovations in the United States (US) transportation landscape. And one of the leading app is the Digital Permit Book, which has, in a short span of time, revolutionized overall trucking management, digitalized compliance mechanisms and eased geographical restrictions without impairing global connectivity.
Significance of Electronic Permits for Truckers
In the realm of trucking, compliance obviously is central. The US trucking carriers deliver freight from rail yards, ports, and airports to their final destinations. Almost every sector of the American economy relies on the trucking industry to function daily. Running a trucking company is already challenging, and getting penalized for not adhering to regulations can affect the business's reputation. Trucking permit documents are needed here as legal compliances. However, electronic permits have overtaken paper-based permissions and documents when it’s a matter of efficient transportation with multiple as well as up-to-the-minute compliances, adhered to prudent guidelines and tech advancements.
Electronic permits for truckers ensure statutory requirements are met to commercially operate motor vehicles safely on public roads and highways. They cover viewpoints like weight limits, freight securement, and unsafe materials transportation. From mechanization to information-driven experiences, these digital or electronic permits are advancing the trucking industry. Without these permits, mishaps and episodes are more likely to imperil the driver and other clients.
Electronic Trucking Permits and the Edge of Digital Permit Book
In our earlier blog, the Digital Permit Book mentioned important registration documents that a driver must carry with him during transportation. In this page, we will discuss the potential of the US truck industry, the significance of trucking permits and their various types, necessary for drivers as well as business entrants if they are willing to start their trucking company. Besides, an intro of the Digital Permit Book that has set a milestone in bringing real-time following, revealing, and management abilities to the very front.
The Digital Permit Book is a mobile app designed to manage electronic trucking permits with unparalleled efficiency in the United States**. This revolutionary App not only simplifies the permit acquisition and compliance process but also brings about a wave of digitization, transforming the way trucking businesses navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance. There are a series of electronic trucking logbooks and logging devices available already in the various US states, but the Digital Permit Book has a definite edge over all of them because of its supportability and maintainability.
The Potential of US Truck Industry
In the USA, the first truck was introduced at the end of the 19th century, but it wasn’t until World War I that the business community started using trucks extensively to transport cargo. At present, the trucking industry is a prominent component of the US economy, moving almost three-quarters of American freight and employing millions of people.
According to official statistics provided by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and the 2022-23 Freight Trucking Report, the freight trucking market size in the US has been estimated at $532.7 billion***. The sector’s gross freight revenue is $940.8 billion. The trucking industry is responsible for 72.6% (11.46 billion tons) of the nation’s overland freight movement, contributing 1.64 % ($389.3 billion) to the US GDP.
Furthermore, as of April 2023, there have been 750,000 active motor carriers that owned or leased at least one tractor in the US. While approximately 8.4 million people are employed throughout the economy in jobs that relate to the trucking industry.
Amid the above contributions, the significance of electronic permits for truckers becomes even greater, which ensures safety standards and makes the trucking industry more sustainable.
Important Trucking Permits in the United States:
Apart from a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and proper vehicle registration, there are various trucking permits required to legally operate a transportation business in the USA. However, with the system changing digitally, electronic permits are replacing paper documents. As majority of states are now allowing drivers to use Digital Permit Book or electronic trucking permits instead of having to carry paper copies. Besides, according to the size of the business, one might also require other permissions for international or state-by-state transferring.
Main Trucking permits are:
1. IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement):
Each participating state issues a label IFTA label, which allows carriers to report and pay taxes on motor fuels used in multiple jurisdictions.
2. IRP (International Registration Plan):
If trucks travel through multiple U.S. states or Canadian provinces, an IRP registration is needed for apportioned registration fees. That allows carriers to register their vehicles in multiple states with a single registration.
3. USDOT Number:
Required for interstate carriers, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number is used to identify the carrier and monitor its safety record while transporting between states.
4. Motor Carrier Authority (MC) Number:
Issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it is required for interstate transportation of cargo.
5. HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) Permits:
Carriers must comply with federal regulations and may need additional state-specific permits, if they are transporting hazardous materials. This endorsement involves a background check and fingerprinting.
6. Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT):
The HVUT is an annual tax imposed on heavy vehicles operating on public highways. Every operator needs to file Form 2290 and obtain a Schedule 1 receipt.
7. Apportioned Plates:
Required for vehicles operating in multiple jurisdictions and allows carriers to pay registration fees based on the percentage of miles traveled in each state.
8. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC):
A TWIC card is always necessary for drivers to get entry to secure areas like ports, and other transportation facilities.
9. Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC):
SCAC is a unique code assigned by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It's used for identification and is often required by shippers and dealers.
10. Single State Registration System (SSRS):
It is required for intrastate carriers, as some states have their own registration systems for carriers that operate exclusively within their borders.
Major, if not most, of the above trucking permits are used and accepted electronically. As an example, all IFTA and IRP member jurisdictions in the United States and Canada have accepted electronic IFTA Licenses since 2019.
State-Specific Electronic Permits & Requirements
It is important to know that each state has its own Department of Transportation or Motor Vehicle Division that manages trucking permits. They have specific requirements in addition to IFTA and IRP for carriers based outside their jurisdiction. Regulations can change, and compliance is essential to avoid fines and legal issues. If one plans to run to or through certain specific states and meet their weight restrictions, he will need to obtain certain additional permits. Many of them are allowing drivers to carry and display oversized or overweight permits electronically instead of carrying obsolete paper documentation. Here are a few of them:
1. Oregon PUC Trip Permit:
In Oregon, if one operates vehicles with a gross weight of 26,000 lb or more or vehicles that have three or more axels, he is required to have an Oregon trip permit, or heavy motor vehicle trip permit, carrying or displaying electronically. He can then choose to pay the fuel tax on a monthly or quarterly basis.
2. New Mexico WDT filing:
The Weight Distance Tax permit issued by the state of New Mexico is required for commercial vehicles exceeding 26,000 lb. The tax rate associated with registration depends on the mileage traveled on New Mexico public highways and the weight of the vehicle(s). This registration requires a quarterly tax filing as well as an annual renewal. However, New Mexico is one such state where electronic trucking permits are acceptable.
3. Kentucky Permit KYU Filing:
Similarly, Kentucky extends the convenience of permit compliances electronically. The KYU number is required in Kentucky for vehicles weighing more than 59,999 pounds, and tax filings are required on a quarterly basis. If one has a KYU number, he will need to file the quarterly taxes, even if he did not run in Kentucky during that quarter.
4. California CAID No:
Drivers who operate large commercial vehicles, transport hazardous materials, or operate vehicles requiring a commercial driver’s license need a motor carrier permit as evidence they have registered their California Carrier Identification (CAID) number with the Department of Motor Vehicles. However, electronic transportation permits (RCATZ/STARS2 only) and any required accompaniments are allowed on any electronic device in this state.
5. Montana ePART application
If one is transporting a load or has equipment that exceeds the legal width, length, height, or weight, a permit is required in Montana. A temporary fuel or licensing permit may also be needed if he is not registered in this state. Interestingly, not only electronic trucking permits are acceptable in Montana, but permits can also be ordered easily online through the MT ePART application.
Final Word:
Starting and operating a trucking business can be challenging in the United States. However, the digitalization of the US trucking industry with a diverse range of electronic devices, software advancements and user-friendly apps, including Digital Permit Book, has made the attainment of compliances and permits convenient and transparent. Indeed, electronic permits ensure transport companies to operate heavy vehicles commercially on public roads and highways with authority.
