Getting started
New trucking company checklistUSDOT and MC in Motus, insurance, BOC-3, UCR, IRP and IFTA, and the first audit.MCS-150 biennial updateWhen your update is due by USDOT number, with a date checker, and how to file in Motus.UCR registrationThis year's UCR fees by fleet size, the January 1 deadline and who must register.IRP plates and Form 2290Apportioned registration and the heavy vehicle use tax: who files, when and how much.
Drivers
Driver qualification file checklistThe eight documents every driver file needs under 49 CFR 391.51.DOT medical cardThe 24-month limit and the 2025 change to electronic records for CDL drivers.Clearinghouse queriesFull query before hire, limited query every year, and what employers report.Drug and alcohol testing programThe five tests, random rates, supervisor training and record retention.Hours of service rulesThe 11, 14, 30-minute, 60/70 and 34-hour rules, exceptions and ELD failures.Personal conveyance and yard movesWhen moving the truck is off duty or on-duty not driving, with FMCSA's own examples.ELD rulesWho is exempt, what the cab must carry, the 8-day repair rule and the records to keep.Winter trucking and chain lawsChain laws in Colorado, Washington, Oregon and California, and the 2-hour adverse-conditions rule.
Trucks and audits
Annual inspection and maintenance recordsAnnual inspections, DVIRs and how long to keep each record.DOT audit checklistThe six record sets an auditor opens and the 16 violations that fail a new carrier.Owner-operator lease agreementsThe twelve clauses 49 CFR 376.12 requires, the 15-day pay rule, charge-backs and escrow.DOT inspection levelsWhat each CVSA level I–IX covers, the CVSA decal, out-of-service orders and the 15-day report.CSA scores and BASICsThe seven BASICs, intervention thresholds, how scores are weighted and how to lower them.How brokers vet carriersWhat changed after Montgomery v. Caribe and the insurance, rating and BASIC checks brokers run.
IFTA fuel tax
IFTA calculatorWork out your quarterly return with the current official rates.IFTA fuel tax ratesDiesel and gasoline rates for every state and province, with quarter-over-quarter changes.IFTA filing deadlinesDue dates for the next six quarters, adjusted for weekends.IFTA license renewalThe December 31 renewal, the January–February decal grace period and where decals go.
Rather have it handled?
IFTAX keeps your driver files, testing program, maintenance records, logs and filings in order and tells you before anything is due.
General information, not legal or tax advice. IFTAX is not affiliated with FMCSA, IFTA, Inc. or any government agency.