Amid efforts to push a transportation package through the Missouri legislature, Gov. Bob Holden signed an order this week that will make truck registration easier.

The executive order, signed by Holden on Monday, authorizes four state departments to establish by 2003 a single motor carrier services office in Jefferson City.
“The current system can be made both more efficient and cost-effective for the state and more convenient for our customers-the citizens of Missouri,” Holden said. “Trucking registration is a good place for us to start. Currently, this system requires transportation companies to work through four departments of state government. There is no electronic filing alternative. The physical process of registering can actually involve a truck driver making a trip to Jefferson City with stops at four different physical locations. No driver should have to go through all this hassle just to register a vehicle.”
The departments of revenue, economic development, natural resources and transportation have until 2003 to streamline and consolidate their truck registration and regulatory processes. The order directs the departments to make incremental steps toward establishing a single motor carrier services office by January 1, 2003. By July 1, 2001, the agencies must develop a common truck registration process and an Internet registration application. By January 1, 2002, the agencies must present their plan, including a cost benefit analysis, for the consolidation of motor carrier services.
The Missouri Motor Carriers Association supports that plan but has voiced opposition to a plan that would increase truck registration fees, which is part of a $650 million transportation package now under consideration in the House, according to the Associated Press.
Holden hopes improving the current registration system will help restore confidence in Missouri's transportation policy. Some have criticized the Department of Transportation for scrapping a long-range highway plan in 1998 because of lack of funds.