Adding a Truck to Your Fleet — What Changes?

What to do

1. 1Form 2290 for the new truck. If it's 55,000 lbs or more taxable gross weight, file for the partial period starting with the month it's first used on public highways. The return is due by the last day of the following month, and the tax is prorated.
2. 2Add it to your IRP fleet. File a supplement with your base state to add the truck to your apportioned account; bring the stamped Schedule 1 and title. Use a trip permit until the cab card arrives if you must run interstate before then.
3. 3Order IFTA decals. Each qualified truck needs two decals from your base state before it crosses a state line.
4. 4Add it to your insurance. Schedule the unit on your auto liability, physical damage and cargo policies before it moves.
5. 5Inspection and driver files. Get the prior annual inspection report or inspect it before it works. If a new driver comes with it: pre-employment drug test, full Clearinghouse query and a driver qualification file first.
6. 6Update your MCS-150. Reflect the new power-unit count in Motus — it's also what sets next year's UCR bracket.
7. 7Check the numbers. Run your cost per mile and profit per truck for the new unit before you sign — the note and insurance have to be covered by that truck's revenue.

Official sources

• IRS — About Form 2290
• IRS — Instructions for Form 2290
• IRP, Inc.
• IFTA, Inc.
• UCR Plan — fee brackets
• FMCSA — Updating your registration
• FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

Frequently asked questions