They do things a bit differently in Texas: If you’re a trucking company and you want to haul goods through Texas, you’re going to need to get register your vehicles with the Texas DMV and secure a special Texas DOT license.

If your company operates trucks -- and this includes vans and pickup trucks -- that can be used to or are intended transport cargo, has a gross weight, registered weight or gross weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds and will be driven across state lines, you will need to register with Texas as a motor carrier.

In addition, you’ll need to register for a Texas DOT license if you’re going to transport hazardous materials within the state in an amount that requires you to warn others on your vehicle so that other drivers may see it. You’ll also need to register if you’re going to transport household goods (you’re a moving company) or if you’re operating a commercial vehicle that’s owned by someone who lives or a citizen of a country other than the U.S.

If you’re a private commercial carrier (you’re hauling your own products) or you’re trucking company is a "for-hire" company that picks up and deliver loads within Texas’ borders within just the state (you’re not going to cross state lines), and your truck has a gross weight -- or your semi-tractor and trailer have a combined gross weight -- of more than 26,000 pounds, you’ll need to apply for the Texas DOT license.

You also will need a valid USDOT number to register for a Texas DOT license. In addition, your insurance carrier will have to provide the Texas Department of Transportation with proof of insurance.

There are other requirements as well for operating a trucking company in Texas, and a well-established, knowledgeable authority service can help you navigate the requirements Texas has put into place for acquiring a Texas DOT license.

After all, don’t you have better things to do with your time than trying to keep up with and file all the paperwork required with entities such as the Texas DOT?

A top-notch authority service can help take that burden from you.