Trucking compliance, in plain language
The acronyms and filings an owner-operator actually runs into, defined without the jargon. Each term links to its official source, and to the fuller guide when we have one.
- BOC-3designation of process agents
A filing that names a legal contact in each state where you operate.
- Commercial driver’s licenseCDL
The license required to drive most large or heavy commercial vehicles.
- Drug and Alcohol ClearinghouseFMCSA Clearinghouse
A federal database of CDL drivers’ drug and alcohol violations.
- Electronic logging deviceELD
A device that automatically records a driver’s hours of service.
- Hours of serviceHOS
Federal limits on how long a commercial driver can drive and work.
- IFTAInternational Fuel Tax Agreement
A shared system for reporting fuel tax across states and provinces.
- IRPInternational Registration Plan, apportioned plates
Registration that splits a truck’s plate fees across the states it runs.
- MCS-150biennial update, biennial update form
The form that updates your carrier record with FMCSA every two years.
- New entrant safety auditnew entrant audit
A first-year review FMCSA runs on newly registered carriers.
- Operating authorityMC number, motor carrier authority
FMCSA permission to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines.
- SAFER carrier snapshotSAFER, company snapshot
FMCSA’s public record of a carrier’s registration and safety data.
- Safety Measurement SystemSMS, CSA, BASICs
How FMCSA scores carrier safety data into categories called BASICs.
- Unified Carrier RegistrationUCR
An annual fee interstate carriers and brokers pay, based on fleet size.
- USDOT numberUS DOT number, DOT number
A unique federal ID that identifies your carrier in FMCSA systems.
Check your own carrier, free
Enter your USDOT number and get your due dates, authority status, and full obligation checklist.
TruckCompliant is not affiliated with FMCSA, USDOT, or any government agency. Verify details against the linked official sources.