What Is the Difference in Intrastate and Interstate Trucking?

Understanding trucking regulations is essential, especially if you’ve been hurt in a truck accident and are looking to recover compensation for your crash-related losses. Truck drivers may need to follow different laws depending on whether they are transporting cargo across state lines or staying within a state.

What Does ‘Intrastate’ Mean in Trucking?

Intrastate or short-haul trucking means drivers transport goods within one state. They typically must follow only that state’s trucking regulations and requirements. State regulatory agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles issue these commerce transportation rules.

Common examples of intrastate trucking include:

• Tow trucks
• Dump trucks
• Garbage and recycling trucks
• Box trucks for local deliveries

However, these and other types of trucks could be involved in interstate trucking if they cross state lines.

What Does ‘Interstate’ Mean in Trucking?

Interstate or long-haul trucking applies to drivers delivering goods and products across state lines or international borders. These drivers usually must follow federal rules and requirements.

Common examples of trucks frequently engaged in interstate trucking include:

• Flatbed trucks
• 18-wheelers
• Tanker trucks
• Semi-trucks

Understanding what qualifies as interstate trucking is critical as it can involve more than simply driving across several states. The following situations are examples of interstate trucking:

• Just passing through – A shipment that travels through other states could qualify as interstate, even if the trucker only transports it within the same state.
• Line crossing – If a delivery route passes through another state at any point, it becomes interstate trucking, even if the truck isn’t delivering a shipment to that other state.
• Shipment origin – If a load is manufactured in one state for distribution in other states, it could be engaged in interstate trucking.

Why Is It Important to Know the Difference?

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, the difference between interstate and intrastate trucking matters because of the specific rules truck drivers must follow. Generally speaking, interstate truckers and owners are subject to higher standards.

For instance, the federal government may mandate higher levels of liability insurance for trucks that conduct interstate business, whereas lower state insurance requirements may apply to intrastate trucks. Knowing the difference could be crucial in determining potential sources of compensation. Furthermore, the amount of coverage could determine whether you need to file a lawsuit to recover total compensation.

Key Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Rules and Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees and governs interstate trucking. All interstate truckers and trucking companies must follow the FMCSA’s regulations and requirements, including:

• Drivers must take 10 consecutive hours off before driving again.
• Drivers cannot work more than 60 hours a week or 70 hours in eight days.
• Drivers must be 21 and pass drug and alcohol testing.
• Drivers and owners must carry the required amounts of insurance.

Get Help from Our Truck Accident Lawyers Now

Our experienced truck accident attorneys can help navigate the complexities of interstate vs. intrastate trucking. We can investigate whether drivers fulfilled applicable requirements and followed specific procedures. At Craig, Kelley, & Faultless LLC, we have extensive experience handling truck accidents and recovering maximum compensation.

Contact our truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.