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: NDOT oversize/overweight truck permits.
What Nebraska requires of trucking companies
- USDOT number for trucks that stay in NebraskaNebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. 75-363) applies the federal motor carrier safety rules, including the 49 CFR 390.21 marking rule, to intrastate carriers with vehicles over 10,000 lbs. Farm trucks registered under 60-3,146 are exempt from the marking rule. That marking rule requires the USDOT number to be shown on the vehicle. Source
- Nebraska operating authorityNebraska issues no operating authority for intrastate general-freight carriers. The Public Service Commission regulates only for-hire passenger carriers and household goods movers, and movers must be licensed by the Commission. Source
- Insurance minimums for intrastate carriersNeb. Rev. Stat. 75-363 adopts 49 CFR Part 387, the federal minimum financial responsibility rule, as Nebraska law. It applies to intrastate carriers operating vehicles over 10,000 lbs. Source
Once a Nebraska truck crosses a state line
Federal rules add a USDOT number, MC authority and a $750,000 minimum for general freight (details). Nebraska is a UCR participating state.
Nebraska trucking taxes and permits
- NDOT oversize/overweight truck permitsThe Nebraska Department of Transportation issues the permits for loads that exceed legal size or weight limits on state highways. Source
Workers’ comp for Nebraska trucking companies
The Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act covers every employer with one or more employees in its regular business, with exceptions such as some agricultural operations and household domestic workers. Nebraska is not a monopolistic state-fund state. Source
Where Nebraska trucks run
I-80 is the dominant corridor across the state, with I-29 along the eastern border. Freight hubs include Omaha, Lincoln, and Union Pacific's Bailey Yard in North Platte, the world's largest rail classification yard. The busiest freight markets include Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney, North Platte and Scottsbluff.
Nebraska applies most federal safety rules to intrastate carriers over 10,000 lbs, but intrastate drivers get modified hours-of-service limits. Agricultural hauling has several state-specific exemptions.
Nebraska trucking by the numbers
| Measure | Nebraska | Rank among the states | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| New for-hire carriers (October 2025 to September 2026) | 849 | #34 of 51 | +20.3% from the year before; 62% started with a single power unit. |
| Deaths in truck crashes, 2024 | 55 | #33 of 51 | 48 fatal crashes among 1,006 reportable truck crashes; 533 deaths 2016–2025 (2025 preliminary). |
| Vehicles placed out of service at roadside inspections, 2025 | 40.1% | #2 of 49 | 24,847 inspections; drivers out of service 4.2% (US: vehicles 22.3%, drivers 6.1%). |
| Trucking companies that lost operating authority, 2025 | 498 | #37 of 51 | 22 more suspended for cancelled insurance under Motus since June 2026. |
| Federal major disaster declarations since 2000 | 45 | #9 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 Nebraska?
Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. 75-363) applies the federal motor carrier safety rules, including the 49 CFR 390.21 marking rule, to intrastate carriers with vehicles over 10,000 lbs. Farm trucks registered under 60-3,146 are exempt from the marking rule. That marking rule requires the USDOT number to be shown on the vehicle.
What insurance does Nebraska require for intrastate trucking?
Neb. Rev. Stat. 75-363 adopts 49 CFR Part 387, the federal minimum financial responsibility rule, as Nebraska law. It applies to intrastate carriers operating vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
Is workers’ comp required for a trucking company in Nebraska?
The Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act covers every employer with one or more employees in its regular business, with exceptions such as some agricultural operations and household domestic workers. Nebraska is not a monopolistic state-fund state.
Sources
- Nebraska: USDOT number for intrastate carriers
- Nebraska: State operating authority
- Nebraska: Workers’ compensation
- Nebraska: NDOT oversize/overweight truck 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.