Frequently Asked Questions

For a for-hire interstate carrier, the usual sequence is: form the business and get an EIN; obtain a USDOT number; apply for MC operating authority and file the BOC-3; have your insurance agent file the liability certificate with FMCSA; register for UCR once authority is active; then set up IRP apportioned plates and an IFTA license in your base state, which will require a stamped Form 2290 Schedule 1 for trucks of 55,000 pounds and over. Private carriers hauling their own goods skip the MC authority step. We lay this out for your specific situation before you pay for anything.

Yes. Every registration we handle is available directly from the agency that issues it, and the agency fee is the same whether you file or we do. People use us to avoid rejections and resubmissions, to save the hours it takes to learn each system, and to have someone tracking what is due next.

Generally no. Private carriers transporting their own goods need a USDOT number but not operating authority. The same is true for carriers hauling only exempt commodities. We confirm this based on what you haul and for whom.

There are two parts: the agency fee, which is set by FMCSA, the IRS or the state and is the same for everyone, and our service fee for preparing, checking and submitting the filing. We quote both in writing before any work starts. [Confirm: whether published starting prices should be listed here.]

It depends on the filing. A USDOT number is usually issued at the end of an online filing. UCR and Form 2290 are typically confirmed the same day they are submitted. MC authority takes several weeks because of FMCSA’s mandatory waiting period and the insurance filing. IRP and IFTA depend on your base state. We will tell you what to expect for each filing, and we do not guarantee agency turnaround.

We reply to new inquiries within one business day during business hours. [Confirm response time and hours.] If something is urgent, such as a truck held at a scale, call rather than email.

No, and you should be cautious of anyone who does. Agencies decide approvals. What we guarantee is a complete, accurate submission and follow-up until the result is confirmed.

IRP is registration: it is how one plate covers every state you run in, with fees split by the miles you drive in each. IFTA is fuel tax: one quarterly return that settles fuel tax between the states you drove in. Most interstate carriers over 26,000 pounds need both.

Every carrier must confirm or update its USDOT registration information at least every two years, even if nothing has changed. The due month is set by the last digit of your USDOT number. Missing it can get your number deactivated.

Yes. A zero return is still a return. Skipping it leads to penalties and eventually revocation of the license.

It is the IRS proof that Form 2290 heavy vehicle use tax was filed for that vehicle. States require it before registering trucks of 55,000 pounds or more.

Four states charge a tax based on miles driven in the state by heavy trucks, separate from IFTA and registration. If you run in Kentucky, New York, New Mexico or Oregon above their weight thresholds, you need an account or a trip permit for that state. See state weight-distance permits.

Usually your legal business name, EIN, address, USDOT and MC numbers if you have them, vehicle details such as VIN and weights, what you haul and where, and your insurance agent’s contact. Each service page lists exactly what that filing needs.

By email, or through a secure upload link we send you. [Confirm the method used, for example a specific secure file-sharing service.] We do not ask for documents through text message.

No. Think and Thank LLC is an independent, privately owned service provider. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with FMCSA, USDOT, the IRS or any state agency.

It is used to prepare your filings and kept so we can handle renewals and answer questions later. We do not sell it. Details are in our privacy policy.