Trucking Compliance Resources
Consultran provides helpful resources, checklists, and guides to help Minnesota motor carriers understand and maintain compliance with federal and state regulations.
Helpful Guides & Checklists
IFTA Filing Checklist
Ensure you have everything needed for accurate IFTA quarterly filing:
- All fuel receipts for the quarter
- Complete mileage logs by jurisdiction
- Vehicle identification numbers (VINs)
- Beginning and ending odometer readings
- Trip sheets or ELD reports
- Previous quarter return for reference
Contact us for assistance with IFTA filing.
2026 DOT compliance calendar
These dates repeat annually; the figures below are for 2026.
- January 31: IFTA Q4 due
- April 30: IFTA Q1 due
- July 31: IFTA Q2 due, Form 2290 due for July first-use vehicles
- August 31: Form 2290 annual filing deadline
- October 31: IFTA Q3 due
- December 31: UCR for the next year must be paid (opens Oct 1; enforcement begins January 1)
- IRP (Minnesota base): Renew by the last day of February. Other base states use different expiration months — we track yours.
- Every 2 years: MCS-150 biennial update
Let Consultran track all your deadlines. Get started →
New Carrier Startup Checklist
Starting a trucking company? Complete these steps:
- Form legal business entity (LLC, Corporation)
- Obtain EIN from IRS
- Apply for DOT number and MC authority (if for-hire)
- File BOC-3 process agent designation
- Obtain required insurance and file BMC-91
- Register for UCR
- Apply for IFTA license
- Register vehicles under IRP
- File Form 2290 for each vehicle
- Establish DOT drug testing program
- Create driver qualification files
- Implement hours of service compliance
Consultran can handle steps 3–10 for you (authority through drug testing). Driver qualification files and hours-of-service programs stay with you — we’ll tell you what auditors look for. Learn more →
IFTA Audit Preparation Guide
Selected for an IFTA audit? Here’s what to prepare:
- Organize all fuel receipts by quarter
- Compile complete mileage records
- Prepare vehicle fleet list with VINs
- Gather trip sheets and supporting documents
- Review filed returns for accuracy
- Identify any missing documentation
- Calculate potential adjustments
Need audit support? Consultran has extensive audit experience. Contact us →
Useful Links
Federal Agencies
- FMCSA: www.fmcsa.dot.gov - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- IRS HVUT: IRS Form 2290 Information
- UCR: www.ucr.gov - Unified Carrier Registration
Minnesota Resources
- Minnesota DVS: Driver and Vehicle Services
- Minnesota IRP & IFTA: DVS IRP and IFTA
IFTA Resources
- IFTA Inc: www.iftach.org — Official IFTA website
- Current tax rates: IFTA tax rate matrix
- IFTA Procedures Manual: IFTA Inc manuals
Educational Content
- Frequently Asked Questions - Common compliance questions answered
- Trucking Compliance Glossary - Industry terminology explained
- Compliance Blog - Latest news and updates
- Client Testimonials - Success stories from motor carriers
Record Retention Requirements
Motor carriers must maintain specific records for compliance audits and inspections:
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| IFTA Records (fuel receipts, mileage logs) | 4 years |
| IRP Records (registration documents, distance records) | 3 years |
| Form 2290 | 3 years from filing date |
| Driver Qualification Files | 3 years after driver leaves |
| Hours of Service Logs | 6 months |
| Vehicle Maintenance Records | 1 year after vehicle leaves fleet |
| Drug & alcohol testing records | 5 years (positives, refusals, SAP, follow-up); 1 year (negatives / alcohol under 0.02) — 49 CFR §40.333 |
Need Personalized Compliance Support?
While these resources provide helpful information, nothing beats personalized service from experienced compliance professionals. Consultran has been helping Minnesota motor carriers since 1973.
Our services include: