INTRASTATE — GOVERNED BY YOUR STATE DOT
Intrastate carriers — what to do when you operate within one state
Governed by your state DOT, not federal authority. Because your specific operating-authority, registration, and tax requirements depend entirely on your state, the most important thing is to check your own state's page — but the federal drug & alcohol compliance program still applies to CDL drivers.
Your checklist as a intrastate (you operate within one state)
These are the steps the engine includes for this authority type. Items marked “Vertical Identity” are handled by us when you enroll. Steps that don’t apply to this type are automatically left off.
Get compliant to operate
Join a drug & alcohol consortium (C/TPA)
Owner-operators MUST be in a consortium for random testing — you can't self-administer. We are your C/TPA.
When:Before any driver performs a safety-sensitive function.
Source: 49 CFR §382 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Pass a pre-employment drug test
The test must be passed — not just taken — before driving. We order it.
When:Negative result REQUIRED before the first dispatch.
Source: 49 CFR §382.301 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Register + query the FMCSA Clearinghouse
Login.gov steps are yours; we run the queries as your TPA.
When:Full query pre-employment; limited query annually.
Source: Clearinghouse final rule · reviewed 2026-06-14
Build your Driver Qualification File
Even a solo owner-operator needs a DQF on themselves. We manage it.
When:Before driving; MVR within 30 days of hire + annually.
Source: 49 CFR §391.51 · reviewed 2026-06-14
DOT medical card (physical)
Required to hold a CDL for interstate non-excepted driving. We perform the physical.
When:Valid up to 24 months — can be shorter. Renew before expiry.
Source: 49 CFR §391.41–.49 + §383.71 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Written drug & alcohol policy
A written policy is required. We provide one per DOT mode.
When:Provided to drivers before they drive.
Source: 49 CFR §382.601 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Supervisor reasonable-suspicion training
60 min drugs + 60 min alcohol for anyone making reasonable-suspicion calls. We train them.
When:Before the DER/supervisor supervises drivers.
Source: 49 CFR §382.603 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Register your truck
File IRS Form 2290 (HVUT)
Vehicles ≥55,000 lb. E-file returns a stamped Schedule 1 in minutes — do it yourself at IRS.gov.
When:Before plating (Schedule 1 required to register).
Source: IRS Form 2290 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Register IRP apportioned plates
Multi-state operation. File through your base state — link below for each state you picked. Apportioned plates are about the VEHICLE running interstate, not about holding MC authority — private and exempt-commodity carriers (USDOT-only, no MC) register IRP too.
When:After authority is active; needs your base state.
Source: IRP / base-state · reviewed 2026-06-14
Get your IFTA license + decals
Qualified vehicles in 2+ jurisdictions. Issued by your base state.
When:Before interstate operation; quarterly returns after.
Source: IFTA · reviewed 2026-06-14
Pass your New Entrant Audit
Pass your New Entrant Safety Audit
The #1 automatic failure is having no drug & alcohol program. Stay enrolled and you pass.
When:Within 12 months of starting operations.
Source: 49 CFR §385 subpart D · reviewed 2026-06-14
Core regulatory sources: 49 CFR §382 — drug & alcohol testing · 49 CFR §385 subpart D — New Entrant Safety Audit · last reviewed 2026-06-14
Intrastate requirements vary by state
Your operating authority, registration, and any weight-distance tax all depend on the state you operate in. Open your state’s page for the exact agencies and official links.
Frequently asked questions
What rules apply to an intrastate carrier?
Intrastate operation is governed by your state DOT rather than federal operating authority, so requirements vary significantly by state — separate state operating authority, registration, and any weight-distance tax all depend on your state. Check your state's page for its specific agencies and links, and verify with your state DOT.
Do intrastate carriers still need a drug and alcohol program?
In most cases, yes — many states adopt the federal 49 CFR Part 382 drug and alcohol testing requirements for intrastate CDL drivers, which means consortium enrollment and a pre-employment test. The exact application depends on your state. Verify with your state DOT, and we can serve as your C/TPA.
Do I need IRP apportioned plates if I only run in one state?
IRP apportioned plates are for vehicles operating in two or more IRP member jurisdictions. If you operate exclusively within one state, you generally register under that state's own rules instead. Verify with your state DOT — your state page links the right agency.
Get your drug & alcohol program in place
We serve as your C/TPA and keep your testing records audit-ready.
Enroll in the consortiumThis is general guidance, not legal advice. Verify requirements with FMCSA and your state DOT.