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).

The FMCSA has reversed course on their previously announced plans to discontinue the MC Numbers in October 2025. Learn what that means for you and what the FMCSA plans to do going forward.

If you hold an interstate USDOT number, you’re required to file for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) every year. However, if you pay a company to manage it for you, you’re paying significantly more than what it costs you to do it yourself, and you aren’t saving yourself any time or effort at all.

Love them or hate them, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are here to stay. Obtaining and using an ELD is a crucial requirement for the majority of commercial carriers. Failing to comply means serious repercussions for your operations, so we’ve put together the most important information you need to know.

For any interstate motor carrier, IRP registration and the associated cab card are critical requirements that can’t be ignored. This article breaks down what a cab card is, how it relates to the IRP, who needs it, and what you must know before putting your trucks on the road.

One of the most frequently cited and critical violations during a New Entrant Safety Audit is the failure to comply with 49 CFR Part 382. Learn what a Drug and Alcohol Consortium is and how to comply with this critical requirement.

Learn all the ins & outs of the BOC-3 Blanket of Coverage filing for anyone who wishes to obtain an operating authority from the FMCSA. What is it, why it’s required, how to get one, and more. The only guide you’ll need.

Being aware of whether you need a DOT number to sign up, or if your weight class requires you to have one is an important distinction. If your vehicle or combination is considered a CMV, you are required to follow many of the same rules as a commercial trucking company.