A Quick Guide to Applying for an MC Authority

Safety is a top concern in driving any type of vehicle, most especially trucks. Driving an 18-wheeler truck, for example, is prone to road traffic accidents considering the vehicle’s size. While crashes are not entirely preventable, minimizing the chances of accidents from happening can be done by taking several steps.

One important step is to get a Motor Carrier (MC) Authority. Only the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) issues an MC Authority although obtaining this may seem like a challenge for many motor carriers. To manage this challenge, companies hire consultants who understand the application process for an MC authority.

An MC authority is necessary when hauling goods for interstate commerce. Many carriers file for this under the most basic category of “general freight,” which includes cargo like pet food pallets, paper towels, and video players, among others. Carriers can apply online, including liability insurance, with the help of consultants using an FMSCA-issued system.

Permitting specialists submit the application on behalf of the companies and obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) no. and an MC no. FMSCA then issues a 10-day protest period after publishing an MC no, and if all filings are made and no protests are lodged, final authority may be issued. Professional consultants can help companies undergo smooth application and approval processes.

Trucking Treatment: On Insurance for Trucks

While trucks are mechanically no different from other types of automobiles, their size and build put them in a class of their own. There’s also the fact that if a truck gets into a collision, the resulting damage is sure to be even bigger and more dangerous than one caused by a car. Truck drivers and operators should consider the risks involved with driving such imposing vehicles and should apply for trucking insurance to cover the damages caused.

Like an auto insurance plan, trucking insurance offers financial protection for collisions, motorist injuries, medical bills, and so on. Yet, unlike a regular insurance plan, truck insurance covers other aspects unique to the trucking industry. For instance, specialized coverages like motor truck cargo, trailer interchange, and non-trucking liability are included in a commercial truck insurance.

Another major difference between an auto insurance and a trucking insurance is that truckers have to approach specialized insurers to acquire their own financial coverage plan. Typically, this involves accomplishing a lot of paperwork as well as documentation of a driver’s accident history. Fortunately, there are full service licensing consultants that can help businesses and their truckers secure insurance packages by doing all the hard work for them.

Don’t Hit the Road Without Recognized MC Authority

If you want to become a trucker, then you should know that the job entails more than just hauling goods from one place to another. Every trip involves a lot of paperwork and you can’t even start driving if you don’t have an MC number or Operating Authority on you. The Motor Carrier number is your license to operate as well as an indicator that you are a “for hire” trucker rather than someone who’s operating privately.

The first reason is arguably the most important because an MC number indicates that you’ve passed all the tests and submitted all of the requirements for the job. Secondly, this license contains all the necessary contact information that people would need like your full name, mailing address, and the duration of your trucking permit before you get hired for a job. MC authority also allows you to operate across states, provided that you've met the various state requirements.

As an additional note, private owners of commercial vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 lbs. are required to have an MC number even if they’re using the vehicles for private purposes. On the other hand, those who drive certain vehicles like boat carriers and pickups don’t need an MC number even if they can be used for commercial purposes.

Adequate Trucking Insurance: Safety and Security for the Long Haul

"A trucking insurance business like Coast to Coast may also advise you to take out other insurance options that are not directly connected to transportation duties. Further consultations may delve on protection for tractors taken without a trailer, or an unladen tractor-trailer. The importance of taking out a tractor trailer insurance policy is never more prevalent than when you field anything from big-rig brands, especially given their massive size’s damage potential. Sandilands says the driver’s experience and competency is a vital element in the policy; they will help the insurer decide on whether to give high deductibles and smaller monthly premiums."

http://c2cservices.com/blog/info-articles/adequate-trucking-insurance-safety-and-security-for-the-long-haul/

