Have you planned to start a trucking business in California? If yes, you’ve come to the right spot. Regardless of whether you are a veteran business owner or a newbie in this industry, there are plenty of things that you have to be mindful of. In this feature, we will discuss applying for the Motor Carrier Permit. Unless you don’t know about the California intrastate authority completely, it will be foolish on your part to engage in your business plans. However, before we discuss the Motor Carrier Permit in detail, it is crucial, to begin with, a formal introduction.
What is the Motor Carrier Permit?
In simple words, it is a license that is issued by the Motor Carrier Service branch. This permit is evidence of the registration with the official certification of their CA. Keep in mind; it is mandatory for every business to have this permit. If you try to initiate a motor carrier business without a license, the state will not only arrest you but will also confiscate all your assets. This is why it is in your best interest to comply with the requirements of the state of California.
This permit is inclusive of the name, mailing address, and expiration date of the vehicle. As soon as you are issued this permit by the state, it will become easy for you to navigate the business without worrying about being bound.
Who Needs This Permit?
The following people need this permit:
- · Any person or a business entity who owns a vehicle with a GWR of more than 10,001 pounds needs to register for this permit. Regardless of whether the vehicle has been purchased for personal or business usage, having a motor carrier permit is imperative. If you don’t know, people with private vehicles are acknowledged as “private motor carriers.”
- · Every person who has been assigned the responsibility of transporting property in the vehicle, regardless of the weight or size, must have the permit as well. Such people are acknowledged as “For-hire” motor carriers.
Who Doesn’t Need this permit?
The following need not to apply for this permit:
- · People operating vehicles that have been registered under the Public Utilities Code do not require this permit.
- · Every pickup truck with a GVWWR weighing less than 11,500 pounds can escape the process of investing time in registering for this permit. Furthermore, an unladen weight weighing less than 8001 pounds can escape the process too. Trailer coaches, utility trailers, and camp trailers.
- · Vehicles that are used for personal reasons and weighing around 10,000 pounds or less.
- · Every vehicle is exempted from registration by the state.
- · Vehicles responsible for transporting passengers from one place to the next can escape the process as well.
When is The Best Time to Apply for a Permit?
A permit is required whenever you want to begin operations in California. Because this state is bombarded with several businesses in the same sector, you should apply for a motor carrier permit as soon as you can. Not to forget, the permit is 12 months effective from the date of the initial application. This means it will expire on the last day of the remaining month. For instance, if you plan to initiate this business in California by the start of the new year, you must apply for this permit right now.
What is Needed to Obtain the Motor Carrier permit?
To obtain the motor carrier permit, you need the following:
- · A filled application form in PDF form.
- · Written proof of the worker’s compensation insurance.
- · An identification number of the carrier.
- · Payment of the fees.
- · Written proof of financial responsibility.
- · As soon as you register all of these documents, you can carry on with the registration process.
Where to Send this Application?
As soon as you complete all the documents, you must make copies of them. The next step is to send them to the department of the Motor Vehicles Services Branch. However, if you still have reservations about submitting the form, you can consider professional help. The customer services personnel will sift you through the right process to get your motor carrier permit in California. As soon as you have it, you can initiate your business.
