A unique identifier assigned to companies that operate CMVs involved in interstate commerce (crossing state lines) or transporting specific cargo (e.g., hazardous materials). It's used to monitor safety and compliance.

Also known as an Operating Authority, this is required for for-hire carriers transporting passengers or federally-regulated property in interstate commerce. It grants the legal authority to operate.

The federal agency that regulates the trucking industry. This generally refers to the services a tax office provides to ensure a carrier remains compliant with all FMCSA regulations, including initial registration, safety filings, and maintaining current authority.

A registration reciprocity agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces. It allows a trucking company to register a vehicle in its home state and pay apportioned registration fees based on the total miles operated in all member jurisdictions.

An agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces simplifying the reporting of fuel taxes by motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions.

A decal is a sticker placed on the vehicle as proof of compliance. The tax office helps ensure the carrier receives and displays the current year's decals for:​

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• IRP (Apportioned Registration)

• IFTA (Fuel Tax License)

An annual registration required for all motor carriers operating in interstate commerce. It replaces several previous registration systems and requires carriers to pay a yearly fee based on the size of their fleet.

A unique two-to-four-letter code used by the transportation industry to identify specific motor carriers, especially in electronic data interchange (EDI) for billing, tracking, and other business communications. It's often required when dealing with shipping ports, freight brokers, or government agencies.

• Drug Program Enrollment: Enrolling the company in a federally-mandated drug and alcohol testing program (required for all drivers of CMVs). This includes pre-employment, random, post-accident, and return-to-duty testing.

• Clearinghouse (FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse): A federal database where employers must report positive drug and alcohol test results and refusals. The tax office assists with the required queries and reporting to ensure compliance with this system.

Every two years, all entities with a USDOT number must update their information with the FMCSA, even if their operations haven't changed. This is required by law.

An annual federal tax filed with the IRS for CMVs with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. The tax office handles the preparation and filing of this return.