On Why Truckers Ought to Obtain and Renew Their DOT or MC Authority

"Besides the requirement to apply for an MC number and DOT number, the FMCSA releases a bunch of other documents that promote safety and legality in the trucking industry. Depending on the type of products to be shipped and the background of the truck drivers in question, a company may be asked to take other assessments through tools like CAGE, AUDIT, or TWEAK. For startups like yours, obtaining all these documents is just too overwhelming, let alone the already daunting preparation of your business scheme. To this end, you'll need companies like Coast to Coast to provide you with complete and quick licensing services. Instead of obtaining licenses directly from FMCSA, such companies are authorized to perform the necessary assessments and grant the documents you need. Also, you can go to these companies for renewal of your licenses come year-end."

http://c2cservices.com/blog/info-articles/on-why-truckers-ought-to-obtain-and-renew-their-dot-or-mc-authority/

More Reports Prove the Importance of Trucking Insurance in Canada

This report somewhat mirrors what local and federal governments already know about the risks involved in driving trucks across Canada. Alberta Transportation released its 2012 traffic collision statistics in early 2013, pointing out that while the number of traffic accidents have generally decreased, the number of fatalities in such accidents have increased by 10 percent, compared to 2011. Unfortunately, not every trucker knows the specifics behind Canadian trucking insurance, especially if they're from outside of the country. Thankfully, this information, as well as the relevant documents, can be obtained from the likes of Coast 2 Coast Services who also offers to handle the actual processing of the documents. The latter is very useful since many truckers are discouraged from getting insurance simply because of the time-consuming process involved in it.

http://c2cservices.com/blog/industry-news/more-reports-prove-the-importance-of-trucking-insurance-in-canada/

A Quick Guide to Earning and Updating Legal MC Authority for Truckers

For trucking companies to operate, they'll need certification and a US DOT number from the FMCSA. These numbers help the administration identify operations across the country for audits, crash investigations, performance reviews, and so on. It should be noted that certain states also require truckers to have DOT numbers for them to register their commercial vehicles. Registration can be an awfully confusing affair, and those attempting to sign up for the first time can get lost. Thankfully, companies like Coast to Coast Services can supply truckers with all the necessary documents needed to apply for an MC number and such. Those planning to renew their permits can also rely on such services to fix the necessary papers for renewal.

http://c2cservices.com/blog/industry-news/a-quick-guide-to-earning-and-updating-legal-mc-authority-for-truckers/

Keep Your Rig Covered with Trucking Insurance

Some places may be lauded as relatively safe areas to drive in, but that doesn't mean you can drive freely without insurance coverage. On roads and highways, ice, snow, and rain are common in many parts of the United States so there are many instances where you might get involved in an accident at some point. Thus, it's important for all drivers to be insured before they can get behind the wheel.

The specifics of this vary from province to province, but generally, your policy must cover for losses (i.e. property damage, personal injury, death) and your own medical expenses. For truckers and drivers of different types of vehicels, insurance policies should also have these basic inclusions. Other types of coverage like theft and vandalism protection for your vehicle are usually considered optional but they would be very useful for operators and owners.

As such, it is important for you to review both federal and provincial laws regarding vehicle insurance before you obtain your own policy. You should also know that various companies have different conditions for particular kinds of policies. For instance, some may offer “comprehensive” and “collision” coverage for trucks, while others may go with the more ambiguous “all perils” coverage, but these may not include specific instances under the fine print.

Rules of the Road: Earning MC Authority

Truckers seem to have it easy: their job seems to be to simply deliver goods from one location to another. Sure, they could be punching in extra hours due to the occasional trans-American delivery, but the job seems easy enough to the naked eye. However, what most people don't know is that there are specifications for each state regarding the transport of certain materials and truckers can't just drive through regions without the necessary permits.

The sheer amount of documentation that truckers need before they can even start delivering can be confusing. Normally, truck operators will have to approach all the concerned agencies across America for all the paperwork, but this can be very tedious. Thankfully, operators can rely upon special types of services that can do the job for them.

