What Is The Difference Between Intrastate And Interstate Trucking? 

To start a trucking firm, you must choose where to operate. While many trucking businesses specialize in interstate transportation, there are advantages to hauling intrastate as well. But first, what is the difference between the two? If you need more information about trucking laws and truck accidents, contact RSH Legal – Iowa Personal Injury Lawyers today. 

The difference between intrastate and interstate trucking is that interstate trucking means driving a commercial motor automobile across state lines, which includes leaving the country or transporting cargo from one point to another within a state’s boundaries. Still, the ultimate destination of the cargo is outside of the state. In contrast, intrastate trucking means driving your commercial vehicle only within the boundaries of a state, and the cargo’s ultimate destination is within the state. By shipping items over state lines, you are engaging in Interstate trade. By moving goods within a single state, you engage in intrastate trade because the final destination is the state from which it started. 

Why is it important to differentiate between interstate and intrastate trucking? 

Interstate and intrastate trucking are essential because the laws governing the vehicle, driver, and firm are different, as are the regulating organizations in interstate vs. intrastate trucking. To ensure your compliance as a truck driver, you must first understand which laws apply to you. If you work in interstate trucking, you must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA). If you just do intrastate transportation, you must follow the rules and regulations of each state and state regulatory body. 

How can you tell if a truck is engaged in interstate commerce? 

Suppose you are involved in a truck accident. In that case, the police record will normally include registration numbers showing whether the vehicle was registered with the appropriate interstate or intrastate transportation agency. Hence, contacting the law enforcement agency to request a copy of the police report or asking the investigating office, if possible, is sometimes the best method to find out. 

It is difficult for laypersons to distinguish between interstate and intrastate trucking when they come across a commercial motor vehicle on the road, especially if it is a semi-truck. Some commercial motor vehicles are operated more frequently in intrastate commerce, even though any vehicle can be used in interstate commerce. 

You have the right to seek compensation for your losses, whether you were injured by an interstate or intrastate truck. Talk to an experienced attorney today.