Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | February 6, 2026 | Truck Accidents
Every day, thousands of large trucks travel through Charleston and across West Virginia. Some make local deliveries while others pass through on their way to another state. The difference between interstate vs. intrastate trucking matters more than you might think. It affects the rules drivers must follow, the insurance they carry, and your legal options after a crash.
Interstate trucking involves commercial vehicles that cross state lines or transport goods as part of a multi-state journey, even if the crash happens in West Virginia. Intrastate trucking, on the other hand, is limited to travel entirely within state borders. This distinction can determine which state or federal safety regulations apply, what evidence is required, and which parties may be held responsible after an accident.
What Is Interstate Trucking?
Interstate trucking means a truck crosses state lines during its trip. The cargo starts in one state and ends up in another. These trucks fall under federal control through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Federal rules apply even when the route stays within one state. What matters is the intent of the shipment. If a truck picks up goods in Ohio that are headed to Virginia, it operates under federal law the entire time.
What Is Intrastate Trucking?
Intrastate trucking stays within a single state. Both pickup and delivery occur within that state’s borders. A truck hauling coal from one West Virginia mine to a local plant is an intrastate carrier.
Each state sets its own rules for intrastate trucking. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles and the Public Service Commission oversee these operations. Many states adopt rules that mirror federal standards.
Intrastate drivers must still hold a valid commercial driver’s license and pass drug and alcohol tests. Their trucks need regular inspections. The main difference is which agency enforces these rules.
Key Differences That Affect Safety
Several important differences exist between these two types of trucking. Understanding them helps explain why some accidents happen and who may be at fault.
Federal rules require interstate trucking companies to carry liability insurance of at least $750,000. This amount can reach $5 million for trucks carrying hazardous materials. Intrastate carriers often face lower state-set requirements.
Age requirements also differ. Federal law says interstate drivers must be at least 21 years old. Some states allow younger drivers for intrastate routes.
Other key differences include:
- Interstate drivers must use electronic logging devices to track their hours. Some intrastate drivers may be exempt.
- Federal regulations require detailed pre-trip and post-trip inspections for interstate trucks.
- Interstate carriers need both a USDOT number and an MC number. Intrastate carriers may only need a USDOT number.
- Medical certification standards are stricter for interstate drivers.
These variations affect how safe a trucking operation is and the evidence available after a crash.
Multiple Parties May Be Responsible
Truck accident cases often involve more than just the driver.
Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to several parties, including:
- The trucking company, if it pressured the driver to skip required rest breaks or violated safety regulations
- The cargo loader, if improper loading or unsecured freight caused the crash
- Brokers or third-party carriers, when multiple companies were involved in a single shipment
Because interstate trucking operations often involve layered business relationships, identifying every responsible party can be complex. However, this also increases the likelihood that multiple insurance policies may be available to cover your damages.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate every entity involved—reviewing driver logs, electronic logging data, inspection reports, and company records—to uncover negligence and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Contact Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Whether a truck is operating in interstate or intrastate commerce can significantly impact a crash claim. The distinction determines which safety regulations apply, how much insurance coverage is available, and which companies may be held accountable.
If you were injured in a truck accident in West Virginia, working with a legal team that understands both state and federal trucking laws can help protect your rights and ensure no responsible party is overlooked. Contact Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with an experienced Charleston truck accident lawyer.
For more information, please contact an experienced practice area lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990