Licensing consultants help truckers obtain all the necessary paperwork for their deliveries. They have a wide network of connections spanning the entire country, allowing them to tap the concerned agencies and collect any important documents needed by their clients. This entire process may seem trivial to some, but imagine if truckers weren't able to deliver in your state: even your basic necessities like food, water, fuel and shelter could be compromised.

Basic Facts on Truck Insurance Premiums

Insurance is an essential feature of almost any business, and the trucking industry is not exempt from this general rule, especially since businesses under this classification are relied on by various clients to transport the very merchandise that provide them with profit. Below are some basic facts on trucking insurance that anyone operating a transport business should know.

There are many factors that determine the insurance rates that a trucker can qualify for. For one, a driver who has been involved in one too many accidents is more likely to get into one in the near future, hence the insurance provider will be less inclined to offer him an excellent policy. In fact, accidents and traffic violations in one's driving history might even result in a higher premium.

Your insurance premium may also be raised or reduced depending on your driving experience, since it is simply logical to assume that a person who has been driving for a long time has a lesser risk of getting into a road mishap. Moreover, your age may also be a factor since certain statistics and studies show that the ideal age for a driver is around 30 to 65 years.

If your truck has several safety features such as dependable anti-lock brakes and airbags, you may be able to get a discount from your insurance provider. Also, the rate and frequency with which you changed employers may also give insurance providers an idea of your dependability, thus affecting your premiums.

Tips for Starting a Transporting Business

The trucking/transport industry is a promising business venture, seeing as its demand essentially grows in proportion to the advancement of a particular community or city. Indeed, the more progressive a place is, the more it needs to have materials and merchandise hauled away to a new location to be sold and distributed. Here are some things you need to know if you want to engage in this business:

First, you have to know what type of trucking operation you want to run. A sub-contracted system means giving out jobs to drivers not of your employ. This helps you cut down on start-up costs, but you have little to no control over your drivers. A privately-owned business, on the other hand, gives you total control over your operations, but will need more start-up capital.

Next, find out all the necessary requirements, certifications, and other documents to officially and legally start your business. For instance, you need to know about the Federal Motor Carrier Authority number, as well as the International Fuel Tax Agreement Decal and the Heavy Use Tax form. Such documents are required for you to comply with regulations referring to the heavy use of national roads.

You'll also need to invest in the right equipment before you hope to begin your transport business, especially if you will employ your own drivers. Look into different types of trucks to perform various jobs, like flatbeds for oversized transports or a refrigerated one for transporting food and other frozen items.

Raising Trucking Insurance: Necessity or Additional Headache?

A proposal has been made to raise the minimum of trucking insurance from $750,000 to $1 million. For members of the trucking industry, a comprehensive insurance is required to cover the possible liabilities truckers may face while out on the road. Whether it's protection from damage, loss or injury, having insurance can help both drivers and owners from facing financial losses, as well as protect the general public from reckless truck drivers. While the Trucking Alliance believes that the minimum must be raised to help with settlements for uninsured liabilities, both the OOIDA and ATA believe that it's an unnecessary expense and could make truckers bigger targets for personal injury law firms. With the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) still analyzing the proposal as well as the studies made by the 3 groups, all truckers are advised to maintain their current policies and drive safely.

http://c2cservices.com/blog/industry-news/fmcsa-analyzes-possibility-of-raising-trucking-insurance-minimum-ooid-and-ata-think-otherwise/

The Importance of MC Authority and Other Permits to a Trucking Business

Trucking is a lucrative business that can generate a lot of profit for everyone involved, making many people interested in joining the industry. However, not anyone can just start a trucking business without getting the necessary permits for it. The most important permit needed for a trucking business is a motor carrier or MC authority. It's a designated number issued by the US Department of Transportation which acts as a license as well as a carrier insurance for the protection not just for the business owner, but also the public. Depending on the type of materials a truck carries, other permits may also be required before a trucking business can head out on the road. Apart from legal matters and the ability to cross state and country lines, carrier permits can also help people in the trucking industry to gain the trust of existing clients and attract potential new ones.

http://c2cservices.com/blog/industry-news/get-an-mc-authority-for-your-planned-trucking-business-less-the-hassle/

Why You'll Need Commercial Truck Insurance

If you have recently started a logistics and transportation company, you are going to need a truck insurance before you can begin accepting customers. A truck insurance functions like a car insurance; even the steps to obtain either one are remarkably similar. However, unlike car insurance premiums, truck insurance policies have much higher premiums.

