While they may seem similar, a shipper should be aware of distinctive differences between interstate and intrastate trucking. Understanding how they differ can help shippers save time and money when transporting cargo. For example, the federal regulations governing interstate shipping may vary from interstate shipping. You must adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMSCA) rules in interstate trucking. In contrast, intrastate trucking follows the agencies’ laws in the individual states. Failure to comply with the laws can be costly and disrupt supply chains. This article will introduce both transportation methods and explain how they compare and contrast.
What Is Interstate Trucking?
Interstate trucking is when a carrier moves freight across states and national borders. While interstate can also mean crossing borders like Mexico and Canada, we will focus on state lines inside the U.S. Along with goods from state to state, interstate can also mean cargo that a carrier picks up and delivers in the same state if they have to cross state lines. The moment a truck passes a state border on its route, it is interstate and requires the appropriate licensing. The most common trailer types are refrigerated, flatbed, dry vans, and tankers. Interstate is ideal for owner-operators with small fleets due to the benefits lost with intrastate.
What Is Intrastate Trucking?
Intrastate trucking is when a carrier moves cargo inside state borders. For example, if a truck has to ship freight from northern California to southern California. Often known as short-haul, intrastate is simpler for drivers to start in than long-haul. This is because they do not follow the same FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations that interstate carriers do. Common trailer types in intrastate commerce include tow trucks, dump trucks, and concrete mixing trucks. The carriers that shippers use for interstate transport may also be typical. Unlike interstate trucking, which tends to be done by owner-operators, companies with larger fleets tend to run intrastate loads.
How Do Interstate and Intrastate Trucking Differ And Compare?
Along with the distinctions mentioned above, interstate and intrastate trucking differ in more significant ways. One of the main differences between the two transportation types is the requirements for operating authority. For example, carriers that are doing interstate commerce will likely need a US DOT number from the Department of Transportation. The FMCSA requires drivers to get a DOT number if they:
- Transport hazardous material (HAZMAT) across state lines.
- Has a carrier that is greater than 10,001 pounds shipping across state lines.
- Has a vehicle made to transport more than eight people working for compensation across state lines.
Interstate and Intrastate trucking also differ when it comes to insurance. While the FMCSA has specific guidelines for interstate carriers, insurance for intrastate vehicles varies by state.
Despite the differences, interstate and intrastate trucking still have similarities regarding driver requirements. Both domestic transport types have specific driver permits and licensing requirements and require hazardous material training. They are also beneficial for individual shippers and businesses with supply chains. To begin moving your shipment domestically, contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1fsinc.com for a quote. Whether you require interstate or intrastate trucking, we assist with moving your goods anywhere across the U.S.