Know Before You Roll
Essential compliance and regulatory information for owner-operators and carriers. Stay legal, stay moving.
State Compliance
Intrastate Authority & Registration by State
If you're hauling freight entirely within one state (intrastate), you may need state-level operating authority separate from your federal MC number. The table below covers key states in the Zeto network. Always verify current requirements directly with the state agency — regulations change.
| State | Authority / Registration | Typical Cost | Processing Time | Notes for Cargo / Box Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (TN) | Tennessee Intrastate Authority TN Dept. of Revenue – Intrastate Authority | $50 application + $8/vehicle | No standard time published | Generally required for qualifying for-hire property carriers operating only within TN. |
| Arkansas (AR) | Arkansas Intrastate Authority Arkansas DOT – Intrastate Authority | Varies by authority/application | No standard time published | For-hire carriers transporting property entirely within AR generally need state authority unless exempt. |
| Mississippi (MS) | MDOT Motor Carrier / General Freight Registration Mississippi MDOT Motor Carrier | $50 new carrier + $10/vehicle | No standard time published | General freight carriers operating intrastate may need MDOT registration. |
| Texas (TX) | TxDMV Motor Carrier Number / Intrastate Operating Authority TxDMV – Motor Carrier Number | $5–$100 application + vehicle fees + $100 insurance filing | 24–48 business hours initial review | Conditional. Not every cargo van/box truck automatically needs TxDMV registration. Triggers include >26,000 lbs, placardable hazmat, household goods for compensation, etc. |
| West Virginia (WV) | WV Public Service Commission Motor Carrier Authority WV Public Service Commission – Motor Carrier | Varies by carrier/authority | Varies | WV regulates certain for-hire intrastate motor carriers. Commercial vehicles ≥10,001 lbs and certain for-hire vehicles have additional identification/safety requirements. |
| Florida (FL) | No single general intrastate freight certificate for ordinary general freight Florida HSMV | Operation-specific | Operation-specific | For ordinary general freight, requirements depend on vehicle, cargo, weight and operation. Special requirements can apply to household goods, hazmat and other regulated operations. |
| Georgia (GA) | Georgia Intrastate Motor Carrier (GIMC) requirements Georgia DPS – Commercial Vehicle Enforcement | Operation-specific | Varies | Georgia has state motor-carrier requirements. Interstate carriers may also have UCR/IFTA obligations depending on vehicle and operation. |
| Alabama (AL) | Alabama Public Service Commission Certificate/Permit Alabama PSC – Motor Carrier Applications & Forms | $100 general property application | No standard time published | Generally required for qualifying for-hire property carriers moving freight from one Alabama point to another. |
Cost
$50 application + $8/vehicle
Processing
No standard time published
Notes
Generally required for qualifying for-hire property carriers operating only within TN.
Cost
Varies by authority/application
Processing
No standard time published
Notes
For-hire carriers transporting property entirely within AR generally need state authority unless exempt.
Cost
$50 new carrier + $10/vehicle
Processing
No standard time published
Notes
General freight carriers operating intrastate may need MDOT registration.
Cost
$5–$100 application + vehicle fees + $100 insurance filing
Processing
24–48 business hours initial review
Notes
Conditional. Not every cargo van/box truck automatically needs TxDMV registration. Triggers include >26,000 lbs, placardable hazmat, household goods for compensation, etc.
Authority
WV Public Service Commission Motor Carrier Authority
WV Public Service Commission – Motor CarrierCost
Varies by carrier/authority
Processing
Varies
Notes
WV regulates certain for-hire intrastate motor carriers. Commercial vehicles ≥10,001 lbs and certain for-hire vehicles have additional identification/safety requirements.
Cost
Operation-specific
Processing
Operation-specific
Notes
For ordinary general freight, requirements depend on vehicle, cargo, weight and operation. Special requirements can apply to household goods, hazmat and other regulated operations.
Authority
Georgia Intrastate Motor Carrier (GIMC) requirements
Georgia DPS – Commercial Vehicle EnforcementCost
Operation-specific
Processing
Varies
Notes
Georgia has state motor-carrier requirements. Interstate carriers may also have UCR/IFTA obligations depending on vehicle and operation.
Authority
Alabama Public Service Commission Certificate/Permit
Alabama PSC – Motor Carrier Applications & FormsCost
$100 general property application
Processing
No standard time published
Notes
Generally required for qualifying for-hire property carriers moving freight from one Alabama point to another.
* Costs and processing times are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm current fees and requirements with the respective state agency before applying.
Questions About Compliance?
The Zeto Verified back-office team can help you navigate state requirements, paperwork, and staying compliant on the road.