Simplex Group Georgia

Trucking is a highly regulated industry, and if you are opening a trucking company in the state of Georgia, you will need the experts at Simplex Group to help you pass your New Entrant Audit and stay compliant. The trucking professionals at Simplex Group are committed to the success of the trucking companies we partner with. There are a few different steps you must take to comply with the rules of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Every truck that weighs over 10,000 pounds and crosses state lines in its course of business must have a number issued by the Department of Transportation. You must have a DOT number for intrastate trucking in Georgia if your trucks weigh over 10,000 pounds. You will also need a DOT number if you carry hazardous material in an amount that requires placarding.

You will register for your DOT number through the Unified Registration System online. Registration for your DOT number is free. If you transport regulated commodities, you will also need an MC number, which costs $300. 

The DOT requires you to provide your company name, address, and phone number. You will have to register your company as a business entity with the state of Georgia. You will also have to appoint an agent for service who can accept legal paperwork for you. The forms will ask for the number of vehicles you have and any financing information. 

We can assist you with DOT registration because if you make a mistake on your forms, it may take longer to get your tags. You should get your number in about six weeks.

One of the most important things you will need for compliance is liability insurance. The FMCSA requires trucks with a DOT number and carry freight to have $750,000 to $5,000,000 of liability coverage. Trucks that weigh 10,000  pounds or under and carry non-hazardous materials must have $300,000 of insurance.

In reality, you will need much more insurance than this. Trucking accidents often result in death, and fatal accidents cost an average of $7 million. 

Cargo insurance is also very important. No manufacturer will trust you with their cargo if you do not have enough insurance. They trust you with their products, and their customers eagerly anticipate their delivery. You should be covered for the value of their products and specify the amount of coverage in your contract.

Physical damage insurance is also important in case one of your drivers causes an accident because it will cover damage to your truck. Simplex Group will bundle your insurance to make sure that you get the very best price. We will look at the trucks you own, the drivers you employ, and the hauls you take to determine the perfect package for you.

The FMCSA requires trucking companies to verify each of a driver’s professional references before hiring them. You will also have to check their driving records to make sure that they do not have a suspended or revoked license in any state. 

A professional truck driver must have a class A commercial driver’s license in the state of Georgia. The state requires you to have a class C commercial driver’s license before you are able to obtain a class A CDL. Although a person can get a commercial driver’s license when they are 18 years old, they must be 21 years old to be a professional interstate driver.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that drivers pass a special physical conducted by their doctors. Certain medical conditions can prevent a person from becoming a professional driver. We can help you arrange for a medical exam and arrange for your drivers to have a prescreening drug test before you hire them.

When an auditor arrives to do your new entrant audit, one of the most important things they will look at is your Hours of Service records. There are strict regulations on how long a driver can work and how long they can be on the road. A driver should never work a shift over 14 hours, including all activities performed in a day’s work. They cannot be on the road for any longer than 11 consecutive hours. If they are, you will face steep fines and a possible shutdown.

Your drivers will keep track of their hours with an electronic logging device. The device attaches to the truck’s diagnostics system, So there is no possibility of cheating. Simplex Group offers the best electronic logging devices on the market. You will not only be able to keep track of a driver’s on-the-road hours, but you will also be able to keep track of their inspection records, repairs, and other important information.

Truck drivers are required to thoroughly inspect their vehicles before and after each trip. If something is wrong with the truck, they must get a mechanic to fix it before it is driven again. You must keep an electronic record of every inspection and any repairs done to the vehicle. You must keep these records on file for six months. Our electronic recording system is flawless. You will never have to worry about failing an audit when you do business with us.

Truck drivers are required to have many different permits to travel on highways in the United States. You need a permit to pay taxes on gasoline as well as a permit to pay fees related to the weight and distance your vehicle travels. Some states, such as Oregon, require you to have a permit just to drive over the border. We will ensure you have all the permits you need to operate your trucks legally. 

Simplex Group wants to make your business a success; call us today.