This is a simple question but I am having trouble getting the answer from the forms on the Gov web sites. I am in the process of becoming an owner operator but I am in a very busy season at work now so not a lot of time for computer searching or phone calls during normal business hours.I am to the stage of obtaining my own authority ,my question is do I need to have the insurance before they will let me apply? I wanted to get all the permits and operating authority out of the way and then buy the truck and get it insured.Is that possible??or due I need to buy the truck and insure it and then have to wait for the permits before operating it?.
Obtaining authority and permits.
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by murat, Jun 27, 2014.
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Its not a bad idead too....but do you already have d.o.t and mc #
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Company name....tax I.d.......u can permits through ooida
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You can start the application process on the FMCSA websight but it will not go active until you have insurance. Your insurance agent will have to submit the form to the feds. OOIDA will tell you everything you need but filing yourself is fairly easy. I only used them for drug consortium. Be warned that when you do submit your app you will be bombarded with phone calls almost simultaneously afterwards from filing agents wanting your money for there services. Dont bother with them.
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Here's why: It took me over a month to find a truck to buy (a process that would take considerably less time if you're buying a new or fairly new truck). Your authority doesn't go active until you have insurance (and a process agent -- free with OOIDA membership). You cannot get insurance without a truck. You also need the truck to get the base plate which you need to get IFTA (at least in California).
You may have your first safety audit as early as 2 months after applying for your DOT. Mine is right at 2 months -- and my authority isn't even active. They're asking for a bunch of stuff I don't have and it'll be a race to get it all in time.
The DOT application takes only a few minutes online and you get the DOT number almost instantly. So you're not gaining anything by submitting it early.Last edited: Jun 27, 2014
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just curious dobleyellow what are they asking you if your company is not even active.
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paul_4lp Thanks this.
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They want you to have some type of office with a ety filing cabinet so they can fill it with their garbage LOL. Actually an office where you can be reached and theya re really nice when they come. They will show you what you lack if you don't have everything and they aren't going to fine you, just give you pointers so be organized.
double yellow Thanks this. -
The paperwork isn't too bad. Its the getting the truck, insuring it and figuring out if your gonna go get it or have it delivered to you. I hope your not relying solely on financing or an investor for the truck. If so and you end up not being able to get a truck then you just pissed away a bunch of money and you can't blame that one on Geico, know what I mean?
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Before doing anything, I would check on insurance. Check with several companies because rates can vary widely. Most insurance companies will not quote without having at least the tractor. They will ask for a vin number, brand and model of the truck. You can find a trailer later. It can take several days to several weeks to go through the process to get insurance. Those who write commercial truck insurance don't seem to get in a hurry. It makes life much easier when you have insurance in place before applying for authority. But, you can apply at any time. In fact, you can fill out the paperwork on line 24/7. You can also pay the $300 with a debit or credit card once you apply. You apply for the dot number the same time you apply for authority. I think the form is mcs-150. You will need registered agents for all states in which you plan on doing business. As someone else mentioned, OOIDA will act as your registered agent at no charge if you are a member. If not, there are a number of those who charge an annual fee who can act as your registered agent. Authority usually takes from 3-6 weeks from the day you apply. If your insurance and registered agents are on file, it will go much smoother and more quickly. You can't get your IRP or IFTA accounts without active insurance and authority.j When you first start out with your authority, it will be expensive. You lay out a lot of money before you can even haul your first load.
double yellow Thanks this.
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