Keep Your Small Trucking Business on Track: A Quick Checklist

Running a small trucking business comes with its own unique set of challenges. Between navigating regulations, managing permits, and keeping your rigs on the road, staying compliant can feel overwhelming. That’s where the Trucordia companies come in. We specialize in providing tailored support for businesses like yours, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve. 

Here’s your quick compliance checklist:

1. Keep USDOT Information Updated

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all motor carriers to update their United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) information every two years, whether or not there are changes.

• Trucordia’s Support: Don’t risk penalties for missing an update. We’ll remind you of your deadline and guide you through the process based on your USDOT number (odd/even year and month determined by the digits in your number).

2. File Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax (IRS Form 2290)

Vehicles over 55,000 pounds must file this tax annually.

• Key Dates: The filing season runs from July 1 to June 30 each year.
• Trucordia’s Advantage: Let us help you stay on track with reminders and resources to help you calculate and file on time.

3. Secure Your IFTA License

Crossing state or national borders? You’ll need an International Fuel Tax Agreement license.

• Quarterly Returns: Due April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31.
• How We Help: We’ll assist you with filing requirements to avoid unnecessary fees and downtime.

4. Insure Your Rigs Correctly

Insurance is one of your biggest investments. Proper coverage helps ensure that your rigs are protected, and your business stays on the road.

Note: Most truck physical damage policies use “stated amount coverage,” meaning you determine the value of your own truck or trailer. This value should reflect the current market to avoid gaps in coverage.

• Pro Tip: Review your truck’s value annually, especially after upgrading engines, fenders, or hoods. Over-insuring or under-insuring can leave you with gaps.
• Trucordia Advantage: We connect you with top-tier insurance producers who understand the trucking industry and can help you assess your equipment’s value, find tailored solutions with flexible stated amount coverage, and access appraised value options for high-value or customized rigs–helping ensure your business stays protected and moving forward.

5. Stay Current With Permits

Interstate trucking requires permits like Unified Carrier Registration and other state-specific ones (e.g., New York HUT, Connecticut Highway Use Fee).

• Trucordia’s Benefit: We simplify the permit process, saving you time and helping to ensure compliance before important deadlines.

6. Practice Proactive Risk Management

Compliance isn't just about reacting to problems; it’s about preventing them all together.

• How Trucordia Assists: From access to market trends for accurate stated amounts to providing real-time insights into your risks, we give you tools to stay ahead.

7. Annual Business Filing

LLCs and corporations must file annual returns to remain in good standing.

• Our Role: Trucordia will help you track deadlines and simplify filing so you can focus on what matters–your business.

8. Certificates of Insurance 24/7

When a new load or contract requires proof of insurance, delays can cost you your hard-earned money.

• Trucordia’s Solution: We provide instant access to certificates of insurance, so nothing slows you down.

Why Trucordia?

Your trucks are more than just vehicles–they’re your livelihood. At Trucordia, we take your compliance as seriously as you do. Whether it’s assisting with appraisals, offering proactive reminders, or tailoring insurance solutions, we’re here to help keep your business rolling smoothly.

Contact us today to find out how we can help keep your small business moving forward–every mile of the way.