Carrier resources
Tools for the road.
The links carriers I work with use most: weigh station bypass, truck parking, FMCSA lookups and filings, fuel taxes, and a winter checklist.
Weigh stations and bypass
- PrePassWeigh station bypass and toll payment with one transponder or app.
- DrivewyzeWeigh station bypass through your phone or ELD.
- Trucker PathDrivers report which weigh stations are open or closed.
Truck parking and stops
- Trucker PathTruck stops, parking reports from other drivers, fuel and weigh stations.
In winter, lots fill up early when storms close roads. Plan your parking before you get close to the end of your hours.
FMCSA lookups and filings
- SAFER Company SnapshotLook up any carrier or broker by USDOT or MC number.
- Licensing and InsuranceCheck operating authority status and insurance on file.
- FMCSA RegistrationApply for or update your USDOT number and authority, BOC-3 and insurance filings.
- FMCSA PortalYour company account for safety data, MCS-150 updates and notices.
- Safety Measurement System (CSA)See your safety scores and inspection history.
- Drug and Alcohol ClearinghouseRequired queries and driver consent.
- Hours of service rulesThe current HOS rules, exceptions and guidance.
- Emergency declarationsHOS waivers for relief loads during storms and disasters.
- National Registry of Medical ExaminersFind a certified examiner for your DOT physical.
Fuel tax and registration
- IFTAQuarterly fuel tax rates and filing information.
- IRPApportioned plates for interstate trucks.
- Unified Carrier RegistrationAnnual UCR registration for interstate carriers.
- IRS Form 2290Heavy highway vehicle use tax for trucks 55,000 lb and up.
See every state's diesel tax next to its pump price on the fuel prices page.
Weather and roads
- Road weatherAlerts by state, a lane check, mountain pass status and chain laws.
- National Weather ServiceForecasts for any city or point on your route.
- Truck tollsNYC and I-95 bridge and tunnel tolls by axles and direction, with live crossing times.
Winter driving checklist
Chains and traction
- Carry the chains your routes require. Colorado, California, Oregon and Washington check.
- Check the fit before the first storm, not on the shoulder.
- Know where the chain-up areas are on your passes.
Fuel and DEF
- Use an anti-gel additive when temperatures drop.
- Keep the tank above half, so you can idle if you get stuck.
- Carry a spare fuel filter.
- DEF freezes at 12°F. Your system thaws it, but keep spare DEF where it won't freeze.
Truck and trailer
- Drain air tanks every day and check the air dryer.
- Clear snow and ice off the roof, lights and reflectors at every stop.
- Run winter washer fluid and carry an ice scraper.
- Check tires and tread depth.
Emergency kit
- Blankets or a sleeping bag, warm clothes, gloves and boots.
- Two to three days of food and water.
- Flashlight, batteries and a phone power bank.
- Shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, jumper cables, triangles.
Check the road weather before you roll. If it's bad, park it. No load is worth it, and I'd rather reschedule than have you in the ditch.
Hauling with ShipWithMike
Steady flatbed, step deck, RGN and dry van freight, and a broker who answers the phone.
These are independent services. ShipWithMike.com isn't paid to list any of them.