What Distinguishes Interstate from Intrastate Trucking
It is crucial to comprehend the distinctions between “Interstate” and “Intrastate” when trucking. To begin, interstate trucking denotes using a commercial motor vehicle to move goods over state boundaries. For instance, you would need interstate authorization if you were picking up a shipment in Florida and transporting it to New York. Contrarily, intrastate trucking refers to operating a commercial motor vehicle entirely inside the confines of a single state. For example, you would need intrastate authorization if you picked up a shipment in Northern California and transported it to Southern California without crossing any state lines.
The distinction between interstate and intrastate travel is Important!
You must be aware of the rules that apply to you since truck drivers must abide by various regulations. In interstate and intrastate trucking, several rules regulate the driver, the truck, and the corporation. You must adhere to the regulations set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association while engaging in interstate trucking (FMCSA). You only need to abide by the rules of the various states when engaged in intrastate trucking.
Interstate vs. Intrastate CDL and Commerce
Trucks of many kinds, including but not limited to tow, dump, trash, and concrete mixing, are used in intrastate trade. This vehicle may only be driven in one state and requires a CDL (Commercial driver’s License) for the driver. Contrarily, hauls for interstate commerce may include supplies for building projects, machinery, food and retail items, and more. Even while interstate hauls are frequent, most trucking businesses transport cargo over state and international boundaries.
The goods you transport will dictate the kind of trailer you have and may also reflect intrastate or interstate trade. These are some examples of trailer types:
Dry vans – not temperature-controlled and unable to transport big shipments, dry vans are meant to transport palletized, boxed, or loose freight.
Flat Bed – These carry big, oversized, broad, and fragile items such as machinery, construction materials, or equipment.
Refrigerated – used to preserve the temperature when carrying perishable and temperature-sensitive commodities.
Tankers – can hold up to 10,000 gallons of liquid and are often used to carry refined fuels, vacuum, potable, and non-potable water.
The cost of your loads might vary depending on what you choose to carry. Some trailers are more costly than others (refrigerated trailers cost more than flat beds, for example), but you could have a higher chance of hauling more lucrative cargo. Higher risk loads for trucks, including those containing radioactive goods or dangerous gases, may be more lucrative. It depends on whether you are searching for shorter (usually intrastate) or longer (often interstate) routes. Interstate and intrastate trucking may be lucrative regardless of the kind of goods you are transporting.