If you drive a truck across state lines, you need IRP registration and a cab card. These are not optional. Without them, you risk fines, violations, and trucks sitting idle.

This article covers what IRP is in trucking, what a cab card (sometimes called a cabcard) is, who needs one, and how to file your IRP application.

DOT officers expect to see specific documents in your vehicle, and missing even one can mean fines, out-of-service orders, or points on your CSA score.

This guide covers every document you need to keep in your truck, who needs what, and how to stay organized so you're not scrambling at the scale house.

This article breaks down how to get a DOT number and every fee you'll face when applying for a USDOT number, MC authority, and the other registrations most new carriers need.

Many drivers think that if they don't need a CDL, they don't have to follow DOT rules. That's not true. The DOT regulates commercial vehicles based on weight, cargo, and how they're used. Your license type is separate from your compliance requirements.

If you're starting a trucking company, you've probably seen two terms come up over and over: DOT number and MC number. They sound similar, and plenty of new carriers mix them up. But they're not the same thing, and knowing the difference matters for staying legal on the road.

Each state sets its own definition of what constitutes a CMV for intrastate operations. This guide breaks down the intrastate requirements for all 50 states so you know exactly what applies to your operation.

Take a deep breath. You are not the first carrier to face this, and you won't be the last. The situation is serious, but it is fixable if you act immediately. The next step you need right now is creating a Corrective Action Plan (CAP).

At TIPS, we don't just tell you what to do—we do it for you. We have built new Start-Up Packages for 2026 that cover everything you need to get legal. You hand us the keys to the compliance side of your business, and we make sure you are ready to roll.

For many carriers, the background check process can feel like a maze of federal regulations and state rules. This article breaks down exactly what goes into a comprehensive truck driver screening, what the FMCSA requires, and how to interpret the information you find.

TIPS launches the Trucker's Toolbox! A complete bundle of 40+ FMCSA compliance forms and templates for trucking companies. Driver files, vehicle docs, and more.

Don't lose your ability to operate to a preventable mistake. We break down the most common reasons carriers fail the New Entrant Safety Audit, why these failures occur, and what you can do to prevent it.

Operating a commercial vehicle? You might be required to join a C/TPA. Learn what a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator is, if you need one, and how to spot a reliable provider.

Your CSA score is one of the few things in trucking you can directly control to lower your operating costs, reduce the chances of future audits, and provide direct evidence of your company’s safety track record. Learn what it is, why it could be costing you money, and exactly how to fix it.

If you are expanding your trucking business across state lines, or just upgraded to a vehicle combination that requires a CDL, you have likely run into two major acronyms: IFTA and IRP. Whether you are a brand new carrier, or a company that has been operating for years but just made changes to your equipment, understanding these two requirements is critical.

If you recently applied for a DOT number and are wondering what you need to do now, or are planning to start a company with commercial vehicles and want to be prepared, this guide is for you.

Many companies operate under the assumption that because their vehicles don’t leave the state, they are exempt from getting a USDOT Number and any of the safety regulations that go hand-in-hand with operating under one. If you are under that assumption, there’s information in here that could prevent you from facing some significant violations.

Save big on trucking compliance with our 2026 Head-Start Event! Get deals on new DOT/MC authority, IFTA filings, driver files & more. Lock in 2026 prices now. Offers end Nov. 30, 2025!

If you plan on operating a commercial vehicle in Texas, or you’re already on the road, you’re likely familiar with certain requirements like the USDOT number. But what about state-level rules? For many carriers, Texas requires an additional registration known as the TxDMV Number.

This is one of the most common questions we get from construction companies, landscapers, etc. The short answer is - likely, yes. Let’s break down the requirements and shed some light on a commonly misunderstood area.

Operating a commercial vehicle in California comes with its own unique set of rules requirements. While you might be aware of what a USDOT number is, if you’re running routes within the Golden State, you’ll need two additional credentials to operate legally: a Carrier Identification Number (CA Number) and a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP).