USDOT number for in-state trucks: required · State operating authority: yes, see below · UCR participant: yes · State trucking taxes or permits: Montana GVW fee, MDT oversize/overweight permits (eTRIPS).
What Montana requires of trucking companies
- USDOT number for trucks that stay in MontanaMDT's Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program issues USDOT numbers to Montana intrastate carriers, and intrastate-only carriers add the suffix "MT" to the marked number. According to J.J. Keller's state summary, the marking rule applies to intrastate vehicles of 26,001 lbs or more and to any vehicle carrying placardable hazmat. Source
- Montana operating authorityMontana's current motor carrier statute has only three classes needing a Public Service Commission certificate: Class A regular-route carriers, Class D garbage haulers and Class E transportation network carriers. General-freight trucking falls into none of them. Source
Once a Montana truck crosses a state line
Federal rules add a USDOT number, MC authority and a $750,000 minimum for general freight (details). Montana is a UCR participating state.
Montana trucking taxes and permits
- Montana GVW feeMDT Motor Carrier Services charges a gross vehicle weight (GVW) fee on trucks, scaled to declared weight, with a separate reduced schedule for farm vehicles. Source
- MDT oversize/overweight permits (eTRIPS)MDT Motor Carrier Services issues oversize, overweight, annual-term and winter-weight permits through its eTRIPS online system. Source
Workers’ comp for Montana trucking companies
Montana's Workers' Compensation Act applies to all employers with any employee, who must elect coverage under Plan 1 (self-insurance), Plan 2 (private insurer) or Plan 3 (Montana State Fund). The State Fund competes with private carriers, so Montana is not monopolistic. People working as independent contractors can opt out only by holding an independent contractor exemption certificate from the state. Source
Where Montana trucks run
The main corridors are I-90, I-94 and I-15. I-15 runs to the Sweetgrass–Coutts crossing into Alberta, and the BNSF main line crosses the state. Billings is the largest distribution hub. The busiest freight markets include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Butte and Helena.
Montana's independent contractor exemption certificate system matters to owner-operators. Its GVW fee is a weight-based charge collected by MDT.
Montana trucking by the numbers
| Measure | Montana | Rank among the states | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| New for-hire carriers (October 2025 to September 2026) | 369 | #41 of 51 | +12.2% from the year before; 57% started with a single power unit. |
| Deaths in truck crashes, 2024 | 26 | #41 of 51 | 25 fatal crashes among 611 reportable truck crashes; 245 deaths 2016–2025 (2025 preliminary). |
| Vehicles placed out of service at roadside inspections, 2025 | 21.9% | #31 of 49 | 30,105 inspections; drivers out of service 5.7% (US: vehicles 22.3%, drivers 6.1%). |
| Trucking companies that lost operating authority, 2025 | 155 | #44 of 51 | 5 more suspended for cancelled insurance under Motus since June 2026. |
| Federal major disaster declarations since 2000 | 30 | #24 of 51 | Most often for severe storm, 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 Montana?
MDT's Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program issues USDOT numbers to Montana intrastate carriers, and intrastate-only carriers add the suffix "MT" to the marked number. According to J.J. Keller's state summary, the marking rule applies to intrastate vehicles of 26,001 lbs or more and to any vehicle carrying placardable hazmat.
Does Montana issue its own trucking authority?
Montana's current motor carrier statute has only three classes needing a Public Service Commission certificate: Class A regular-route carriers, Class D garbage haulers and Class E transportation network carriers. General-freight trucking falls into none of them.
Is workers’ comp required for a trucking company in Montana?
Montana's Workers' Compensation Act applies to all employers with any employee, who must elect coverage under Plan 1 (self-insurance), Plan 2 (private insurer) or Plan 3 (Montana State Fund). The State Fund competes with private carriers, so Montana is not monopolistic. People working as independent contractors can opt out only by holding an independent contractor exemption certificate from the state.
Sources
- Montana: USDOT number for intrastate carriers
- Montana: State operating authority
- Montana: Workers’ compensation
- Montana: Montana GVW fee
- Montana: MDT oversize/overweight permits (eTRIPS)
- 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.