USDOT number for in-state trucks: required · State operating authority: none found for general freight · State insurance minimums: yes, see below · UCR participant: yes · State trucking taxes or permits: DelDOT oversize/overweight permits.
What Delaware requires of trucking companies
- USDOT number for trucks that stay in DelawareDelaware adopts the federal motor carrier rules, including Part 390 registration and marking, and extends them to intrastate commerce, but not to intrastate vehicles of 26,000 lbs or less unless they carry placarded hazmat or seat 16 or more. FMCSA lists Delaware among the states that require intrastate USDOT numbers. Source
- Insurance minimums for intrastate carriersDelaware adopts 49 CFR Part 387 as state law, so intrastate for-hire carriers with vehicles over 26,000 lbs are held to the federal minimums ($750,000 for general freight). Source
Once a Delaware truck crosses a state line
Federal rules add a USDOT number, MC authority and a $750,000 minimum for general freight (details). Delaware is a UCR participating state.
Delaware trucking taxes and permits
- DelDOT oversize/overweight permitsDelDOT handles oversize and overweight hauling permit applications online. Source
Workers’ comp for Delaware trucking companies
Delaware's workers' compensation law applies to any employer with one or more employees. There is no monopolistic state fund. Source
Where Delaware trucks run
I-95, US 13, US 113 and SR 1 carry most freight, with the Port of Wilmington and the Delmarva poultry and agricultural trade generating much of the truck traffic. The busiest freight markets include Wilmington, Newark, New Castle, Dover, Seaford and Georgetown.
Delaware's main through routes, I-95 and SR 1, are tolled, and much truck traffic passes through the state rather than starting there.
Delaware trucking by the numbers
| Measure | Delaware | Rank among the states | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| New for-hire carriers (October 2025 to September 2026) | 420 | #39 of 51 | -12.7% from the year before; 63% started with a single power unit. |
| Deaths in truck crashes, 2024 | 10 | #45 of 51 | 10 fatal crashes among 519 reportable truck crashes; 136 deaths 2016–2025 (2025 preliminary). |
| Vehicles placed out of service at roadside inspections, 2025 | 30.7% | #12 of 49 | 7,993 inspections; drivers out of service 6.2% (US: vehicles 22.3%, drivers 6.1%). |
| Trucking companies that lost operating authority, 2025 | 327 | #39 of 51 | 14 more suspended for cancelled insurance under Motus since June 2026. |
| Federal major disaster declarations since 2000 | 11 | #46 (tied) of 51 | Most often for hurricane, severe storm. |
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 Delaware?
Delaware adopts the federal motor carrier rules, including Part 390 registration and marking, and extends them to intrastate commerce, but not to intrastate vehicles of 26,000 lbs or less unless they carry placarded hazmat or seat 16 or more. FMCSA lists Delaware among the states that require intrastate USDOT numbers.
What insurance does Delaware require for intrastate trucking?
Delaware adopts 49 CFR Part 387 as state law, so intrastate for-hire carriers with vehicles over 26,000 lbs are held to the federal minimums ($750,000 for general freight).
Is workers’ comp required for a trucking company in Delaware?
Delaware's workers' compensation law applies to any employer with one or more employees. There is no monopolistic state fund.
Sources
- Delaware: USDOT number for intrastate carriers
- Delaware: Workers’ compensation
- Delaware: DelDOT 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.