Want to Start Hauling Interstate Loads? Here’s What You Need To Know

There are two types of trucking: intrastate and interstate. Intrastate refers to hauling loads only within one state. Interstate, refers to moving freight between multiple states.

In order to start hauling interstate, you’re going to need a lot more registration than before. Let’s cover everything you need to legally operate interstate trucks.

Interstate operation requirements

USDOT Number:

Issued by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), USDOT Numbers are required for vehicles that haul cargo or transport passengers interstate and that meet one or more of the following requirements:

1. Has a gross or combined weight of 10,001 lbs or more
2. Transports 8 or more passengers for compensation
3. Transports 15 or more passengers not for compensation
4. Transports hazardous materials.

The USDOT Number serves as your identification during inspections, compliance reviews and more.
*If you solely travel intrastate within one of the 33 states that require a USDOT Number or transport hazardous materials in any state, you will still be required to obtain a USDOT Number.

MC Number: 

The MC Number serves as your interstate authority, or your right to travel between states. In addition to your USDOT Number, you may be required to obtain one or more types of authority through the FMCSA based upon your business and the type of cargo you carry. The type of authority obtained will determine the type and level of insurance coverage needed.

BOC-3: 

The BOC-3 is a federal form that designates legal agents upon which process may be served in each state. BOC stands for “blanket of coverage,” and is often required before federal operating authorities can be granted within the United States.

A BOC-3 is typically filed after an MC# has been issued. The BOC-3 form is submitted to the FMCSA, and is used to designate process agents in each state where your business operates.

Process agents act as your representative for particular states and accept all legal documents or court papers that may be served to your business. The agent then forwards those documents to you and can advise you on how to proceed according to the laws in your state.

Process service agencies are third-party companies capable of granting BOC-3 filings. All process agencies must employ or lease the services of individuals or entities in each state and must be registered with the FMCSA in order to grant a BOC-3.

UCR: 

The Unified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCR) requires anyone operating interstate or international commercial vehicles that weigh at least 10,001 lbs to register annually and pay fees based on the number of vehicles used. 

Even if a business is not based in a participating state, interstate carriers are still required to register with the UCR and will be assigned a base jurisdiction in a nearby state.

IRP: 

The International Registration Plan (IRP) is required for commercial motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions across the contiguous United States or provinces of Canada. Vehicles that require IRP have a gross weight in excess of 26,000 lbs and/or have three or more axles. 

IRP fees are determined by the number of miles driven in each jurisdiction, but all fees are paid to the base jurisdiction only. This jurisdiction then apportions the funds accordingly, which are used to improve highways and safety programs.

IFTA: 

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), like the IRP, applies to commercial motor carriers traveling in more than one jurisdiction (state or province). 

Fuel use must be accurately recorded and filed with one’s base jurisdiction four times a year. Taxes are then distributed to other jurisdictions according to the amount of fuel burned in each.

How to file IFTA

The quarterly IFTA deadline is January 31, 2020. Our sister product Express IFTA is the best way to file your IFTA taxes! 

Enter your mileage and fuel consumption and they do all the complicated calculations for you!