Air Freight Service/Trucking

Required State License(s):  

Intrastate vehicles are licensed through Motor Carrier Division, Public Service Commission, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs; (517) 241-6030.  

Intrastate trucks that weigh in excess of 26,000 pounds, have 3 axles and are diesel powered must have a diesel fuel tax decal from the Motor Fuel, Cigarette and Miscellaneous Tax Division of the Department of Treasury; (517) 373-3183.  

Inter-State vehicles are licensed and insured with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration; (202) 358-7028 OR (202) 358-7029. The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) was abolished January 1, 1996.  

Inter-state diesel fuel tax decals are registered with Motor Fuel, Cigarette and Miscellaneous Tax Division of the Department of Treasury by "gross vehicle weight;" (517) 636-4630.  

Trucks weighing over 55,000 pounds may be liable for a federal highway use tax. Use IRS Form 2290.  

Drivers of trucks of over 26,000 pounds g.v.w. must obtain a Commercial Drivers License. Contact the local Secretary of State's Office for information.  

Any person who is employed for the principal purpose of operating a motor vehicle; and who drives a motor vehicle while it is in use as a public or common carrier of persons or property, must be certified by the carrier as provided for by the Motor Carrier Safety Rules administered by the Michigan State Police, Motor Carrier Division; (517) 336-6195.  

Motor carrier drivers who are self-employed must also be certified.  

Information about a vehicle that is over 50' in length or 8' in width, contact the Department of Transportation; (517) 373-2120.  

Depending on the type of substance being trucked, permit(s) may be required from Treasury, State Police, Liquor Control, Agriculture and Rural Development, Environmental Quality or the Secretary of State.  

Call or write Secretary of State, IRP unit; (517) 322-1097, for IRP license plates. This takes the place of a commercial plate for interstate trucks if vehicle weight is over 26,000 pounds.  

Other Possible License(s):

A Truck Broker matches companies with goods to haul with truckers to haul them; A Freight Forwarder assembles small shipments to go to a different location in larger shipments. Vehicles are licensed with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (202) 358-7028 or (202) 358-7029.

Miscellaneous:

Applicants for permits to carry hazardous materials within Michigan will face tightened procedures from the Public Service Commission, which regulates trucking companies.  The strengthened procedures, which will place the firms under greater overall scrutiny.

The Secretary of State's office uses a national system to conduct criminal background checks on drivers who seek a hazardous material endorsement on their licenses.

The trucking companies seeking authority to transport hazardous materials within the state will now be required to provide additional information that will be reviewed by the PSC, as well as the State Police and the Secretary of State.

Additionally, the State Police will conduct an investigation to verify past employment of an applicant for the trucking company and all its drivers, a criminal investigation of the applicant and rivers, cross checks for identification of other issues that could pose concerns about safety and fitness, and visits to the applicant's facilities by the Motor Carrier Division.

Among the new required information is:

• A signed release allowing the PSC, State Police and Secretary of State to verify all information.
• A 10-year employment history for the company and all drivers.
• Verification of driving, vehicle records and hazardous materials certification for the company and drivers through the Secretary of State's direct access program. 

Further Information:  

To obtain a copy of the "Trucker's Guide," contact the Michigan State Police at (517) 336-6195; the Michigan Truck Safety Commission at (517) 321-1955.  

For DOT Physical Forms (medical card) contact the Michigan Trucking Association at (517) 321-1951.  

Revised: 4/2005