January 26, 2012 - The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today granted temporary operating authority to motor carriers who held certificates of authority for 2011 and apply for 2012 certificates of authority by March 1, 2012.

Under the Motor Carrier Act (Act), a motor carrier must obtain a certificate of authority from the Commission before transporting property upon the public highways of Michigan.  To receive a certificate of authority, a motor carrier must file an application with the Commission, which is then reviewed to determine if various conditions outlined in the Act and applicable rules have been met.  The certificate terminates on December 31 of the calendar year during which the certificate is issued.  Applications for renewal must be submitted prior to termination and after October 1 of the same year.  

On July 26, 2011, the Commission office, including the Motor Carrier Division, suffered extreme flood damage to its leased office space and was forced to relocate.  Due in part to myriad logistical issues caused by the flood, many of the renewal applications for 2012 were not received in a timely manner.

In today's order, the Commission granted temporary authority to operate (consistent with the terms and conditions of its 2011 certificate of authority) to any "person" (as defined by the Act) that held a certificate of authority for 2011, applies for a new certificate of authority for the 2012 calendar year by March 1, 2012, and meets the conditions of the MPSC's order.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Case No. T-1865

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