DID YOU KNOW?
If you operate vehicles in the following states, you must still have the following paperwork in addition to the IFTA license and decals:
CONNECTICUT - Carriers that operate vehicles over 26,000 pounds must be registered in the state and file monthly mileage tax returns.
KENTUCKY - Trucks over 60,000 GVW must be on file with the state and must list the current license plate number. NEW MEXICO - Trucks over 26,000 GVW must be on file with the state. NEW YORK - Trucks over 18,000 GVW must be on file with the state (a receipt is required to be carried in the vehicle and the decal displayed). OREGON - Permit for each truck over 26,000 GVW (recommend a copy of the receipt to be carried in the vehicle). New Mexico and Oregon have ports of entry where temporary trip permits may be purchased. Some of the Oregon ports do close and carriers must have a permit if traveling in the state.
COMPLIANCE, SAFETY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY - CSA Carriers, shippers, brokers, insurance companies, and the general public may be able to view CSA scores, violations, and accidents once again. Companies currently are the only ones that can see the actual scores the FMCSA assigns to their company. This system considers all violations and warnings during the last 24 months, not just out-of-service violations. The violations are weighted based on their age and severity and placed in one of the seven BASIC categories, then A score is calculated and a percentage is assigned when your company is compared to other companies. The calculations are constantly modified. Carrier scores and percentages are updated monthly. Don't hesitate to get in touch with our office if you want us to review your scores with you. Any driver or vehicle violation that is incorrect can be challenged and removed from your CSA records thus helping your safety status. Carriers can contact our office to check CSA status and review and challenge any violations listed in error. Accidents can also be removed from the CSA if there is an error. Accidents that are posted can be requested to be removed from the CSA score calculation if they meet the requirements and are deemed unpreventable. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has recommended replacing the current CSA system over the next two years with a method using "item response theory," also known as latent trait theory. Various items should be addressed, such as not accounting for crashes that are not the carrier’s fault. The FMCSA is revamping its CSA formulas and system under this proposal. There is no date when the new CSA system will be rolled out. We will keep you posted on the changes and timing of the revised system.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOI)
It's a new federal requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) for certain U.S. and foreign entities to report information about their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
What Companies need to file a BOI?
Corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other business entities.
What information is required for each person?
Beneficial Owners are persons who ultimately owns or controls the entity. Any person that exercises substantial control over the company
Identifying Information needed: Names (first, middle, and last name), addresses, dates of birth, and other details.
Copies of each person's driver's license.
All companies need to be registered by December 31, 2024.
If there is any change to the required information about your company or its beneficial owners in a BOI report that your company has on file, your company must file an updated BOI report no later than 30 days after the date on which the change occurred.
If you need assistance in the filing contact our office.
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION - FMCSA DOT auditors are doing company safety compliance audits electronically. Carriers must keep their driver qualification files up to date. The proposed requirement for the mandatory use of speed limiters is still being reviewed and there is legislation in Congress to have speed limiters for all new vehicles set to 65 mph. They are still required in Canada.
Drivers who are renewing their state driver's licenses need one more piece of paper to stay legal. All interstate CDL holders and applicants must provide proof of their medical certification to their home state licensing agency. Proof of medical certification is required at renewal time. Any new medical card must be provided to the state agency during the year to keep their CDL active. The Motor Vehicle Record should be obtained 15 days after the medical exam is performed to allow time for the medical exam to be added to the CDL record. We have an Electronic Log Policy for carriers that want to have the electronic logging regulations in writing for their drivers and include an ELD Disciplinary Action portion. Drivers must read the policy and sign it. Contact our office for information. Have problems with your ELDs or your ELD support? Contact our office, we can get you reliable ELD devices and customer support from our staff.
Employers and drivers are reminded that 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason. A physician's recommendation for medical marijuana or the use of a CBD product is not a legitimate medical explanation for a laboratory-confirmed marijuana-positive result. Positive drug tests account for over 80% of the total violations reported in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse since January 6, 2020. As of the April 2022 Clearinghouse monthly report, marijuana has been detected in almost half of all the drug tests that have been reported in the Clearinghouse (negative test results are not reported). Since the use of CBD products could lead to a positive drug test result, USDOT-regulated CDL drivers should exercise caution when considering whether to use CBD products.
UNIFIED CARRIER REGISTRATION - UCR
The 2025 UCR filings can not be filed before October 1, 2024. Many carriers are getting letters and emails from companies to make the filings now, you can disregard these notices. If we have filed your UCR in the past we will continue to do so. Contact us if you have any questions.
COLORADO
Commercial vehicles are required to carry chains if traveling on any Colorado highways from Sept. 1 through May 31. Chains must be used in inclement weather on all drive wheels. The penalty for non-compliance with winter driving restrictions is up to a $500 fine plus a $79 surcharge. If you are stuck and blocking any traveled portion of the roadway, the fine is $1,000 plus a $157 surcharge.
OHIO
The state Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) has been changed in 2024. Companies with Ohio-allocated total gross receipts of less than $3 million will not need to file a return and can cancel their accounts. This is up from $150,000 for in-state companies and $500,000 for out-of-state companies. In 2025, the gross receipts that will be required to pay the tax will be $6 million.
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