The trucking company is one of the most profitable businesses that you can start without any particular degree or education. All you need is a class ,a driving license, a commercial truck, and clients to provide transportation services to. However, like any other business, a Trucking Company also needs to follow some guidelines and fulfill legal requirements. The most important legal documents you need to have for your Trucking Company in Virginia are listed below.
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DOT Number
The Department of Transportation (DOT) gives a number to its registered businesses. When you are running a trucking company in Virginia, you will need a Virginia DOT Number that registers your company with the Department of Transportation. No matter in which state you start a trucking business, you need to follow some rules and regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency run by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Internal Revenue Service Tax Identification
Businesses need to have a Tax Identification Number. It is a nine-digit number that registers the Trucking Company with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Every business is bound to pay taxes. This Tax I.D makes it easier to file your tax returns and make your business legit. It also helps the IRS maintain a check and balance of your business and administer tax laws.
Insurance
You need to get General Liability Insurance for your commercial trucks. This insurance covers common risks like injury and damage to the property. Having insurance can be crucial for your small business as it may cover any lawsuit filed against you. Insurance helps you avoid unwanted expenses, some good insurance packages may cover your drivers’ medical bills and lawyers’ fees as well.
Interstate Travel Permits
When running a trucking company, you need to pick and drop cargo from one place to another. Your business is not going to be focused on one state only. To travel interstate, you need a travel permit. Every state has different permit requirements. When traveling interstate, check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you are carrying heavy cargo, over 55,000 pounds, you will need to have a Heavy Highway Use Tax Return. It is a tax that heavy cargo trucks need to pay to the IRS for infrastructure budget.
Driver’s Licence
The most important legal document that your drivers must carry all the time is their driving license. Commercial drivers need a Class A Driving Licence. The class A driver’s license can be obtained by passing the DMV-approved commercial vehicle driving class. This class also teaches drivers how to overcome any potential hazard and drive safely without causing any damage to the public. The drivers must maintain a clean record and regularly pass the drug tests.
Trucking Laws In Virginia
Apart from fulfilling all the legal requirements, trucking companies also need to follow a set of rules and regulations laid on them by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Some of the important trucking laws that you need to keep in mind are listed below.
Drunk Driving Laws
Normally, drunk driving refers to 0.08% of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). Anyone having alcohol content above this percentage in the blood can be arrested. West Virginia has reduced the BAC to 0.04% for commercial truck drivers. This law discourages truck drivers to drink while driving.
Hours Of Service Rules
The hours of service rule restricts drivers to working for 11 hours on a 14-hour workday. After 8 hours, the driver must take a resting break for at least 30 minutes. This law reduces the risks of drivers getting fatigued, thus reducing the risks of accidents.
Cargo Loading Specifications
Trucking companies are bound to follow cargo loading specifications. There is a limit for cargo loading. The weight and height of the freight have been set by the FMCSA. No truck should carry more than 80,000 pounds in one go.
Mandatory Inspections
Every trucking company needs to get its vehicles and equipment inspected regularly. No truck can operate without a regular mandatory inspection. FMCSA has set rules and limitations that every commercial truck must fulfill all the time, as long as it is on the road.