Trucks are much larger than cars, after all, and are much heavier since they are designed to tow loads and trailers. If a Lincoln car rear-ends an Escalade SUV, for instance, the damage is more likely to result in minor injury or auto repair. The same can't be said if a commercial truck rear-ends a Lincoln or an Escalade, as you certainly wouldn't want to pay for the ensuing expenses out of your own pocket.

Commercial truck insurance terms vary from state to state, so it is therefore ideal to get help from reputable consultants who can tell you which one best fits your business requirements. Among other things, you need to look into liability coverage. If your driver happens to have caused an accident, you wouldn't need to worry as your insurance company will pay for the injured party's medical expenses as well as the cost of damage to property.

Official Terms in the Trucking Industry

What most people call a “trucking company” or a “trucker” is a “motor carrier” or simply, “carrier” in official language. The carrier industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Those who wish to learn about the various licensing requirements for a trucking operation may benefit from knowing some of the official industry terms.

• Motor carrier (carrier) – a company (individual, partnership, or corporation) that provides transportation using trucks
• Private carrier – a carrier that transports cargo that has been produced, sold, or purchased by the same company which owns the carrier
• For-hire carrier – an independent company that provides transportation for others at a fee
• Freight Forwarder – a company that provides cargo transportation services using for-hire carriers. They are responsible for the cargo from origin to destination.
• Broker – similar to a Freight Forwarder, they also provide transportation for other companies using for-hire carriers. However, they do not assume responsibility for the cargo.

The term “common carrier” used to refer to for-hire carriers who provided trucking transportation for anyone using publicly published rates. Meanwhile, the term “contract carrier” previously referred to for-hire carriers who provided transportation to specific clients under rates agreed by both parties. After January 1, 1996, however, the distinction between a common and a contract carrier has been nullified. The difference now is that common carriers are required to carry proof of cargo insurance, while contract carriers are not.

Get Truck Insurance to Avoid Post-Accident Crises

Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone, no matter what type of vehicle they may be riding on. Trucks are known for being massive, but their size is both boon and bane. Being colossal, they have the capacity to carry a huge amount of load, making them essential in the transport of goods like agricultural produce and construction materials that weigh a ton. On the other hand, being such makes them prone to vehicular accidents while on the road.

To avoid losing time and a lot of money to cover damages sustained or caused by your carrier truck, it's important that you insure it. If your truck has inconvenienced or injured other passengers, a primary liability insurance package will help you pay for medical bills and other miscellaneous fees that the injured party has incurred because of the incident.

Sometimes, even a truck tucked safely in a secluded garage can be a victim of nefarious acts such as theft and vandalism. If your truck has been stolen or covered with suggestive and disturbing images, a general liability insurance will come in handy. There are more truck insurance options that you can consider to ensure the safety of your truck while on and off the highway.

A truck, like any other property, is not immune to damage. Make a move to have your truck insured to avoid coping with the messy affairs brought about by unforeseen occurrences.

A Trucker's Life Is Not For Everyone

For sure, America is a free country, and to a certain degree, people have the freedom to pursue what makes them happy. Everyone is free to do as he likes, that is, as long as he does not intrude on the rights of other people, and stays within the boundaries of the law. Now if that means driving a cool, expensive Porsche—fast but under the speed limit of course—down the freeway, then so be it.

There is, however, a big difference between driving luxury cars and driving huge trucks. For one thing, trucks must always have a reason to be on the road, whether it's to transport goods, materials, or equipment. If a car gets into a minor accident, it would usually just be an inconvenience; but if a truck gets into any accident, big or small, it could cost thousands of dollars in lost time, merchandise, and profit.

