Interstate Trucking vs. Intrastate Trucking

Welcome back truckers, hope you’re doing well. Our previous blog was about America’s 5 Most Traffic Congested Places for Truckers, to move around the city with ease, leaving the traffic behind. However, today we’re going to discuss about Interstate Trucking and Intrastate Trucking, throwing light on their differences. We just hope we keep your attention till the end. 

We do know that there are two categories for truck driving operations naming Interstate and Intrastate trucking dealing on the roads of America. However, in detail, interstate means taking up trucking pick up and deliveries across more than two states, in other words, the commercial truck crosses one or more state lines in transporting its cargo. Whereas, intrastate means, the operations required take place within the boundaries of a single state.

The major difference noted here is how these two types of trucking is regulated and maintained by the agencies.

Interstate Regulations:

The interstate trucking operations are required to abide by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, or FMCSRs, and Federal Hazardous Material Regulations. However, operations that transport cargo across the state line are also subjected to the regulations and file tax for the state they’re commuting through.

The federal regulations are established and authenticated by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, the agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Intrastate Regulations:

These intrastate trucking operations are administrated by the regulations of the state within, which it is operated. However, it is said that these regulations are the same or almost similar to the FMCRs, mentioning some variances, which includes less strict medical qualifications, lower age limits, and more hours behind the wheels for commercial truck drivers.

Fees Respected To The State:

When it comes to commercial truck drivers, they are subjected to offer more and higher fee if they operate across the state lines. For example, license plates and insurance are higher for interstate operations, whereas each state can impose its own cargo fee and miscellaneous charges. However, in the case of intrastate trucking, the number of money collection is less and so the charges for vehicle license plates are believed to be lower.

It is important to know that the fee collected can also vary, based on the type of cargo is being transported, miles covered and additional fine for not making the payment on time.

DOT Number:

According to the FMCSA, all interstate commercial truck operations must have a U.S. Department of Transportation Number if

  • The vehicle is more than 10,000 lbs.,
  • If the driver is paid to transport 9-15 members including the driver
  • If the driver is transporting more than 16 or more passengers
  • If the truck is hauling hazardous material, crossing one or more state lines.

Whereas, with intrastate trucking operations are required to obtain a DOT number, if it is mandatory to acquire one by the state is needs to operate in.

Commercial Driver License:

Now this is important and mandatory, regardless of whether a truck driver operates interstate or intrastate, he or she must possess commercial driving license from the base state where he/ she resides. However, do note that each state frames its own CDL requirements, considering the minimum federal standards that are usually covered under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986.

It is also mandatory for the drivers to pass test that possess necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate commercial motor vehicle. Truckers are also required to pass additional test to operate vehicles that possess air brakes, carry hazardous material, transport people, tow double or triple trailers or transport gas, liquid and other material in the tank.

On a final note, we would like to remind you, if your truck weighs more than 55,000 pounds and has crossed more than the standardized miles, then you’re liable to file taxes on time through application, tax2290.com, One-shop stop solution service provider.

Our tax experts are here to serve you with your requirements. One simple call to +1-866-245–3918 or one mail to support@taxexcise.com is enough to get assistance almost immediately. Like we have mentioned before, we don’t like to make you wait, long hours. You’re as important as you are to the nation. Have a safe and happy trucking, truckers!

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