What is IRP?  The International Registration Plan is an agreement among 48 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 10 Canadian provinces.  The plan simplifies the process of fee collection and disbursement.  The IRP requires only one apportioned plate for each vehicle in the fleet.  

Under the IRP, motor carriers pay fees to their base jurisdiction.  The fees are then disbursed to each jurisdiction on the carrier’s route.  

Motor carriers can apply to their base jurisdiction for the apportioned IRP plates.

Determining a Base Jurisdiction

Specific guidelines are in place for claiming a base jurisdiction.  A base jurisdiction is a state or province where the motor carrier has an established place of business.  An established place of business should meet these qualifications:

  • Is a building or office owned or leased by the applicant. 
  • Must be open during regular business hours.
  • More than one permanent employee conducts trucking-related business at the location. 
  • Dispatching originates from the base state.
  • Operational records are on-site or readily available.

After establishing a base jurisdiction, the next step is to apply for IRP plates. Base jurisdiction contact information is available here.  But, first, you must determine if your vehicle meets IRP qualifications.

IRP Vehicle Qualifications

An IRP qualified vehicle is one that transports property or persons for hire across state lines.  Also, the vehicle must meet these qualifications:

  • two axles and a gross vehicle weight that exceeds 26,000 pounds, or
  • three or more axles regardless of weight, or
  • is used in combination with another vehicle with a combined weight that exceeds 26,000 pounds.

Government vehicles, recreational vehicles, and vehicles displaying restricted tags are exempt.

Cost of IRP Plates

IRP fees differ by state and can include the following:

  • Miles accrued in the state
  • Insurance fees
  • Taxes
  • Title fees
  • Gross vehicle weight
  • Processing fees

The cost of an apportioned plate is the miles traveled in a jurisdiction divided by the total miles traveled. To determine the cost per vehicle, multiply the apportioned percentage by the jurisdiction’s annual fee.  Here is an example:

A CMV with a GVW of 80,000 pounds travels a total of 25,000 miles each in DC, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. IRP collects a total of $1,580.75 from the carrier.  The District of Columbia keeps an apportioned amount of $581.25  The other jurisdictions get the balance as shown here:

StateMileagePercentFull Year FeeApportioned Fee
DC  25,000    25%x    $2,325.00=    $   581.25
DE  25,000    25%x    $1,390.00=    $   347.50
MD  25,000    25%x    $1,280.00=    $   320.00
VA  25,000    25%x    $1,328.00=    $   332.00
Total100,000  100%    $1,580.75

*DC.gov

Of course, each state’s rates will differ from those above.  Contact your base jurisdiction for current rate information.

TruckingOffice Can Simplify IRP 

The process of IRP registration, reporting, and payments can be confusing.  With the many different rules and regulations, it’s easy to make mistakes that can result in fines or penalties.  However, with our Trucking Management Software (TMS), you’ll find that we’ve made the process easy to understand.  No more worries about errors or penalties.  IRP and IFTA payments are easy with just a few clicks.  

Our all-in-one TMS will assist with all other aspects of your operation such as:

  • Dispatching
  • Invoicing
  • Vehicle maintenance
  • IRP and IFTA reporting
  • Expenses
  • Cash flow.  

Our system also allows you to generate reports as needed.  All in all, our program makes it easier for you to save time and money and spend more time building your business.  
Learn more about the best trucking management software by signing up for this 30-day free trial of TruckingOffice TMS

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