Trucks are not only set apart because of their purpose. It also takes special skills and adequate experience to handle these big machines. Thus, it's important that a competent truck driver is always behind the wheel. Aside from this, it should also be licensed, and have the proper permits and certificates in accordance with its purpose.

Trucking is a business, an economic necessity, and a way of life. It's an endeavor that should be taken seriously. 

Let's Go, Teamsters!: the Trucking Industry in Popular Culture

Even trucks can get into accidents or breakdowns, making trucking insurance a must before going on the road. Is your truck insured?

http://c2cservices.blogspot.com/2013/05/lets-go-teamsters-trucking-industry-in.html

Let's Go, Teamsters!: the Trucking Industry in Popular Culture

Trucks are the top choice for transport of goods, making timely delivery of utmost importance. Have trucking insurance to protect you from hazards that may cause delay and loss of profit.

http://c2cservices.blogspot.com/2013/05/lets-go-teamsters-trucking-industry-in.html

Avail Trucking Insurance to Protect your business from Cargo Theft

Cargo theft and shipment stealing have been a dilemma in the trucking industry for the past three years. These usually happen to shipments of fresh goods. An estimated $720,000 to $4 million is said to have been lost in these theft incidents. These cases are very alarming and greatly affect many business operations. The owners are the ones who suffer the most in this scenario because they lose both profit and customers. For brokers and truckers, the only way to solve this problem is to secure themselves and their businesses. One effective measure is to avail trucking insurance. Some might already have such, but their policies might be limited and have no cargo theft coverage. Trucking companies such as Coast to Coast Services provide across-the-board insurance policies that do not only cover trucks and cargoes, but truck operators as well. Don't let your company experience this growing cargo theft problem. Be sure to get the right insurance policy for your company.

http://c2cservices.com/blog/industry-news/truck-heists-and-cargo-thefts-why-trucking-insurance-matters-more-than-ever/

Acquisition of MC Authority Made Easy: New Registration System for Truckers Up for Review

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) has sent the final rule on the Unified Registration System (URS) to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review. The system, 7 years in the making, will unify the systems that track registration, identification and financial responsibility of members of the trucking industry into one online system. The benefits and implications of the implementation of the new system was discussed on TruckingInfo.com. The biggest benefit is a consolidated registration instead of more than 3 different processes, making application for MC authority and other necessary permits easier. Chameleon carriers who use different names and identification numbers to avoid sanctions for safety violations will also be easier to track down under the new system. With the unification of ID numbers and automated background checks, the FMCSA hopes for the URS to be convenient not only for the members of the trucking industry, but also for the gove

http://c2cservices.com/blog/industry-news/unified-registration-hopes-to-simplify-application-for-mc-authority/

Unified Registration Hopes to Simplify Application for MC Authority

Trucks are the top choice for transport of goods, making timely delivery of utmost importance. Have trucking insurance to protect you from hazards that may cause delay and loss of profit.

http://c2cservices.com/blog/industry-news/unified-registration-hopes-to-simplify-application-for-mc-authority/

Imagine a World Without Trucks

In the reality that people live in today, people wish on a daily basis that there were no trucks in the roads to cause accidents, traffic jams, and all sorts of inconveniences for the rest of the drivers. Few realize, however, that without trucks, the world would be a strikingly different place to live. Imagine, then, a world without trucks.

First off, trucks are the ones responsible for getting fuel from one place to another. In all fairness, without trucks, drivers won't even be able to complain because their cars would have no gas to run on either. Such trucks also carry loads of liquid nitrogen, oxygen, and all sorts of fluids which have their own crucial roles to play as well.

Another thing that wouldn't be possible without trucks is construction. Not only would the materials never be delivered to the work site, the pieces of heavy machinery themselves won't have a ride there as well. Remember this the next time you get angry at a cement truck on your way to work.

