USDOT number for in-state trucks: required · State operating authority: yes, see below · State insurance minimums: yes, see below · UCR participant: yes · State trucking taxes or permits: Commercial vehicle chain law, CDOT oversize/overweight permits.
What Colorado requires of trucking companies
- USDOT number for trucks that stay in ColoradoColorado requires a USDOT number for intrastate commercial vehicles, which for intrastate purposes means 16,001 lbs GVWR/GCWR or more, apportioned-plated vehicles, placarded hazmat and certain passenger vehicles. Intrastate-only carriers add a 'CO' suffix after the USDOT number in their vehicle markings. Source
- Colorado operating authorityColorado's PUC does not regulate intrastate transportation of property except by towing carriers and household goods movers, which need PUC permits. Passenger carriers also need PUC authority. Source
- Insurance minimums for intrastate carriersFor intrastate carriers, Colorado adopts the federal Part 387 minimums ($750,000 for general freight in vehicles of 10,001 lbs or more) and adds a $10,000 cargo minimum per vehicle, or the value of the load if lower. Source
Once a Colorado truck crosses a state line
Federal rules add a USDOT number, MC authority and a $750,000 minimum for general freight (details). Colorado is a UCR participating state.
Colorado trucking taxes and permits
- Commercial vehicle chain lawColorado's must-carry chain law for commercial vehicles runs from September 1 through May 31, and CDOT can also put chain and traction laws into effect during storms. Source
- CDOT oversize/overweight permitsCDOT issues single-trip, annual and fleet permits for oversize and overweight loads, with tighter length limits on mountainous two-lane roads. Source
Workers’ comp for Colorado trucking companies
Colorado employers must carry workers' compensation once they have one employee, whether part-time, full-time or a family member. There is no monopolistic state fund. Source
Where Colorado trucks run
I-25 and I-70 are the main corridors, with I-76 to Nebraska, crossing at Denver, the state's central distribution hub. The busiest freight markets include Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Greeley, Fort Collins and Grand Junction.
The I-70 mountain corridor brings steep grades, runaway-truck ramps, winter chain requirements and frequent weather closures, which raise accident and cargo-delay exposure.
Colorado trucking by the numbers
| Measure | Colorado | Rank among the states | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| New for-hire carriers (October 2025 to September 2026) | 2,354 | #16 of 51 | +8.6% from the year before; 64% started with a single power unit. |
| Deaths in truck crashes, 2024 | 105 | #21 of 51 | 84 fatal crashes among 1,805 reportable truck crashes; 923 deaths 2016–2025 (2025 preliminary). |
| Vehicles placed out of service at roadside inspections, 2025 | 21.1% | #34 of 49 | 49,264 inspections; drivers out of service 6.4% (US: vehicles 22.3%, drivers 6.1%). |
| Trucking companies that lost operating authority, 2025 | 926 | #22 of 51 | 11.4 for every 10 companies granted authority that year; 77 more suspended for cancelled insurance under Motus since June 2026. |
| Federal major disaster declarations since 2000 | 12 | #45 of 51 | Most often for fire, flood. |
From the public FEMA, NOAA, Storm Prediction Center, USGS and FMCSA records behind each linked report; ranks count all 50 states and Washington, DC unless noted.
Common questions
Do I need a USDOT number for intrastate trucking in Colorado?
Colorado requires a USDOT number for intrastate commercial vehicles, which for intrastate purposes means 16,001 lbs GVWR/GCWR or more, apportioned-plated vehicles, placarded hazmat and certain passenger vehicles. Intrastate-only carriers add a 'CO' suffix after the USDOT number in their vehicle markings.
What insurance does Colorado require for intrastate trucking?
For intrastate carriers, Colorado adopts the federal Part 387 minimums ($750,000 for general freight in vehicles of 10,001 lbs or more) and adds a $10,000 cargo minimum per vehicle, or the value of the load if lower.
Is workers’ comp required for a trucking company in Colorado?
Colorado employers must carry workers' compensation once they have one employee, whether part-time, full-time or a family member. There is no monopolistic state fund.
Sources
- Colorado: USDOT number for intrastate carriers
- Colorado: State operating authority
- Colorado: Intrastate insurance minimums
- Colorado: Workers’ compensation
- Colorado: Commercial vehicle chain law
- Colorado: CDOT oversize/overweight permits
- FMCSA: States that require intrastate carriers to obtain a USDOT number
- FMCSA: Insurance filing requirements (49 CFR 387)
- Unified Carrier Registration
General information as of October 2026, not legal advice; confirm current rules with the agency.