How to Change from Intrastate to Interstate | Step by Step Guide

How to Change from Intrastate to Interstate

Do you want to start your own transport company? Have you already decided where you want to go? What do you want to transport? Before shipping your first load, understand how to change from intrastate to interstate.

What is the Interstate Operating Authority?

How to Change from Intrastate to Interstate

If you want to transport freight internationally (across country internationally), you will most likely need your International Operating License. Other names of this office are the Truck Office or the Motor Transport Office.

Your Motor Carrier (MC) number is linked to your working permit. If you plan to obtain both a DOT number and an MC number, the Federal Office of Motorcycle Safety (FMCSA) will provide both numbers together. The following are two rules to assist you with deciding if you want your International Operating License:

Rental work

See if your company is getting paid. If you intend to drag someone else’s assets for profit, your business will be considered a lease. This is not the same as working in an organization where you or your employer moves your property.

Crossing State or Country Borders

Highway implies crossing state or public boundaries, so assuming you anticipate passing through more than one state or country to cover your expenses, you will undoubtedly require your interstate working permit.

Whether your business meets these two rules, there are still exemptions that might expect you to have a highway functional or cargo office. For instance, assuming you are shipping your property, you may not require a working permit, regardless of whether you cross public lines.

What is an Intrastate Authority?

How to Change from Intrastate to Interstate

Some shipping companies choose to operate in only one state. If you decide to go this route, you will probably need something else, such as your national operating authority. Organizations working inside the state require appropriate enrollment, for example, a DOT number.

While there are companies that can make a profit when operating only domestically (in just one state), you can lose profitable opportunities at high costs that traverse multiple states. 

How to Change from Intrastate to Interstate

How to Change from Intrastate to Interstate

It is important to have a DOT number. The DOT number is similar to your driver’s license number. Your executive agency (or your MC number) is the next registration step to help you manage your business if you plan to operate in more than one state.

Here are three criteria that can help you determine how you get from intrastate to interstate:

Operation of a company car

The FMCSA definition of a commercial vehicle that requires a USDOT number is a vehicle that:

  • Transports HAZMAT, which requires a security clearance in domestic trade
  • Has a total vehicle weight or a total weight of 10,001 or more
  • For a price, it is possible to transport more than 8 persons, including the driver.
  • Carries more than 15 passengers, including the driver, but is not used for compensatory transport

Participation in trading

If your shipping company ships the cargo at the store, you will probably need a DOT number. This distinction is important because even if you drive something that could be considered a commercial vehicle, you probably do not need a DOT number.

Location of your company

Some nations will not need you to get a DOT number if you solely want to run a home company, while others will.

Transitioning from internal to international trade is quite simple if you already have a DOT number and ship merchandise inside one country. You can ask the International Bureau of Operations and pay the necessary registration charge using your DOT number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it feasible for my commercial driver’s license to be transferred to another state?

CDLs cannot be transferred from one state to the next. If you decide to relocate, you should transfer your business driver’s license to the new state and surrender your existing CDL. Your prior personal license will be invalid if you have a Class D personal license in one state and a CDL in another.

What exactly does K Driver’s license intrastate mean?

You can only drive in New York State if you have a K (Intrastate Only) restriction. Because your initial CDL was obtained before September 9, 1999, and you could not fulfill federal medical criteria, you were placed on a K-limit.

Can I drive in another state with California CDL?

If you hold a Class D personal license in one state and a CDL in another, your previous personal license must be invalid.

What steps do I need to take to obtain my CDL transferred to California?

If you have a valid CDL from another state that is valid or expired less than two years ago, you can submit this license (or proof of it). Licenses must have the same classifications, permissions, and restrictions as California licenses.

What exactly does a CDL downgrade imply?

If the driver fails to submit a copy of his or her medical certificate, the CDL will be decreased, and the issuing nation will have to remove the CDL from the driver’s license.

What happens if my Texas CDL gets reduced?

You don’t need to retest if your license was simply lowered due to your medical certificate’s expiration, your license hasn’t expired, and you haven’t completed the licensing transaction after the downgrade. You must retake the exam if your driver’s license has been voluntarily relinquished or reduced.

What is a Driving license for Interstate Commerce?

Interstate trade occurs when a CMV transports goods between two locations within a state, but a portion of the CMV route crosses into another state or country.

It can happen when people move from one state to another or when companies expand into new states by starting a new facility. It’s also common when people move to another city within the same state. For example, let’s say you live in New York and you want to move to New Jersey. In this case, you’re not relocating; you’re just changing states.

This is an example of a short-distance migration. It can also be an example of long-distance migration. Let’s say you want to move to North Carolina, and your current job is in California. In this case, you’re relocating – you’re not just changing states; you’re moving to a different part of the country.

Conclusion

When you switch from intrastate to interstate, you will go from state to federal requirements. The process will look a little different for each state, as some states have similar regulations as the FMCSA, while others do not.