As you start or operate your trucking company, you know there are tons of details you need to complete, not the least of which is acquiring your operating authority.

So detailed is the operating authority process, that it’s easy to make mistakes.

For example, any commercial trucking that plans to operate across state lines, must obtain the authority to do so from the Department of Transportation (DOT). This authority will define the range in which your trucks may operate and the kind of freight or cargo they can carry.

But did you know you can’t get this operating authority without first having your US DOT number? This number is your truck’s unique identifier and once you have it, you can apply for your operating authority.

Here’s another important note that’s easy to confuse with another: Operating authorities used to come from the former Interstate Commerce Commission; now they come from the DOT. To muddle things up a bit more, your DOT authority (still known as an ICC authority), also is known as an MC number and the MC number also is known as the ICC number.

What’s more, once you receive your ICC/MC/DOT authority, you’ll need to renew it every two years.

Looking to learn more about the nuances of operating authorities?

Here are some more US DOT authority requirements:

You’re going to need a Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) if you have the USDOT number.

You’re also going to have to file a Form 2290 (the Heavy Highway Use Tax) for every vehicle in your fleet that has a gross vehicle weight more than 55,000 pounds, which will travel more than 5,000 miles on U.S. highways between July 1 to June 30 each year.

You’re going to need an SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) in order to produce your PAPS (Pre-arrival Processing System).

And let’s not forget acquiring your International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA).

The details of operating a commercial trucking company are considerable and daunting to most of us. As the owner of a trucking company, you truly do have better things to do with your time -- such as market your freight services and hire good drivers -- than worry about making sure your operating authority is up to date. A well-established and knowledgeable authority service can help ensure that you are in compliance with all operating authorities, freeing up your time to do what you do best - transport goods.