How the Web will make jobs easier for Mich. truckers

The Web-based system lets traveling motor carriers manage accounts with the state via the Internet so they can work nationwide and in Canada while still fulfilling their obligations instead of having to actually be in Michigan to take care of paperwork in person, or by old-school methods such as snail mail or fax.

“IRP Online (will prove to be) a time saver for Michigan’s motor carriers and for this department,” said Ruth Johnson, Michigan secretary of state, at a safety awards banquet sponsored by the Michigan Trucking Association.

“This technology makes things easier for truck drivers and allows us to provide the best possible service while streamlining our operations.”

Offering transactions online allows carriers to avoid filling out paperwork and sending it to the department with a paper check, Johnson said. Truckers can now pay a fee with an e-check.

IRP Online is easy to use and intuitive, Johnson said, because it provides step-by-step instructions and an online training manual. That lets truckers spend more time delivering goods and services instead of dealing with the minutiae of endless paperwork.

IRP translates to "International Registration Plan," a reciprocal agreement with most states and provinces. Transactions eligible under this program include renewing vehicle registrations, adding vehicles; adding jurisdictions, replacing vehicle-registration certificates, buying and updating plates and stickers and editing account information.

There are approximately 8,000 fleets and 35,000 vehicles in Michigan covered by the program.

Truck owners or drivers may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at 1-888-767-6424.

Hawke Fracassa writes from Detroit for TorqueNews.com. You can reach him at [email protected].

Image source: Kenworth truck, from Wikipedia