Navigate DOT/FMCSA Compliance with Confidence
Your Partner in Transportation Safety & Compliance
In the world of transportation, maintaining rigorous compliance isn't just a requirement—it's the lifeline of your operation. Ensuring your drivers are qualified, your records are impeccable, and your fleet meets every regulation is critical to keeping your business moving forward efficiently and profitably. The good news is, we’ve been around the block a time or two, so we know what to look for.
At TIPS, we understand the daily challenges that new & veteran motor carriers face. We provide robust, proactive transportation compliance services designed to take the load off your shoulders. We act as an extension of your team, dedicated to safeguarding your business and empowering you to focus on keeping your trucks on the road.
USDOT Number Application & Management
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Motor carriers often make mistakes when filling out their application that prevent them from operating legally until changes are made. Don’t risk putting your business on hold before it’s even started.
We’ll file your USDOT Number application at no cost. We ensure it is submitted correctly the first time so you can stop worrying and start operating.
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Every entity operating under a USDOT number is required to update it’s information with the FMCSA every two years. This is the biennial update. Failure to file can result in your USDOT placed as inactive for failure to file, and can result in a fine of $1,000 up to 10 days.
Never miss an update again with our suite of biennial update options, ranging from one-time filings to lifetime management. Get in touch to see what biennial update option is right for you. -
Mistakes happen. We’ve seen it more times than we can count. It’s tempting to try and make the changes yourself, but you might end up waiting a week and a half just to find out that it’s still not right. We’ll get your application corrected and your trucks back on the road.
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Need an operating authority to conduct your business? Making a mistake when choosing the desired authority does not exempt you from the FMCSA’s no-refund policy.
We will apply for the operating authority that you need, ensuring your time and money isn’t wasted.
Drug & Alcohol Testing & Reporting
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Drug and Alcohol Testing is paramount to a compliant operation who employs CDL operators. As one of the most complex requirements for motor carriers, we understand that reliable, compliant, and efficient Drug and Alcohol Testing is an important area of concern.
With our Drug and Alcohol Consortium, you can trust that all of your requirements are met. By choosing TIPS as your Consortium/Third-Party Administrator, you will ensure your drivers are enrolled in a compliant consortium, all of your out-of-pocket testing expenses are covered, and your operation is protected.
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The FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is mandatory for all CDL drivers and their employers. Navigating the registration process can be tricky and time-consuming.
That’s why we provide registrations to ensure you and your drivers are correctly registered in the Clearinghouse, helping you meet your obligations and avoid compliance headaches from the outset. -
Staying compliant with the FMCSA Clearinghouse involves more than just registration; it requires running specific queries (pre-employment, annual, and others as needed) and managing consents. This can be a complex and ongoing task.
We take the burden of Clearinghouse query management off your shoulders, ensuring all required queries are conducted correctly and on time, records are maintained, and you remain fully compliant with these critical safety regulations.
Driver Qualification & Screenings
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Maintaining compliant Driver Qualification Files is a critical yet time-consuming DOT requirement. Missing documents, expired records, or incomplete information can lead to significant fines and sideline your drivers. We take the hassle out of DQF management. We ensure every file is complete, up-to-date, and readily accessible, keeping you audit-ready and your operations running smoothly.
Let’s streamline your Driver Qualification process.
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If you are a commercial driver, passing a USDOT physical to maintain a valid medical certificate is a federal requirement to keep your CDL active. Driving with an expired medical card can result in an immediate license downgrade, significant fines, and being placed out-of-service. For non-CDL drivers, having a valid medical card is still required to be considered a ‘qualified’ driver under 49 CFR 391.
We simplify your DOT physical with certified medical examiners who manage the required testing and file your paperwork correctly, ensuring you stay compliant and on the road without delay.
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Hiring the right drivers is crucial for the safety and reputation of your business. Thoroughly vetting candidates with comprehensive driving records (MVRs) is not only required to maintain a DQF, it is essential to screening your drivers before you put them behind the wheel. We provide fast, accurate, and compliant access to the information you need to make informed hiring decisions, identify potential risks, and ensure you're putting only qualified drivers behind the wheel.
We’re excited to provide background check services for comprehensive pre-employment screening in the near future. Stay tuned for the announcement by subscribing to our newsletter.
Don't take chances with your new hires.
Learn more about our screening options here. -
Gain deeper insights into a commercial driver's safety history before you hire them with Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) reports. These FMCSA reports provide a 5-year crash history and 3-year roadside inspection history, offering valuable information that isn't always available through an MVR alone.
Make more informed hiring decisions, reduce potential risks, and improve your company's safety record by incorporating PSP reports into your screening process.
Common Federal Requirements
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Operating across state lines requires a BOC-3 filing— designating a process agent in each state where you operate. The BOC-3 is a required step for obtaining an Operating Authority and may soon be required to obtain a USDOT Number. Skip the confusion and potential delays.
We’ll handle your BOC-3 filing quickly and correctly, ensuring you meet FMCSA requirements and can operate legally nationwide without a hitch.
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If you operate heavy vehicles on public highways, filing IRS Form 2290 and paying the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) is an annual requirement. Failing to file or pay on time can lead to penalties and even prevent you from registering your vehicles.
We simplify the 2290 filing process by calculating your tax, filing accurately, and getting your stamped Schedule-1 quickly.
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If you are a transportation carrier, a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a vital industry identifier required to haul loads for many shippers, including U.S. government agencies, automotive companies, and ocean carriers. Lacking a valid SCAC can prevent you from tendering loads, participating in intermodal transport (UIIA), and efficiently managing your logistics.
We streamline the application and renewal process, securing your unique code from the NMFTA to ensure you meet industry standards and can expand your business.
IFTA & IRP, Quarterly Reports & State Filings
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Venturing into interstate operations means navigating the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and the International Registration Plan (IRP). Setting up these accounts correctly from the start is crucial to operate legally and avoid obscene processing delays.
We streamline the IFTA and IRP account creation process, handling the paperwork and complexities so you can get your apportioned plates and fuel tax credentials without the headache, and start running across state lines faster.
Just need one or the other? We can help!
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Keeping up with IFTA quarterly fuel tax reporting is a demanding task. It requires meticulous record-keeping of miles traveled and fuel purchased in each member jurisdiction, along with accurate calculations to ensure you're paying the correct taxes. Errors or late filings can lead to significant penalties and audits.
Our IFTA quarterly filing service makes it easy. We ensure your data is processed accurately and your returns are filed on time, every time, keeping you compliant and saving you from potential fines.
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Operating in states like New York, Kentucky, New Mexico, or Oregon? Then you're likely subject to Weight Distance taxes, which require specific permits and ongoing reporting based on your vehicle's weight and the miles traveled within those states. Managing these accounts, tracking mileage, and filing accurately can be a significant administrative time sink and any errors leading to penalties.
We specialize in setting up and managing your Weight Distance tax permits and Highway Use Tax (HUT) accounts, ensuring you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.
We handle Quarterly Reports too!
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Planning to haul loads that both pick up and deliver within a single state? Are you based in CA or TX? States often require you to obtain separate Intrastate Operating Authority, or similar filings which are distinct from your federal DOT authority. Each state has its own unique application processes, insurance requirements, and regulations, making it a frustrating experience to manage yourself.
We help you identify and secure the necessary State permits/filings for the specific states you operate in, ensuring you're fully legal to conduct business within their borders.