Finally, there's the matter of food. You think your local supermarket will have your favorite cereals or meats without any trucks? Unfortunately, they will not, and that goes for food, medicine, and other products as well.

At the end of it all, trucks play a crucial role in our lives. They may be too big and bulky for most motorists' tastes, but then again that's their whole point. It is best just to drive and let drive.

Zombie Preparedness: Tractor Trailers

In a world where all the conspiracy theories and apocalyptic TV shows have finally come true, the definition of “basic necessities” is drastically different. You'd still need food, water, and shelter of course, but by then it would also be a must to have weapons and a big, strong mode of transportation such as tractor trailers that could move a lot of people and supplies.

Most people treat it as a joke, but even if the possibility is slim, the idea of a worldwide catastrophe is still very serious. While these days food, water, and medicine are easily transported by truckers on a daily basis, it might not be the same reality in twenty, fifty, or a hundred years. In the future, you yourself might be the trucker who'd move important supplies around as well as protect them from looters.

Having said this, you can't do anything if you don't have a truck to drive or supplies to move. Even now, the dangers of moving big loads from coast to coast are many and cannot be ignored. Everyday, truckers are faced with the possibility of meeting accidents or getting stopped by thieves, so a way to safeguard your goods is definitely important.

If you want to have food, water, medicine, weapons, and maybe a tractor trailer in the possible future where zombies run rampant, then you have to insure your goods today. In all likeliness, the zombie apocalypse will never happen, but it's always good to be prepared.

Protect Your Vehicle, Your Business, Yourself, and Your Fellow Motorists: Getting Trucking Insurance

The truck is an essential vehicle for any business. Its size enables it to transport a large amount of goods of varying forms, such as agricultural produce and even bulky construction materials. The truck's size may be an asset, but this factor can also lead to the truck's downfall, especially if the wheel is in the hands of a reckless driver.

A vehicle as massive as a truck is difficult to maneuver. The driver who does not rise to the task may cause not only the destruction of the truck but also injuries to himself and to other motorists nearby. A vehicular accident brings a lot of complications to all parties involved, so it is important to have the truck insured to cover and compensate for damages.

Wise entrepreneurs know that their business will suffer if the company truck is out of order. With insurance, the risk of delays in the delivery of goods is eliminated. A quality insurance package can also prevent the company's reputation from being ruined by drivers who claim to have been inconvenienced by the company truck.

Truck insurance takes care not only of damages incurred through accidents on the road but also of problems resulting from fire, theft, or vandalism. It is a lifeline that keeps business operations going. 

Getting Permission to Deliver: Applying for a Motor Carrier Number

Before you can deliver goods from one state to another, you have to obtain a motor carrier permit. This small sheet of paper serves as proof that you are allowed by law to travel across state lines to transport goods for private or commercial use. The motor carrier number in the permit is important as it enables authorities to look up your information in their database.

To apply for a motor carrier number, you must go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV and fill out the application form, which asks for employer details and vehicle information. If you are working for another person, your boss must fill out a separate form and attach a proof of financial responsibility, in case your vehicle gets involved in an accident.

The DMV also demands from you or your employer a compensation insurance form and requestor code number, which varies depending on the type of commercial vehicle used. Once you have provided the DMV with these requirements, you have to present a carrier identification number and pay the application fee.

After doing the necessary leg work, you are in for a long period of waiting. Processing the information may take the DMV a few weeks before they can issue the motor carrier permit and number that you requested.

Get an MC Number and Participate in Interstate Trade

To transport goods from one U.S. State to another, you need a motor carrier or MC number. Some states will require you to get an MC number even if you do not take part in interstate commerce. This number should be printed on the vehicle as it serves as identification: it allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA to track you by looking up your number in their database.

To obtain an MC number, visit the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV office. Get a DMV 706 MCP form and fill it out. Afterward, submit it along with DMV 65 MCP. The DMV 65 MCP is a form that proves financial responsibility. If you are employed, have it accomplished by your boss. If you are self employed, then of course you will be the one to accomplish it.

