Properly Following the IRP Registration Process Is Critical for Interstate Shippers
Are you staying current on your International Registration Plan (IRP) registrations? If not, it could cause huge problems for your shipping operation. That might be a great reason to call on IRP registration services to help get you properly registered!
The IRP is a set of regulations that allow shipping companies to be registered and operate in all 48 continental states, along with DC and most of Canada, without having to individually register in every state and territory. This is obviously necessary for robust shipping across the continent, but it requires every shipping operation to remain current on their IRP registration.
If you are setting up a new shipping operation, or aren’t sure if you’re current on your registration, here are the most important things to know!
Filing in your base jurisdiction
Wherever your company is headquartered is considered its base jurisdiction, and that is where you need to handle your IRP registration process. You might have satellite offices in ten states, but if your HQ is here in California, you’ll be following California’s rules and regulations for IRP registration. This will then cover all your operation, across the continent.
The amount of registration costs will vary wildly, depending on how many vehicles you operate, how far they travel, and what percentage of that travel time is spent in which IRP districts. In general, the annual fees per vehicle will likely be in the thousands of dollars.
The difficulty is that every state has its own process and fees, which is why professional IRP registration services can be so useful in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles.
Qualifying for IRP
There are three primary qualifications needed to register with IRP.
First, you must have at least one established place of business.
Second, you must operate in at least two separate jurisdictions covered by IRP. Which is to say, if you only ship within your home state, you don’t need IRP registration.
Third, you must have one or more qualifying commercial vehicles. This means that either they are two-axled, but with a gross weight over 26,000 pounds, or else they have three or more axles at any weight.
Make IRP Registration Easy With VLC!
Vehicle Licensing Consultants specializes in simplifying the regulations and bureaucracy surrounding the shipping industry. VLC is an authorized partner of the California DMV, so we make it easy to get your registration in order and pay your fees.
Click here to learn more about our IRP registration services.
