Interstate vs. Intrastate: Know Which Path You Need
The requirements depend on whether you will operate across state lines (interstate) or only within Idaho (intrastate).
| Requirement | Interstate | Intrastate |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT Number | Through FMCSA | Through Idaho State Police |
| MC Number | Yes (for-hire) | No |
| BOC-3 | Yes | No |
| Insurance Filing | BMC-91/91X with FMCSA | Form E with Motor Carrier Services |
| Liability Minimum | $750,000 federal | $25,000/$50,000/$15,000 state |
| UCR | Yes | No |
| IFTA | Yes | No |
| IRP | Yes | No |
Step-by-Step: Interstate Authority
Step 1: USDOT Number
Apply through FMCSA at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Free. Processing takes 1-2 business days.
Step 2: MC Number
Apply through FMCSA. $300 filing fee. Takes 3-4 weeks for full approval.
Step 3: BOC-3 (Process Agent)
Designate a process agent in each state where you operate. Blanket filings cost $30-50.
Step 4: Insurance Filing (BMC-91/91X)
Your insurance company files form BMC-91 or BMC-91X with FMCSA.
- Minimum: $750,000 for general freight
- Recommended: $1,000,000 CSL — most brokers require it
- Call RMS at (208) 800-0640 for a new authority quote
Step 5: UCR, IFTA, IRP
- UCR: Annual registration at ucr.gov
- IFTA: Apply through Idaho State Tax Commission
- IRP: Apply through Idaho DMV
Step-by-Step: Intrastate Authority
Step 1: USDOT Through Idaho State Police
This is the key difference — intrastate USDOT numbers in Idaho come through Idaho State Police, NOT FMCSA. Contact Motor Carrier Services: 208-334-8611.
Step 2: Form E Insurance Filing
Your insurance company files Form E with Idaho Motor Carrier Services.
- State minimums: $25,000/$50,000/$15,000
- Recommended: $1,000,000 CSL — state minimums are a trap. One accident on I-90 in winter will blow through $50,000 in seconds.
Step 3: Vehicle Registration
Register vehicles with ITD. Vehicles over 10,000 lbs in Idaho overnight for business need temporary registration.
Key Contacts
| Agency | Phone | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Carrier Services | 208-334-8611 | Intrastate USDOT, registration |
| CVS | 208-872-3163 | Safety, inspections |
| Idaho State Tax Commission | 208-334-7660 | IFTA |
| ITD Permits | 208-334-8420 | Oversize/overweight |
| FMCSA | 800-832-5660 | Interstate authority |
Timeline and Budget
| Item | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT Number | Free | 1-2 days |
| MC Number | $300 | 3-4 weeks |
| BOC-3 | $30-50 | Same day |
| Insurance (first year) | $8,000-15,000+ | 1-3 days for quote |
| UCR | $69-7,511 | Same day |
| Total startup | $9,000-18,000+ | 4-8 weeks |
Idaho-Specific Tips for New Carriers
- Idaho is one of the lowest-cost states to base a trucking operation. No toll roads, no weight-mile tax.
- The color-coded weight system lets you run heavier loads on designated routes.
- Pacific NW owner-operators often establish business in Idaho for cost advantages while running loads into Oregon and Washington.
- Shop your insurance at 12 months. First-year premiums are always higher. RMS specializes in finding competitive rates for carriers with clean first-year records.
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Call or text: (208) 800-0640