ARLINGTON, VA – TRALA is urging the Texas Department of Transportation to reinstate a process for issuing temporary titling and operating authority to truck owners and motor carriers. This temporary authority is necessary in order to put trucks into commercial operation while International Registration Plan paperwork is processed through the state. Without the temporary authority, truck lessors are reporting waits of as long as three weeks before new trucks can be put into service.

The ability for truck owners to get temporary titling and operating authority was lost when Texas implemented its online registration system. Prior to the implementation of the new online system, trucks with apportioned plates could be operated for up to 45 days under temporary authority. This prevented trucks from sitting idle while administrative paperwork was completed. However, the new online system does not include an adequate temporary credentialing process.

TRALA is working with the Texas Motor Transport Association (TMTA) is asking the Texas Department of Transportation to reinstate a process that would provide temporary credentials in a timely manner similar to the process that existed before the online system. It is anticipated that the issue will be considered at a Texas Transportation Commission hearing on Dec. 13.