02/25/2022
Paperwork is Needed in a Semi Truck:
The paperwork needed in a semi truck is your CDL, registration, state licenses, IFTA paperwork, and insurance documents. Other documents, such as logs, should be kept with you for the duration of your trip. However, once the trip is complete, these can be stored at your business location.
Your CDL
Your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is essential whenever you are operating your semi truck. Without your CDL, you do not have permission to use the vehicle.
To get a CDL truck, drivers must undergo the appropriate training and courses before operating their truck or other trucks. This is why you should always have your CDL on you, just like when driving a regular car.
Fines for operating without a CDL can be hundreds of dollars (depending on the state you’re in).
If you are operating a commercial vehicle without having obtained a CDL, that is a hefty penalty. Be sure to get this done before driving a commercial semi truck.
Insurance Paperwork
You should always have proof of insurance with you when you travel to show it at the inspection sites. You need insurance when you have a CDL to insure your driving and operation of commercial vehicles.
If you are the sole driver and operator of your semi truck you will likely need primary insurance to insure yourself.
If you operate a fleet, a trucking company, or have other people driving your semi truck, you may need also to get general insurance.
Title/Registration for Truck
You should keep your registration and title in your vehicle while you drive. This is especially true if you need to travel interstate.
Your USDOT number needs to be available for the inspection and station. You need to have permission to operate interstate.
Title/Registration for Trailer
The title of the semi trailer tells the inspector and any traffic enforcement agent that the trailer is rightfully yours.
How you go about getting your title for your semi truck trailer depends a little on which state you are getting it from.
However, if you purchase a trailer with a lien, you may need to provide a POA or other paperwork
Log Book
A logbook is mandatory for all semi truck operators. By law, truck drivers are only allowed to be working for 14 hours, and only 11 of those hours may be driving.
DOT Cab Card
A cab card is an electronic image or card which serves as a form of registration for your vehicle.
These are sometimes on an electronic device and sometimes are a physical card based upon how you operate and state specific requirements.
IFTA Certificate
IFTA certificates are tax papers (International Fuel Tax Agreement) for tracking mileage traveled in each state. This is done to prevent semi truck drivers from filling up in a cheap fuel state, and traveling through states with more expensive fuel costs.
The IFTA is a record of the miles traveled in each state and the taxes which must be paid in fuel tax. Even when the fuel was not purchased in this state, you must still pay taxes on it.
An IFTA certificate decal should be displayed on your semi truck.
MCS-90 Form
MCS-90 forms are often confused with insurance. This is understandable, but it is not insurance.
Basically, the MCS-90 form is a statement of guarantee submitted and stored at the trucker’s headquarters. This guarantee involves proof that the trucking company (or private individual) has enough to cover all damages or requirements.
CVOR Certificate (for Canada)
Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration is a vehicle registration for operators in Ontario, Canada.
These registration cards must be kept with the driver in the truck. They can be applied to both commercial semi trucks and dump trucks.
Motor Carrier Authority (for US)
A motor carrier authority is similar to the USDOT number. This is a special certificate only for specific types of operations.
It’s mainly for semi trucks, box trucks, and moving trucks that travel interstate with certain kinds of cargo. It must be obtained in addition to the USDOT.
All interstate commercial trucks and companies need to have a USDOT. Not everyone needs a motor carrier authority.
If your type of business qualifies, you should keep this in your vehicle.
Safety Certificate for Truck
A safety certificate is an authorization that when an employee performs the inspection, they are qualified to do so.
These safety regulations trump all private regulations by the company and must meet the rules of FMSCA.
Whether this inspection is done in house or at the state run facility, proof of recent inspection should be available.
Safety Certificate for Trailer
A semi truck trailer that exceeds 10,000 pounds must be inspected yearly at least. These inspections can also be a “surprise” roadside inspection.
The safety certificate says that the trailer is roadway worthy and can be towed on the road. This certificate should be available in your truck in case it is needed or requested.
You can find a helpful list of commonly checked places here on the inspection form.
Emissions Certificate
Semi trucks must meet the newest updates to the 1974 environmental regulations on emissions.
Back in 2007, the EPA updated this policy to be much more stringent, and all trucks needed to comply within six years of being implemented.
Although not explicitly stated, some states require this certificate for inspection. It’s best to keep it in the truck. Medical Certificate
A medical certificate is recorded with your CDL in the database. In order to be qualified, the driver must submit a medical examination paper and self identify for specific driving capabilities.
If a driver has impairments (missing arm, leg, finger, or hearing impairments), they must pass a skill performance evaluation (SPE). This should be kept with you if you qualify as someone who needs this.
Otherwise, your medical certificate isn’t needed on your truck since it is recorded in the database.Medical Certificate
State Permits
Bill of Lading
Recent DOT Inspect