Apart from these, you also have to give a copy of your insurance or your boss's compensation insurance (which one you give will depend whether you're employed or self-employed), and your requestor code number. Then, give your carrier identification number, too and pay the required fee.

After all of these, you will need to wait for the updates on your application. Don't worry, it might take a while but you will get your MC permit in a few weeks.

Some Basics on Securing Your Own Trucking Authority

If you own a trucking company that has interstate operations, you need to secure an MC Authority. Regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), MC Authority dictates the kind of operations a certain company can engage in, including the kinds of cargo and passenger services it is allowed to render. It may come with the prefix of either MX, FF, MC. MX is given to carriers domiciled in Mexico, FF is for freight forwarders, and MC is for all other types.

When getting your own trucking authority, you need to submit an application to FMCSA. As a new entrant, you have to fill out MCS-150 and once it's submitted, you will be assigned a temporary USDOT number. Aside from this application package, you also need to secure all other registration and licensing requirements set by the FMCSA.

You also have to complete the OP-1 form series and pay a fee of $300. Private and for-hire vehicles are exempted from paying this fee. On the other hand, vehicles that carry hazardous materials and those that are domiciled outside the US may have additional requirements.

The next thing to do is to file BOC-3 in order to assign a process agent. Then finally, you have to buy the right insurance for your business. You'll need to have your permanent MC and USDOT numbers, too.

Special Delivery: If You Bought It, Chances Are a Truck Brought It

Have you ever stopped to think just how important trucks are? Right now, you're probably looking at something that once rode at the back of a truck. Your gadgets, furniture, food, and even the grass on your lawn have likely gone on very long journeys—epic trips that involved countless different trucks—before they landed in your possession.

Many drivers absolutely hate trucks, but they don't realize that trucking plays a crucial role in the economy. Trucks are noisy and sometimes rude, but they're also responsible for bringing people the luxuries they've gotten used to. Without trucks, food can't make it from the farms to the market; there would be no gasoline to fuel the cars in the country; and construction materials or equipment would not get to where they need to be.

People have a love-hate relationship with trucks and truckers, and that's okay. After all, it's the mutually beneficial relationship between customers and truckers that keeps the ball rolling. Both sides can honk at each other in the streets all they want, but in the end they need each other to survive.

If all the different products that move from city to city will be considered oxygen, then truckers would be the red blood cells that get the job done. Without the red blood cells to deliver the oxygen, all the different body parts will waste away. Now, how's that for important? Cheers to the truckers!

Don't Just Play with Luck: Insure Your Truck

Just because trucks are big and powerful doesn't mean there's no need to insure them. Vehicles, regardless of size and capability, are prone to damages. Whether it is caused by natural conditions or driver negligence, all bases must be covered when it comes to truck insurance—and this includes insuring the truck contents for any incidents of loss during transport.

Trucks, most especially the really huge ones such as tractor trailers, are exposed to a lot of risks. They aren't just used for hauling heavy stuff, they also travel hundreds of miles to transfer their load. They do these regardless of the weather condition; rain or shine, these trucks travel those long and winding roads in the hope of bringing goods to their proper destinations in time. It's no wonder that apart from accidents, they are also prone to wear and tear.

The trucking industry enjoys a good reputation for its dependability, something that is reinforced by the way it treats safety and security as a priority. By getting truck insurance, truckers can protect themselves and their clients from shelling out a huge amount of money in the event of an accident or any other untoward incident. In business, leaving something to luck just won't cut it. 

With Big Trucks Come Big Responsibilities: Why Trucks Need Insurance Too

Every time traffic occurs, civilians are quick to blame the colossal trucks that fill the highways. It's easy to see why trucks take all the heat; with their massive sizes, trucks intimidate other vehicles on the road. Unbeknownst to the average motorist, however, big trucks come with big responsibilities.

