If you need assistance with apportioned plates, IRP, IFTA, or any other form of DOT compliance for your El Paso trucking business, Border Trucking Compliance is here to help. Contact us online or call (915) 838-1080 to learn more about our services.

What are Apportioned Plates? 

Apportioned plates simply refers to the type of plates you get when you register your vehicle. You have the option of choosing apportioned plates, commercial plates, or combination plates during registration. We’ll go into more detail later about how to choose the right type of plates, but there are certain requirements you’ll need to meet if you want to register for apportioned plates. You can only get apportioned plates if you register under an IRP. 

What Does IRP Mean? 

IRP stands for International Registration Plan and is a type of plan you sign up for if you have a truck that travels internationally or exceeds a certain weight limit. The IRP is an agreement between all the states in the US as well as all the provinces in Canada. 

The goal of IRP is to come up with a fee repayment plan to compensate each state for managing and repairing highway damage caused by trucks. Each state and province has it’s own fees, which means that you’re annual totals will vary depending on where you travel. 

If you register under the IRP, you’ll be granted apportioned plates for all of the trucks in your trucking company. This will ensure that you’re compliant with international and statewide trucking regulations. 

What Does IFTA Mean? 

IFTA stands for International Fuel Tax Agreement and is applicable to all commercial trucking companies traveling throughout the country. In the same way that the IRP is set up to compensate states and provinces based on where you travel, the IFTA is designed to compensate states based on the number of miles your trucks travel within the state. 

Despite its name, the IFTA doesn’t enforce fees based on where you purchased your fuel. It also doesn’t include all of the states and provinces in North America, as Canada and Oregon are exempt from taking part in the agreement. 

Should I Register Under IRP or IFTA? 

While IRP and IFTA may sound similar, they are in no way connected and are two separate entities. However, because of how similar they are, if you register for one, you’ll likely have to register for the other. Registration for both entities depends on where you do most of your transporting and how heavy the loads are that you transport. 

You must register with IRP if you meet the following requirements. 

• Travel across state or provincial borders. 
• Haul loads weighing more than 10,000 pounds. 

You’ll have to register for IFTA if you meet the following requirements. 

• Your transporting vehicle has at least 2 axles and a GVWR or GVW of more than 26,000 pounds. 
• Your transporting vehicle has three or more axles. 
• Your transporting vehicle transports more than 26,000 pounds and gets used in combination. 

Contact us to find out who you should register your trucking company with. 

Who to Contact If You Need Help Registering Your Vehicle

It’s important to know if you need to register with the IRP and IFTA, as well as if you need apportioned plates. If you make a registration mistake, you could be subject to hefty fines and potentially lose your company. Therefore, rather than trying to go it alone and risk making a mistake, let the professionals at Border Trucking Compliance. We’ll let you know what type of registration plates you need, as well as which entities you should register with. Contact us online or call (915) 838-1080 today!

If you require DOT drug testing in El Paso and want more information, Border Trucking Compliance can help. Contact us online or call (915) 838-1080 to learn more!

What is a DOT Drug Test? 

As the name indicates, a DOT drug test is a drug test administered by the Department of Transportation – an integral branch of the US government. DOT drug testing was first initiated in the early 1990s when it was discovered that there was an obvious need for more stringent drug testing among transportation professionals. The goal is to determine whether or not employees in transportation are abusing drugs or alcohol. 

Who Has to Get a DOT Drug Test? 

DOT drug testing, while administered by the government, is for more than just government employees. Anyone considered a “safety-sensitive” employee would have to take a DOT drug test at some point in their career, if not several points. Safety-sensitive employees include anyone whose job puts both them and the general public at risk should they make a mistake. 

Here are some of the most popular jobs that are considered “safety-sensitive.” 

