INTRASTATE — GOVERNED BY YOUR STATE DOT
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Find your state’s official links →
Source: IRP / base-state · reviewed 2026-06-14
Qualified vehicles in 2+ jurisdictions. Issued by your base state.
When: Before interstate operation; quarterly returns after.
Find your state’s official links →
Source: IFTA · reviewed 2026-06-14
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
Not a regulation — this is how you actually find freight to haul. A load board connects you with brokers and shippers posting loads. We can connect you with a load board partner.
When: Once your authority is active and you are ready to haul.
See our recommended partner →Time estimates are practical, typical ranges — not guarantees. Your actual timing will vary.
Core regulatory sources: 49 CFR §382 — drug & alcohol testing · 49 CFR §385 subpart D — New Entrant Safety Audit · last reviewed 2026-06-14
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FMCSA official tool
FMCSA has a free official wizard that asks a few questions about your operation and tells you exactly which USDOT registration and operating authority you need. It opens in a new tab, so this checklist stays right here as your reference.
Opens fmcsa.dot.gov in a new tab — an official .gov tool. We don’t collect anything from it.
