Indiana intrastate trucking requirements: a filing guide
Carriers that never leave Indiana file with the Indiana Department of Revenue's Motor Carrier Services. New for-hire carriers, and private carriers hauling hazardous materials, file Form IOA-1, and their insurance company files a Form E. Private carriers hauling non-hazardous goods file Form IOA-1 only.
- Which filings you need
- Indiana minimum limits
- Household goods and passengers
- Renewals and contacts
- FAQ
Indiana handles intrastate trucking through the Department of Revenue's Motor Carrier Services (MCS). The rules depend on whether you haul for hire and whether you haul hazardous materials.
Which filings you need
| Carrier type (never leaves Indiana) | New filing | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| For-hire property carrier | Form IOA-1 plus Form E | Form IOA-1 (or IOA-1A) and proof of insurance |
| Private carrier, hazardous materials | Form IOA-1 plus Form E | Form IOA-1 (or IOA-1A) and proof of insurance |
| Private carrier, non-hazardous | Form IOA-1 | No renewal process |
Source: Indiana DOR MCS operating authority checklist. Form E comes from your insurance company, not from you.
Indiana minimum limits
| Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| For-hire, non-hazardous, 10,000 lbs or less | $300,000 |
| For-hire, non-hazardous, 10,001 lbs or more | $750,000 |
| Hazardous materials, private or for-hire | $1 million to $5 million |
Source: Indiana DOR Commercial Motor Vehicle Guide. Brokers and shippers may ask for more by contract.
Household goods and passengers
Indiana DOR cites IC 8-2.1-22: household goods and passenger carriers need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from DOR. Applications take 30 to 60 days, and you cannot haul during that time. After approval you have 60 days to have a Form E filed and to submit your tariff, or the authority is dismissed. Authority renews every year by November 30. DOR household goods and passenger authority
Renewals and contacts
- Keep insurance continuous. Renewals ask for proof of insurance.
- MCS phone line: 317-615-7200. MCS contact page
- If you start crossing state lines, you need federal authority, IRP and IFTA. See our Indiana IRP and IFTA guide.
FAQ
What is Form IOA-1?
Indiana's operating authority form, filed with DOR Motor Carrier Services by new intrastate carriers. It is also used for renewals.
Who needs a Form E in Indiana?
Intrastate for-hire carriers and private carriers of hazardous materials. Your insurance company files it with Motor Carrier Services. Private carriers hauling non-hazardous goods do not.
What liability does Indiana require for intrastate trucks?
Per the DOR guide: $300,000 for for-hire non-hazardous property in vehicles of 10,000 pounds or less, $750,000 at 10,001 pounds or more, and $1 million to $5 million for hazardous materials.
Does a household goods mover need more?
Yes. Indiana requires a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from DOR for household goods and passengers. After approval you have 60 days to have a Form E filed and submit your tariff.
Is there a fee for a USDOT number?
No. The Indiana DOR guide notes there is no fee for a USDOT number.
Helm Partners is a trucking-only insurance agency being formed in Michigan. Our Michigan license is pending. We do not quote or sell insurance until licensed. We are not licensed in Indiana and do not quote, sell or place insurance there. This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.