Permits are an unavoidable part of any interstate trucking trip. Whether you are an owner-operator of a single rig or responsible for managing an entire fleet, proper permit acquisition is a vital part of your business operations. Failing to maintain appropriate permits for your truck not only takes you out of compliance with state laws, but it also exposes you to significant fines. Even worse, being stopped without a permit will require you to obtain a temporary permit in addition to paying those fines. Because the penalties for falling out of compliance are so severe, even a small permit error can destroy your bottom line. One of the best ways to ensure that you remain in compliance is to obtain your permits through a company that specializes in interstate trucking permits of all types.
The Complexity of Trucking Permits
You may be considering applying for and obtaining permits on your own, especially if you are an owner-operator with only one truck. It may seem as though the added cost of working with a permitting agency does not justify the savings in time and hassle. Unfortunately, this is often a mistake. The system of permits required for operating a truck in North America can be extremely complicated, and the requirements will vary depending on your load, where your trip will take you, and whether your vehicle is registered under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA).
Knowing When You Need Additional Permits
Since permits can be so complicated and can vary so much from state-to-state, it can be challenging to determine when your trip might require you to obtain additional licensing. New York State, for example, imposes a highway use tax on commercial vehicles operating on its highways. Truckers driving through New York are required to create accounts with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance to properly pay this tax. Understanding your permit requirements can become even trickier if you are operating on toll roads or if your trips rarely carry you through a state, as you often have the option to obtain temporary permits in these cases.
Your truck's load will also determine whether states impose additional permit requirements on your trip. Oversized or overweight loads almost always require special temporary permits, for example. Hazardous cargo or even specific, restricted goods may require you to obtain unique licensing in some states as well. The penalties for falling out of compliance with state requirements vary, but they are usually severe.
Working with a Permit Company
Because it can be so challenging to understand the permits required for any trip, the best way to guarantee compliance is to work with a professional permitting agency. These companies will help you to obtain the exact permits you need for your trip based on both your route and your cargo. Permitting agents can also advise you on permanent permits or accounts that you should obtain if you regularly travel through certain states or typically carry restricted cargo. By taking advantage of the expertise that these companies offer, you can ensure that you will not lose valuable time and money due to permit compliance issues.
Share25 October 2019
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