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Air Freight Service/Trucking - Licensing Information

Required State License(s):  

Intrastate vehicles are licensed with the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, Michigan Public Service Commission(PSC), Motor Carrier Division at (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 with the Department of Treasury, IFTA/Motor Fuel Tax Division - Special Taxes at (517) 636-4580.  

Inter-State vehicles are licensed with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at (800) 832-5660.  

Inter-State diesel fuel tax decals are registered with the Department of Treasury by "gross vehicle weight" at (517) 636-4580.  

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 should be certified by the carrier as provided for by the Michigan State Police at (517) 336-6195.  

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

Information about a vehicle that is over 50' in length or 8' in width contact the Department of Transportation at (517) 373-2120 or (517) 373-2121.  

Depending on the type of substance being trucked, permit(s) may be required with the Department of Treasury, State Police, Labor and Economic Growth (Liquor Control), Agriculture, Environmental Quality or the Department of State.  

Call The Department of State, IRP Unit at (517) 322-1097 for IRP license plates. This takes the place of a commercial plate for interstate trucks if the vehicle weight is over 26,000 pounds.  

Other Possible License(s):

A Truck Broker matches the companies with the products to haul with truckers.  A Freight Forwarder assembles small shipments to be transported to different locations in larger shipments. Vehicles are licensed with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at (800) 832-5660.

Miscellaneous:

Applicant permits to transport hazardous materials within Michigan will face tightened procedures with the Public Service Commission (PSC) who regulates trucking companies.  The strengthened procedures will place the firms under greater overall scrutiny.

The Secretary of State 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, 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 drivers, 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 Center for Truck Safety at (800) 682-4682 Lower Peninsula or (800) 469-7364 Upper Peninsula.

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

Revised: 03/09