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: UDOT Motor Carrier Division oversize/overweight permits.
What Utah requires of trucking companies
- USDOT number for trucks that stay in UtahUtah is on FMCSA's list of states that require a USDOT number for intrastate carriers, and UDOT says companies operating commercial vehicles in intrastate or interstate commerce must register with FMCSA. Utah's intrastate commercial vehicle definition covers vehicles of 26,001 lbs or more (16,001 lbs if the driver is under 18), passenger vehicles for more than 12 people over 13,000 lbs, and placarded hazmat, private or for-hire. Source
- Insurance minimums for intrastate carriersUtah rule R909-1-4 requires each intrastate private motor carrier to carry at least $750,000 in liability, and any private or for-hire carrier hauling oil or hazardous materials to carry at least $1,000,000 with an MCS-90 endorsement. Source
Once a Utah truck crosses a state line
Federal rules add a USDOT number, MC authority and a $750,000 minimum for general freight (details). Utah is a UCR participating state.
Utah trucking taxes and permits
- UDOT Motor Carrier Division oversize/overweight permitsUDOT's Motor Carrier Division issues oversize and overweight permits through its online Motor Carrier Permitting System and also runs size, weight and credential services for Utah carriers. Source
Workers’ comp for Utah trucking companies
With few exceptions, every Utah employer must provide workers' compensation for all employees regardless of headcount, through an insurance policy or approved self-insurance. Sole proprietors and partners with no other employees can request coverage waivers. Source
Where Utah trucks run
I-15 (north-south) and I-80 (east-west) meet in Salt Lake City, the region's main distribution and rail hub, with I-70 and I-84 carrying additional through traffic. The busiest freight markets include Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo–Orem, St. George and Logan.
Salt Lake City serves as an inland distribution hub for much of the Mountain West, and winter weather on mountain corridors such as I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 can close or slow routes.
Utah trucking by the numbers
| Measure | Utah | Rank among the states | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| New for-hire carriers (October 2025 to September 2026) | 1,081 | #31 of 51 | +5.6% from the year before; 65% started with a single power unit. |
| Deaths in truck crashes, 2024 | 42 | #34 of 51 | 33 fatal crashes among 940 reportable truck crashes; 422 deaths 2016–2025 (2025 preliminary). |
| Vehicles placed out of service at roadside inspections, 2025 | 33.3% | #8 of 49 | 35,633 inspections; drivers out of service 5.6% (US: vehicles 22.3%, drivers 6.1%). |
| Trucking companies that lost operating authority, 2025 | 579 | #33 of 51 | 55 more suspended for cancelled insurance under Motus since June 2026. |
| Federal major disaster declarations since 2000 | 10 | #48 (tied) of 51 | Most often for flood, 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 Utah?
Utah is on FMCSA's list of states that require a USDOT number for intrastate carriers, and UDOT says companies operating commercial vehicles in intrastate or interstate commerce must register with FMCSA. Utah's intrastate commercial vehicle definition covers vehicles of 26,001 lbs or more (16,001 lbs if the driver is under 18), passenger vehicles for more than 12 people over 13,000 lbs, and placarded hazmat, private or for-hire.
What insurance does Utah require for intrastate trucking?
Utah rule R909-1-4 requires each intrastate private motor carrier to carry at least $750,000 in liability, and any private or for-hire carrier hauling oil or hazardous materials to carry at least $1,000,000 with an MCS-90 endorsement.
Is workers’ comp required for a trucking company in Utah?
With few exceptions, every Utah employer must provide workers' compensation for all employees regardless of headcount, through an insurance policy or approved self-insurance. Sole proprietors and partners with no other employees can request coverage waivers.
Sources
- Utah: USDOT number for intrastate carriers
- Utah: Intrastate insurance minimums
- Utah: Workers’ compensation
- Utah: UDOT Motor Carrier Division 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.