Charter vehicles can operate legally in the state of California if they have a valid transportation permit.Charter-party carriers are pre-arranged ground transportation with a driver that charge a fare based on mileage and time rather than the number of individuals in the vehicle.The California Public Utilities Commission issues the TCPs.The California Secretary of State's office, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the California Highway Patrol will need to be attended to prior to filling out the application packet.
Step 1: You can file for your Statement of Information.
If your company is classified as a limited liability company, you will need to file a Statement of Information and Articles of Organization with the California Secretary of State.You will need these documents in your application.125 dollars is the fee for the Statement of Information.70 dollars is the fee for the articles of organization.
Step 2: To get a requester code, apply to the Employer Pull Notice Unit.
You can access the application forms for the requester code by going to the website.The requester code is added to the driver's licenses of your employees and allows you to monitor their driving records.Your requester code is required in your packet.It can take up to 6 weeks to get your requester code.
Step 3: The CA# is a California Carrier Identification Number.
If you plan on operating vehicles that seat 11 passengers or more, this step is required.To schedule an inspection, contact the California Highway Patrol.You will be given a CA# after the inspection.The inspection fees are 15 dollars per vehicle.
Step 4: Compare costs and shop for insurance.
You won't be able to finalize your insurance until you have a number.The cost of insurance can have a big impact on your business plan.You can find insurers through the website.If you don't have a vehicle, you will pay more for insurance than if you include your vehicle information with your application.Public liability and property damage insurance are required of you.You can find more information about the insurance requirements on the website.If you have employees, you must have workers compensation insurance as well.
Step 5: You need to fill out an application for a charter party carrier of passengers.
Print the application packet from the website.You can use the checklist to make sure everything is included.The application fee is 1000 dollars.The application will be reviewed in two weeks.You will receive a deficiency letter if your application is incomplete.To make sure you don't miss the letter, check your mail thoroughly.You don't have authority to operate if you submit an application and get a file number.You need active authority to operate.You should not submit an application until you are able to begin operations within 3 months.Your application fee will increase to 1500 dollars if you apply for an "A" certificate, which will allow you to operate round-trip sightseeing tours and charge individual fares.
Step 6: Insurance and vehicle information should be provided to the License Section.
The vin number and vehicle registration for each vehicle in your fleet will be required by the License Section of the CPUC.You can find more information at http://www.cpuc.ca.gov.You can finalize your insurance once you have turned in your packet and been assigned a number.
Step 7: Enroll in a drug and alcohol testing program.
If you operate vehicles that can carry more than 16 people, you must have a drug testing program that includes a test before a driver can be hired.The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates that this program is compliant with.Marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiate, and phencyclidine are some of the substances that are tested for.The list of drug and alcohol testing consultants can be found on the website.
Step 8: You can contact the Ground Transportation Unit of airports.
Each airport has its own requirements.To get a permit from Los Angeles World Airports, you need to submit 7 documents, one of which is your TCP.The fee for LAWA is 150 dollars a year.
Step 9: You can display the numbers.
Once you have been granted active authority on your permit, make sure the number is displayed on business cards, in all of your company's advertising, and on each of the vehicles in your fleet.