• Working as a pilot or part of a flight crew 
• Truckers 
• Train drivers, operators, and personnel 
• Boat operators 
• Bus drivers 
• Working with a pipeline or with hazardous materials 
• The U.S. Coast Guard 
• Federal Transit Administration employees 

Contact us to find out more about how DOT drug testing works with prescription drugs and medications. 

What Kind of Drugs Show Up During DOT Drug Testing? 

DOT drug testing is a fairly comprehensive test that checks for many drugs in your system, including the following. 

• Alcohol 
• Marijuana 
• Cocaine 
• Opioids 
• Amphetamines 
• Phencyclidine 
• Many more 

A DOT drug test will catch all illegal drugs and even some legal ones. Essentially, if you’re taking a substance that impairs your judgment in any way, the DOT drug test will catch it. 

What Happens If You Fail a Drug Test? 

The Department of Transportation will inform your employer if you fail your DOT drug test. They will then be forced to remove you from your job posting. In addition to losing your job, there may be additional consequences for failing a DOT drug test. 

• Losing your license 
• Losing your certification 
• Fines 

These additional punishments will depend on both the DOT and your employer. 

Can Anyone Get Drug Tested? 

According to the DOT guidelines, nobody is exempt from a random drug test. However, in addition to random DOT drug testing, there are a few additional scenarios where drug tests are likely. 

• You’re returning to work after time off 
• You were just involved in an accident 
• You have a follow-up drug test 
• You have done something to arouse suspicion from the DOT 

Who to Contact for All Your DOT Drug Testing and Compliance Needs

If you need a DOT drug test administered or want to ensure you’re fully prepared for an upcoming test, contact us at Border Trucking Compliance in El Paso. We will work with you and your team to ensure you’re DOT drug testing compliant and ready for one at any moment. Contact us online or call (915) 838-1080  to set up an appointment and learn more about the DOT drug testing process. 

If you’re unprepared for the audit or don’t have your ducks in a row, you and your company could face the consequences. Therefore, the best way to prepare for a DOT audit is with DOT audit consulting from the pros at Border Trucking Compliance. Contact us online or call (915) 838-1080 today!

What is a DOT Audit, and What is Their Purpose? 

A DOT audit reviews your company’s safety standards and records. The Department of Transportation performs its audit to ensure that you’re complying with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The audit’s goal is to ensure the safety of your truckers and the passengers with whom they share the roads. 

While you have a higher risk of getting audited if you violate the DOT’s Safety Management System, everyone gets audited at some point. Most DOT audits are generally done in person, but they can also be performed over the phone, the internet, or via fax. 

What to Expect During a DOT Audit 

Regardless of how or when your DOT audit takes place, preparing with DOT audit consulting is essential. In most cases, you’ll have between 45 and 60 days to submit your plan and records for the audit, which means that time is of the essence. 

Most DOT audits consist of six categories, each of which you’ll have to prepare for. 

Category 1: General 

The General portion of the audit consists of proving that you have all the documentation necessary to be a trucking company. This includes insurance, permits, licensing, accident reports, and more. Contact us for DOT audit consulting for a complete list of documents you should have prepared. 

Category 2: Driver 

As the name of this section implies, it will focus squarely on the El Paso drivers in your employ. It will look at their driving records, licenses, and drug tests showing that they aren’t abusing drugs or alcohol. 

Category 3: Operational 

The operational section is fairly broad and can cover many things. In general, however, a significant area of focus is the number of hours your truckers are working. It will also look for violations in the Forms of Manner, Hours of Service, and False Information. 

Category 4: Vehicle 

This section of the audit will check in on how well-maintained and safe your vehicles are. You are required to submit service and repair records as well as records of maintenance and additional information. Contact us for a complete list and additional DOT audit consulting. 

Category 5: Hazardous Materials 

If you can’t provide proof that you and your drivers have completed a hazardous materials transportation course, you will violate this section. 

Category 6: Accidents

It’s vital that you keep a complete list of accidents and driving violations for each of your drivers. You must also provide clear, accurate documentation proving that your drivers aren’t violating their hourly limits. This section also includes documentation regarding any injuries your drivers have sustained in the course of their work. 

