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Trucking Compliance Guides
Long-form, citation-backed guides to every federal and state filing a US motor carrier faces. Start with the DOT Compliance Handbook for the full overview, then drill into any cluster post below for specifics on USDOT, MC authority, BOC-3, UCR, MCS-150, Form 2290, IFTA, IRP, hazmat, ELDT, drug consortium, CSA scores, and authority reinstatement.
DOT Compliance Handbook
The complete FMCSA compliance handbook. USDOT, BOC-3, UCR, MCS-150, Form 2290, insurance, state permits, IFTA, CSA, new-entrant audit .
Read guideBOC-3 vs UCR: What's the Difference?
Two federal filings every interstate carrier confuses. BOC-3 is a one-time process-agent designation under 49 CFR §366.
Read guideUSDOT Number vs MC Authority: Which Do You Need?
USDOT is free and universal under 49 CFR §390.5. MC authority is only for for-hire interstate carriers under 49 USC §13902.
Read guideFiled Your MCS-150 Late? Here is What Happens Next.
Late MCS-150 triggers deactivation and civil penalties of $1,584 per day (max $15,846) under 49 CFR §390.19T. Here is the revocation timeline.
Read guideForm 2290 HVUT: Complete 2026 Filing Guide
Who owes the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (55,000+ lb GVW), the July 1 – June 30 tax period, the August 31 deadline, stamped Schedule 1.
Read guideDOT Medical Card Requirements: What Drivers Need to Know
Medical qualification under 49 CFR Part 391. Exam cycle, disqualifying conditions, the Medical Examiner National Registry.
Read guideHow to Start a Trucking Company: Step-by-Step (2026)
Every filing in order: LLC, EIN, USDOT, MC application via FMCSA, BOC-3, BMC-91 insurance, UCR, drug consortium, IRP, IFTA, and Form 2290 .
Read guideHow Much Does a DOT Number Cost? Process, Wait Time, Fees
A USDOT is free under 49 CFR §390. Total cost depends on adjacent filings: $300/type MC, $75 BOC-3, tiered UCR, BMC-91 insurance ($9K-$14K/year).
Read guideMC Number vs DOT Number: Plain-English Comparison
DOT number tracks safety record under 49 CFR Part 390. MC number is for-hire interstate authority under 49 USC §13902.
Read guideTrucking Insurance Requirements: BMC-91, BMC-84, Cargo, MCS-90
Every FMCSA insurance filing under 49 CFR Part 387. $750K liability, $1M-$5M hazmat, $75K broker BMC-84 surety bond, $300K HHG cargo bond.
Read guideHazmat Endorsement Requirements: TSA, HM-126F, HSP, CDL-H
Driver H/X endorsement under 49 CFR Part 383, TSA Threat Assessment, carrier-side PHMSA registration (Form HM-126F).
Read guideELDT CDL Training Requirements: The Entry-Level Driver Mandate
Since Feb 2022, every new CDL applicant must complete Entry-Level Driver Training under 49 CFR Part 380 Subpart F.
Read guideNew Entrant Safety Audit: What FMCSA Checks in Your First 12 Months
Every new interstate carrier sits in the Safety Assurance Program for 18 months under 49 CFR Part 385 Subpart D.
Read guideCSA Scores and OOS Rate: How FMCSA Measures Carrier Safety
CSA BASIC categories, percentile thresholds, and the 5.5% driver / 20.7% vehicle out-of-service averages.
Read guideFreight Broker License Cost: BMC-84 Bond, MC-B, BOC-3
Total first-year cost to operate as a federally authorized freight broker. $300 MC-B fee, $75K BMC-84 surety bond ($3K-$6K/yr premium), $75 BOC-3.
Read guideOwner-Operator Startup Checklist: Every Filing in Order
Linear sequenced checklist: LLC, EIN, USDOT, MC, BOC-3, BMC-91, UCR, drug consortium, IRP, IFTA, 2290, MCS-150 - in dependency order.
Read guideIFTA Filing Complete Guide: Quarterly Returns, Base Jurisdiction, Decals
IFTA quarterly fuel-tax reporting for vehicles 26,001+ lbs. Base jurisdiction selection, miles by state, fuel by state.
Read guideIRP Registration Complete Guide: Apportioned Plates & Cab Cards
IRP apportioned registration for interstate carriers 26,001+ lbs or 3+ axles. Base jurisdiction, cab card, fee math by jurisdiction, transfer rules.
Read guideDrug & Alcohol Consortium for Owner-Operators (49 CFR Part 382)
Owner-operators must enroll in a third-party C/TPA random pool under 49 CFR Part 382. Pre-employment, random, post-accident, return-to-duty testing.
Read guideAuthority Reinstatement Process: When Your MC Goes Inactive
Why authority gets revoked (insurance lapse, MCS-150 deactivation, BOC-3 cancellation, conditional rating), the reinstatement filing process.
Read guideNeed to act, not read?
Every guide on this page is written to answer a question. If you already know what you need filed, skip straight to the tool or filing service.