IRP for Owner-Operators

Who This Applies To

• Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier who need to understand whether they operate under the carrier's IRP account or need their own.
• Owner-operators who hold their own operating authority and must establish and maintain their own IRP account.
• Owner-operators transitioning between carriers and needing to verify that IRP credentials transferred correctly or need to be re-established.
• Small carriers who want to understand the difference between having owner-operators under the carrier's IRP versus having each owner-operator carry independent credentials.

What To Verify

• Whether the lease agreement specifies that the motor carrier holds IRP registration for the leased vehicle. If the carrier holds IRP, the owner-operator's truck operates under the carrier's apportioned plate and cab card.
• If the owner-operator holds their own authority, they must establish their own IRP account. The base jurisdiction for IRP is typically the state where the owner-operator's business is based.
• That the cab card in the vehicle reflects the entity that actually holds the IRP registration — a cab card in the carrier's name while the truck is operated by an owner-operator under their own authority is a mismatch that creates inspection problems.
• What happens to IRP credentials when an owner-operator changes the carrier they are leased to. Credentials tied to a carrier's account do not transfer — the new carrier's IRP account must cover the vehicle.

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Review the lease agreement to confirm which party holds IRP registration for the vehicle. The agreement should state this explicitly.
2. If the carrier holds IRP for the leased vehicle, confirm the carrier's cab card covers the specific vehicle (VIN and plate match) before dispatching.
3. If the owner-operator holds their own authority, open an IRP account with the base jurisdiction DMV. The process is the same as for any new IRP account.
4. When changing carriers, verify whether the new carrier's IRP account will cover the vehicle or whether a supplement must be processed. Do not dispatch until credentials are confirmed.
5. Keep a copy of the current cab card in the vehicle and a backup in dispatch records. Lost cab cards require a replacement from the base jurisdiction, which takes time.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming the carrier automatically handles IRP when a lease is signed. The lease must specifically address IRP — an informal arrangement without written confirmation has left owner-operators operating without valid credentials.
• Operating under a carrier's IRP while also holding independent authority. If the owner-operator has their own MC authority and is dispatching loads independently, they typically need their own IRP credentials, not the carrier's.
• Dispatching after a carrier change before confirming IRP coverage. A gap of even one day without valid IRP credentials in the vehicle requires trip permits for each jurisdiction entered.
• Not checking that the cab card VIN matches the truck. Owner-operators who have recently acquired a different truck may be carrying a cab card for a prior vehicle.