How to Get Your Own Trucking Authority in Louisiana

To get your own trucking authority in Louisiana, you must obtain a USDOT number and an MC number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for interstate operations. For intrastate operations, you must also register with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). The process involves securing a process agent (BOC-3), fulfilling specific liability insurance requirements ranging from $300,000 to $5,000,000, and registering for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and International Registration Plan (IRP) through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. DispatchTool assists new Louisiana owner-operators by automating the organization of these compliance documents and providing IFTA-ready reporting tools to track mileage across state lines like I-10 and I-20. By centralizing your FMCSA data and LPSC permits within the platform, you can manage load settlements and route planning without manual data entry errors. To begin organizing your new carrier documents, create a DispatchTool account.

Federal Requirements: USDOT and MC Numbers

Every commercial carrier in Louisiana operating a vehicle over 10,001 lbs GVWR in interstate commerce must apply for a USDOT number via the Unified Registration System. If you intend to haul regulated commodities for hire across state lines, you must also obtain Operating Authority, known as an MC number. The FMCSA charges a one-time application fee of $300 per type of authority. Once you submit the application, the FMCSA initiates a 10-day protest period. During this window, you must have your insurance provider file proof of coverage and submit your BOC-3 form to designate process agents in every state where you operate.

Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) Registration

Carriers operating exclusively within Louisiana borders (intrastate) must comply with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) requirements under Title 45 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. If you are hauling household goods or waste, you must obtain a Common Carrier Certificate. For other non-exempt property, you typically need a Registration Receipt. The LPSC requires a filing fee, which is often $25 for certain registration types, along with proof of insurance that meets the state's minimum standards. Failing to register with the LPSC before performing intrastate moves can result in significant fines and vehicle impoundment by the Louisiana State Police.

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) for Louisiana

Even if you are based in a city like Shreveport or New Orleans, you must participate in the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program if you operate in interstate commerce. The UCR fee is determined annually and is based on the size of your fleet. For 2024, the fee for a carrier with 0-2 power units is $37.00. This registration must be renewed every year between October and December. The funds generated from UCR are redistributed to states, including Louisiana, to support motor carrier safety enforcement and educational programs administered by the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

Insurance Requirements and Form BMC-91X

The FMCSA and LPSC enforce strict insurance minimums to protect the public. For general freight, you are required to carry at least $750,000 in primary auto liability coverage. If you are hauling hazardous materials, this requirement increases to either $1,000,000 or $5,000,000 depending on the substance. Additionally, while not a federal mandate for all, many brokers require $100,000 in cargo insurance before they will tender a load. Your insurance agent must electronically file Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X with the FMCSA to trigger the activation of your MC number. In Louisiana, these premiums can range from $8,000 to $18,000 per year for new authorities depending on driver experience.

Louisiana IRP and IFTA Registration

If your truck operates in two or more jurisdictions and exceeds 26,000 lbs GVWR or has three or more axles, you must register for the International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). In Louisiana, these are managed by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). IRP allows you to pay apportioned registration fees based on the percentage of miles driven in each state. IFTA simplifies fuel tax reporting by allowing you to file one quarterly tax return with Louisiana rather than individual returns for every state you traversed. You must maintain detailed records of all fuel purchases and GPS coordinates for at least four years for audit purposes.

Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290)

Before the Louisiana OMV will issue your apportioned plates (IRP), you must provide proof of payment for the Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). This tax applies to all vehicles with a gross weight of 55,000 lbs or more. The tax rate starts at $100 plus $22 for every 1,000 lbs over 55,000 lbs, maxing out at $550 per year for vehicles over 75,000 lbs. You file this electronically using IRS Form 2290. The tax year for HVUT runs from July 1st to June 30th, and the filing deadline is typically August 31st for vehicles in use during July.

The New Entrant Safety Assurance Program

Once your Louisiana authority is active, you are placed in the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Assurance Program for 18 months. During this period, you will be monitored for safety compliance. You must pass a Safety Audit, which usually occurs within the first 12 months of operation. The FMCSA auditor will review your driver qualification files, hours-of-service records, and maintenance logs. According to FMCSA data, failure to provide proof of a drug and alcohol testing program is one of the most common reasons for failing a New Entrant audit. You should join a consortium immediately upon receiving your DOT number.

Sources

FMCSA Registration Portal (2025) — https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration Louisiana Public Service Commission (2024) — http://www.lpsc.louisiana.gov/ IRS Form 2290 Instructions (2024) — https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-2290 Louisiana Department of Public Safety - Truck Services (2025) — https://www.expresslane.org

Frequently asked

How much does it cost to get trucking authority in Louisiana?

The initial federal filing fee is $300 for the MC number. Additional costs include UCR fees (approx. $37), IRP registration (often $1,000 - $2,000), and insurance down payments which can be 10-25% of a $12,000 annual premium.

Do I need a Louisiana LPSC number if I have a DOT number?

Yes, if you intend to pick up and drop off the same load within the state of Louisiana, you must register with the LPSC. The USDOT number covers interstate travel, but state-level authority is required for intrastate commerce.

How long does it take for a trucking authority to become active?

It typically takes 21 to 30 days. After filing with the FMCSA, there is a mandatory 10-day protest period. Once your insurance and BOC-3 are filed, the FMCSA usually issues the Grant Letter within another 5 to 10 business days.

What are the insurance limits for Louisiana intrastate carriers?

For non-hazardous freight in vehicles under 10,000 lbs, the LPSC may require lower limits, but for most commercial trucks over 10,000 lbs, you must match the federal minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage.

Where do I apply for Louisiana IRP plates?

You apply through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, Office of Motor Vehicles, specifically the Truck Services unit in Baton Rouge. They handle all apportioned registration and IFTA decals.