While these six categories form the basis of DOT audits, much more goes into them. It’s important to have a complete list of documents and records prepared. 

Who to Contact in El Paso for Premium DOT Audit Consulting? 

While you can prevent frequent audits, the DOT will come for everyone at one point or another. Therefore, your best course of action is to be prepared and seek DOT audit consulting from Border Trucking Compliance. We’re always on your side and will ensure you have everything you need to pass your audit with flying colors. Contact us online or call (915) 838-1080 today!

According to FMCSA (The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), all truckers must-have commercial truck insurance. If you’re a new driver, finding the right insurance for your trucking operation may seem a little confusing. This is a guide to the many things you need to know about trucking insurance in El Paso!

At Border Trucking Compliance, we have years of experience helping truckers choose the right insurance for their specific needs. If you are looking to obtain truck insurance or change your existing policy, BTC can help. Call (915) 838-1080 today!

Types of Trucking Insurance in El Paso

You’ll want to consider several types of insurance for trucks in El Paso, TX. The two main options are General Liability and Auto Liability insurance. 

• General Liability Insurance: With this type of insurance, your company is protected from lawsuits stemming from accidents or injuries caused by your employees or other parties. It covers legal costs if someone sues you for an injury and includes coverage for bodily injury, damage to property, and economic loss (including lost wages).

• Auto Liability Insurance: This type of coverage protects against lawsuits filed against your company because one of your trucks was involved in an accident while being driven by an independent contractor (i.e., someone who isn’t employed by you). These claims can be expensive if they’re not handled appropriately; therefore, all drivers must have adequate proof of why they were driving at the time to clear up any confusion over liability.

To learn about available truck insurance coverage, get in touch with our El Paso commercial truck insurance experts by calling (915) 838-1080 today!

How to Determine the Best Trucking Insurance 

When looking for trucking insurance in El Paso, it’s essential to consider the type of cargo you’ll be hauling. The value of your freight will also determine how much coverage you need. 

For example, suppose you’re transporting expensive cargo, such as liquid chemicals valued at over $1 million. Because these commodities are so valuable, it makes sense that their insurance costs would be higher than if you were transporting less valuable goods like grain or lumber.

Trucking Insurance Needs Also Depend on Where Your Trucks Operate

The type of insurance you need also depends on where your trucks operate. The two most common options are Interstate Trucking and Intrastate Trucking.

• Interstate trucking is covered by the same policies as commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and is regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
• Intrastate trucking occurs within a single state, while interstate travel crosses multiple states. 

It’s important to note that truck drivers can be covered under both types of insurance if they are licensed in one state but operating in another. Still, it’s always best to check with your carrier before signing up for any coverage options that may not seem right for what you’re doing.

Why El Paso Trucking Insurance Matters

Insurance can help you avoid financial ruin by paying for damages or injuries sustained in an accident caused by another party. Your coverage will also cover any legal defense costs if someone else causes your truck accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (this is known as liability coverage). 

If something happens while traveling on the road—like an accident with another vehicle—you’ll need collision coverage too. This policy will pay out if someone hits your truck while it’s parked at a rest stop or fueling station.

If an accident happens, just remember: You’re covered!

Choose Us for the Best Trucking Insurance in El Paso!

Trucking insurance is one of the most important things you can buy for your business. It protects your truck and its contents from accidents, theft, and other risks. If you’re a first-time trucker, it’s crucial to understand how commercial truck insurance works and what type of coverage you need. 

Suppose you’re unsure whether or not it’s right for your business. In that case, get started by choosing Border Trucking Insurance as your team. Our El Paso trucking insurance experts can help answer any questions you may have. This way, when it comes time to purchase coverage in your area, there won’t be any surprises! Contact BTC Insurance online or call (915) 838-1080 today!