Ok I turned in my company truck yesterday and am ready to get rolling. It will probably take me a few weeks to get truck, insurance etc but I'm going to start now trying to get own authority now. There are many posts here with the steps but they are a bit spread out and it everytime you hit the back button it has to be refreshed after doing a search so I am going to do this one post which I will continue editing. Also to be honest a lot of these threads go off topic, with good information too, but it makes it hard to stay on topic.
As I'm not working, I have time to do this myself. I really Know nothing about doing this except from what I've read here. I have already went on the FMCSA website, but I think I'm going to set up a LLC and put it in that name. Tonight I am going to come up with a name and file. I live in Florida so everything can be done online pretty instantaneously. (
www.sunbiz.org).
So steps to getting my own own authority:
1)
Register with the FMCSA to get my USDOT #
The website to do this is:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registratio...escription.htm
USDOT number given immediately (Free).
Mc# applicaton (form OP-1) completed 05/26/2007 - $300. Response given:
You have completed the OP-1 application. Notice of the application will be published in the FMCSA Register.
You may begin operations only after the certificate, permit or license has been issued following your compliance with the requirements shown below:
Insurance (liability: Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X; and cargo: Form BMC-34) (49 CFR 387) Done. Paid my Insurance premium and they sent in the required form to FMCSA 06/26/2007
Insurance (surety bond: Form BMC-84 or trust fund: Form BMC-85) (49 CFR 387) Done. Paid my Insurance premium and they sent in the required form to FMCSA 06/26/2007
Designation of agents upon processes may be served (Form BOC-3) (49 CFR 366) Done. OOIDA files this for free for members
If the applicant fails to comply within 20 days of the date of publication in the FMCSA Register, a decision will be served notifying the applicant that the application will be dismissed for want of prosecution unless the applicant complies with the requirements within 60 days.
Within 24 to 48 hours after filing your application you can visit our website at FMCSA to see the status of your application.
If you have any questions about the OP-1 application process and the issuance of operating authority, please call the FMCSA Licensing Team at 202-366-9805
2) Received letter (6/12/07) from FMCSA stating that I need to call them to complete the registration process. Basically they just went over my info and asked if I would be hauling OTR and the weight of truck. As I said yes to that they said that within I believe 6 months I would be contacted by FMCSA to set up a safety audit. There would be no fines given or anything like that, they said it is a free service they provide to show me how to keep things in order.
3) Went to the local IRS office (06/27/07) and submitted tax form 2290 (Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return). Cost was $550 which is for July of 2007 to July of 2008. It was very simple to fill out and the IRS workers were very helpful. This needs to be done to get your plate. A link to the form is here:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2290.pdf
4)Went to a service to take care of most of the permits. I've done most of this myself, but I had a lot to do this week so I paid a service to do the rest. It was as follows:
a) IFTA sticker (I paid to get this overnight and got it the next day.)
b) KYU permit
c) NY Hut sticker
d) NM tax ID
e) IRP which I guess is the plate.
5) Received call (06/28/07) with automated message informing me that MC authority has been approved for this Monday (07/02/07) and will receive the certificate I think they said a week to 10 days later. This approval was quicker than anticipated as I only submitted my insurance 2 days ago.
6) Received Certificate of Authority (7/09/07)
7) Received paperwork back for the IRP. Need to send in certified funds for the amount of $1450.00. I took it to a service so they could send it out overnight and get it back in a day instead of waiting 10-12 days for it.
Side steps that I will be taking
1) Bought a health insurance policy today as I will be losing the company policy. Good coverage for almost what I was paying with the company.
2) Joined OOIDA
3) Set up LLC online. Here is the link to do it in Florida
http://www.sunbiz.org/ This really isn't necessary for everyone but I wanted everything in business name.)
4) Opened a business account
5) Sent in application for PrePass
http://prepass.com/index.htm
6) Had lettering on truck placed