Trucking companies are responsible for transporting raw materials and finished products from one location to another in the United States. Hence, they need special licenses and permits like IRP Plates, UCR Permits, MC Authority, and many more to operate across state lines. They must also follow all the rules governing the trucking industry. These regulations are issued by the Department of Motor Carriers and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration with help from State Police Departments throughout the United States.
The purpose of the FMCSA is to create uniform travel standards and promote safety by helping to prevent accidents. The FMCSA also ensures the trucking companies and their drivers comply with the regulations. Read on as Global Multi Services takes us through the responsibilities of trucking companies.
Better Logistics And Fleet Services
Trucking companies transport goods and products from one place to another in the United States. They provide logistics and dedicated fleet needed for each shipment, saving time, energy, and money by eliminating excess inventory. They also offer better flexible payment options, so you don’t have to worry about having enough capital every time. With their services, you will never stress over late orders, delivery delays, missing packages, and many more.
Proper Maintenance And Repair services
Trucking companies must ensure their trucks, trailers, and equipment they use are in good condition mechanically and safe to drive. That means trucking companies must perform routine inspections and schedule regular maintenance to identify and repair any potential problems before the truck hits the road.
Compliance With Standards And Regulations
The trucking industry is governed by regulations designed to keep drivers safe on the road. These include Hours of Service regulations, DOT Registration, Weight Restrictions, and many more. Failure to adhere to these regulations can create catastrophic dangers for truck drivers and other road users. It can also cause accidents and injuries.
Safety programs are also put in place to ensure compliance with various safety requirements of the regulations. Trucking companies must demonstrate it has adequate safety management controls to ensure compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Registering For IRP Plates
The IRP is a reciprocal agreement established between the continental United States and the Canadian provinces in 1994. The plan facilitates apportioned fees collection from commercial vehicles traveling across two or more jurisdictions. The apportioned fees are calculated based on the mileage covered in each jurisdiction and the vehicle’s weight. Trucking companies need to register in their base jurisdiction to obtain their IRP Plates and fill their IRP Plate Renewal which varies from state to state.
Performing Background Checkups On Drivers
Trucking companies must perform a background check of commercial driver licenses on potential drivers. The drivers must also undergo drug and alcohol tests because of the high-risk nature of the driving jobs. Additionally, drivers with multiple driving under influence convictions or certain traffic violations in the past are ineligible for the position.
Some trucking companies often overlook these testing and background checks to fill vacant positions as quickly as possible. These can lead to hefty penalties and license cancellation from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.