What Does Interstate Mean in Trucking?

Operating any trucking business requires understanding and following complex rules and regulations. One such regulation affecting your operation is the distinction between interstate and intrastate trucking. Although the definitions might seem straightforward, the meanings in trucking influence nearly every aspect of your business, from the USDOT number registration to how much liability insurance coverage you need to purchase.

So, what does interstate mean in trucking? Here, we explain the interpretation of “interstate” in transportation (it’s not exactly what you think) and how where you plan to transport goods makes a big difference to the registrations and permits you need to run a legal and compliant business. 

The Meaning of “Interstate” in Trucking 

Within the industry, the interstate trucking definition is moving cargo across state lines and into Canada and Mexico. It also applies to any load that crosses state lines or will cross them at any point within its journey to its final destination. 

Intrastate trucking, on the other hand, refers to trucking that only takes place within the borders of a single state. It most often applies to local delivery services, construction vehicles, garbage trucks, tow trucks, and other vehicles that only operate within a limited radius in a single state. 

Sometimes, the definition of intrastate vs. interstate can become murky, especially when a company’s home base is close to a border. For example, it’s possible for a tow or delivery company based in Rhode Island to cross over into Massachusetts or Connecticut during normal operations. These trucks fall into the definition of interstate trucking simply because they cross state lines.

What’s Different About Interstate Commercial Trucking?

One big difference between interstate and intrastate trucking is that all trucks hauling freight across state lines need a USDOT number. This registration number identifies the truck so authorities can keep track of inspections, violations, and more. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires the following vehicles to register for a USDOT number before operating on U.S. highways:

• Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight over 10,001 pounds transporting freight across state lines
• Any driver transporting hazardous materials over state lines or that will eventually cross state lines
• Any driver operating a vehicle carrying eight or more passengers for pay 
• Any vehicle that carries 15 or more passengers over state lines 

Additional Permits and Requirements for Interstate Commercial Trucking 

In addition to acquiring a USDOT number, trucking across state lines requires several other permits and registrations. 

Interstate Operating Authority

To drive a truck across state lines, you must have interstate operating authority in the form of a motor carrier number. An MC is a federal registration number that indicates the type of business you run, the cargo you can carry legally, and the type of insurance you need.

Unified Carrier Act Registration 

Carriers must register their fleets, even in non-participating states, to legally carry freight into all states. 

International Fuel Tax Agreement and International Registration Plan

This allows states to collect fuel taxes from carriers without requiring them to register in every state.

Insurance

The FMCSA sets minimum insurance limits for interstate carriers and co-operators based on the truck weight and freight type. Requirements range from $300,000 for trucks weighing less than 10,001 pounds to $5 million for hazardous materials, regardless of vehicle weight. Individual states set the insurance requirements for intrastate trucking. 

The Similarities Between Interstate and Intrastate Trucking 

Although interstate and interstate trucking differ in where each travels and the required permits, there are several areas where there’s no difference. Many state laws related to trucking mimic FMCSA rules, but there are some important differences to note. 

That said, when it comes to transporting cargo across state lines, FMCSA rules and guidelines take precedence over state laws if there is a discrepancy. This ensures that drivers and carriers have one consistent set of regulations to follow and don’t have the burden of knowing and adhering to multiple state laws. 

That said, many rules apply to all trucking operations, regardless of whether they drive long or short hauls and the location of the headquarters. These include:

• CDL requirements for drivers 
• Driver qualifications 
• Drug and alcohol testing requirements 
• Insurance requirements 
• Rules governing the transport of hazardous materials 

FMCA Filings Can Help You Acquire All the Permits You Need 

If you need more help understanding “what does interstate mean in trucking?” or a more in-depth interstate freight transport explanation, FMCA Filings can help. We’ll streamline the permit filing process for your enterprise, ensuring you meet all the legal requirements to operate across state lines. 

You can also check out our blog to learn more about the trucking industry, including DOT weight regulations and how they affect you. Chat with one of our agents online to get more details and keep your company on the road to success.