Trucks are vital to shipping; they can carry huge amounts of goods from one state to another. Trucks are the obvious choice with regard to the transportation of agricultural products like corn and even animals like cattle. A lot of industries count on them to deliver the materials or supplies they will need to manufacture their products or to provide services that the community needs to thrive.

Even with their sturdy, imposing bodies, trucks are not invincible. Trucks that get run-down while on duty will cause problems to the establishments awaiting the contents of the vehicle and to the citizens who consume the products made available by these enterprises. To avoid delays caused by road mishaps, it is vital to get trucks insured before they are allowed to venture out of the garage.

Trucks may take up a lot of road space, but clueless drivers should consider that trucks carry a burden of great importance on their backs. The lives of businesses and the community are riding on every truck that cautiously streaks past automobiles and their passengers. 

Get a Motor Carrier Permit in Three Steps

If you are driving from state to state and have products or properties in your vehicle, you may need a motor carrier permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Applying for an MC permit is actually as easy as one, two, three if you have all the requirements with you at the time of application.

Step 1: Fill out the “DMV 706 MCP” form in the local DMV office. The application form is about 10 pages long or so and asks information about your vehicle, employer, the goods you are transporting, and so forth. Be patient. Submit the DMV 706 MCP together with the pre-filled DMV 65 MCP (proof of financial responsibility for the vehicle).

Step 2: Hand in the compensation insurance form either from you or your employer. Prepare your requestor code number, too, from the Employer Pull Notice Program showing the type of vehicle being operated. The DMV clerk will also take a look at your carrier identification number, so be sure to have that handy.

Step 3: After all the documents have been handed in, pay the required fee according to the state you will go to. The processing and releasing of the MC permit may take a few weeks.

Trucking for the Long Haul

Whether it's driving their own trucks or managing their own fleet of trucks, many men are drawn to trucking as a business because not only does it give them the opportunity to be their own bosses, the business also offers them the chance to earn money while doing what they love to do—driving on the open road and traveling across cities and states.

When starting your trucking business, capital is the first order of business. Then you have to get all the relevant paperwork for your business. Documents for tax, insurance, a Department of Transportation (DOT) number, and of course an MC number are among the most important to get started in your own trucking business. The MC number, for example, is needed to cross state lines and will be handy when your business extends across state borders.

An MC stands for Motor Carrier. An MC number also allows the government to track freight brokers through their system, as they travel and conduct their interstate commerce. To get started with trucking, one must first show a clean driving record that should be without any moving violations or DUI or DWI convictions. If violations exists, it will take a wait of from three to five years before one can apply for a driving license that require interstate transporting of goods commercially.

Any person or business that uses the motor vehicle for commercial transport, with conditions on vehicle size and weight, is one requirement to apply for an MC number.

Let's Go, Teamsters!: the Trucking Industry in Popular Culture

Throughout the last century, the trucking industry has had a fair amount of exposure in popular culture. The truckers and their lifestyle were celebrated (and satirized) in various media, mainly in music and film. The film noir's 1940 film They Drive by Night which co-starred Humphrey Bogart, depicted how independent truck drivers cope with the Great Depression.

In 1963, country music singer Dave Dudley had a hit with the song “Six Days on the Road”. It is often referred to as the song that started the wave for songs that told stories about a trucker's life on the road. In it, the protagonist is driving home to his lover after being on the road for six days. The 1970s was the peak of trucking culture. Steven Spielberg's first feature-length film, the made-for-TV Duel, tells the story of a motorist being stalked by an anonymous tank truck driver on a deserted highway. Another film released during that time was the highly successful Smokey and the Bandit, an action comedy starring Burt Reynolds.

The century ended with a couple of television animation series telling stories about the truck itself --as the robot Optimus Prime in Transformers, and Homer as an accidental truck driver in The Simpsons. With the the History Channel's reality television show Ice Road Truckers, the trucking industry seems to be carving its own niche in the 21^st century, both in network and cable television, as well as in the public imagination.