Which filings do I need?

Checked against official sources · Last reviewed October 6, 2026

Which federal filings you need depends on a few things: whether you cross state lines, whose freight you haul, how heavy your truck is, and whether you haul placarded hazardous materials. Answer the questions below to get your checklist, with a link to each guide. [1][2][3]

How the checklist is built

• Crossing state lines is what triggers most federal registrations. Businesses that operate only within one state aren't subject to UCR, for example.
• Whose freight decides operating authority. You need it to haul other people's federally regulated freight for pay across state lines, but not as a private carrier hauling your own cargo.
• 10,001 lbs (rating or actual weight, whichever is greater) makes a truck a commercial motor vehicle under the federal safety rules for interstate trips: USDOT number, medical card and hours of service. Placarded hazardous materials make any vehicle one.
• Only in one state? Several federal items are marked "check", because your state sets the rules for in-state-only carriers on things like USDOT numbers.
• 26,001 lbs is the CDL line, and over 26,000 lbs is where IFTA and IRP start for two-axle trucks.
• 55,000 lbs taxable gross weight is where the Form 2290 tax starts.

Sources: [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

What the checklist doesn't cover

The checklist covers federal rules for a U.S.-based carrier hauling property. It doesn't cover passenger carriers or state-only requirements. FMCSA lists 38 states plus Puerto Rico that require intrastate carriers to get a USDOT number, so if you only run in one state, check with your state. [1]

Common questions