A message from Commissioner Bob Grennes
Ed. Note: Earlier this year, Adam Krupp announced his resignation as DOR Commissioner. On Jan. 17, Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed current Chief Operating Officer (COO) Bob Grennes as commissioner effective Feb. 1. As COO, Bob worked with over 500 operations division team members, including those at Motor Carrier Services - designing, operating and improving all operations and service delivery functions. You can find more information about Commissioner Grennes in his bio.
Three years ago, I was extremely fortunate to be invited to join the Department of Revenue team as Chief Operating Officer. It was a very exciting time as we were about to embark on a journey to dramatically improve our organizational performance while preparing for Project NextDOR. I have had the pleasure of working alongside our amazing DOR team to find innovative ways to improve our overall organization – systems, processes, relationships and culture – in order to provide best-in-class customer service to our fellow Hoosiers.
The entire DOR MCS team cares deeply about serving the trucking industry and the customers who count on us. Our commitment to best-in-class customer service has never been stronger and our partnerships with motor carriers, IMTA, SC&RA and other organizations are at the very foundation of our industry service model.
Cheers to 2020!
 DOR's Sandy Bowling Reappointed to UCR Board
In late 2019, Motor Carrier Services Supervisor Sandy Bowling received a letter from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, reappointing her to the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan’s Board of Directors.
Sandy was first appointed to serve on the 15-member UCR Board in 2008 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to represent the Midwestern states. She previously served as Chair of the UCR registration subcommittee in which Indiana created the UCR systems for all state and carriers to use. In 2019, Sandy was appointed to the UCR finance subcommittee and the position of Vice-Chairperson for the Education and Training subcommittee.
“I hope to be able to educate and train the states on the new UCR system, all the different reports that are available on the UCR system and how to learn about federal laws to help their customers,” said Sandy.
Fuel Tax Account Information Available Online
We recently updated the Fuel Tax Account Quick Reference Guide. Download your copy today.
DOR IFTA Team is Ready to Serve
Did you know that in 2019, DOR's IFTA team of five customer service specialists answered approximately 12,000 phone calls and processed an estimated 64,000 manual transactions? Now that’s going the extra mile!
Specialized Training Opportunity
The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) recently produced a first-of-its-kind, 55-minute comprehensive online training course designed specifically to provide best practices for bridge safety and accident prevention. This course, while not endorsed by DOR, may benefit you or your customers.
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Appointment Needed for New IFTA and IRP Accounts Soon
In an effort to serve our customers more efficiently, walk-in service for all new IRP and IFTA accounts at our motor carrier customer service center will require an appointment beginning later this spring. Stay tuned for details!
Did you know you can also submit these applications online? Save time and fuel by submitting your new IFTA and IRP applications and supporting documentation to:
Customers can also submit these applications by mail:
- Motor Carrier Services Division 7811 Milhouse Road, Suite M
Indianapolis, IN 46241
Attn: FTS or IRP (as needed).
2019 UCR Registration Now Open
The Unified Carrier Registration Plan (UCR) requires individuals and companies that operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate or international commerce to register their businesses and pay an annual fee based on the size of their fleets.
A chart for 2020’s fees is available online.
Registration and renewal fees for 2020 can now be paid on the UCR registration portal. For support or questions, call 1-833-UCR-PLAN or send an email to helpdesk@ucr.gov.
State enforcement of the UCR registration requirements commonly begins January 1. However, the opening of the 2020 registration period was delayed several months until fees could be approved. UCR has requested that states delay enforcement until June 1, 2020.
OSW Permit Requirements and Best Practices
A recent series of high-profile crashes and law enforcement citations highlights the need for carriers to apply for OSW permits and use best practices. Without the proper permits, loads may be impounded and drivers and their companies are subject to civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident (in addition to fines levied by law enforcement). Additionally, companies will have to pay costs to legally transport the load to the delivery point or to fix any damage done to bridges and roadways.
OSW permits are required when a vehicle exceeds:
- 13 feet 6 inches in height;
- 8 feet 6 inches in width;
- 60 feet (two-vehicle combination) or 53 feet (semi-tractor-semi-trailer combination) in length; or
- 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (subject to axle weights; following federal bridge guideline requirements).
In addition, you must follow all the general provisions found on Form M-204 when operating a vehicle with an Indiana Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permit and keep a copy of the provisions with your OSW permit (electronic copies are acceptable).
When required, MCS recommends using a vehicle escort company with experienced drivers. Drivers in the escort vehicle(s) must be able to communicate with the motor carrier at all times. Additional requirements for escort vehicles are on Form M-204.
Remember, assigned routes represent the safest way to transport loads based on information provided by the carrier/permitting agency to MCS or INDOT and the road conditions at the time the permit is issued.
Road and bridge conditions may change and require alternative routes. Check road conditions online before starting your trip and be sure to obey all posted limits on roadways and bridges (height, width, weight).
For more information on OSW permits, please visit the OSW webpage or call (317) 615-7320, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., EST.
MCS on the Road
MCS representatives are scheduled to attend the following events.
May 5-7, IRP Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, MN
August 12-13, IFTA Annual Meeting in Tempe, AZ |
