§14501 Federal Authority Over Intrastate Transportation

Summary

Stops states and local governments from making rules about how many buses run, what routes they take, or what fares and charter services interstate passenger bus companies offer. States can only require up to 30 days’ notice for schedule changes. The rule does not cover intrastate commuter buses, and the State of Hawaii keeps special authority over intrastate bus matters. Also stops states from setting prices, routes, or services for many freight movers, brokers, and freight forwarders. States still control vehicle safety, highway size/weight limits, rules for hazardous loads, and insurance requirements. States may regulate household-goods moves and towing done without the vehicle owner’s consent. States can keep certain uniform business rules (like cargo liability forms, bills of lading, cargo credit rules, and some rate/route agreements) if those rules are no harder to follow than federal rules and apply only when a carrier asks. A carrier tied to an airline may choose to follow a state rule. Hawaii is largely excluded from these limits. For pre-arranged interstate ground trips, a state may not charge a special license or fee if the carrier has the required federal registration under chapter 139, meets state vehicle and intrastate licensing where it is based, and is operating under a cross‑state contract (including allowed “intermediate stops” where passengers pause for activities). Taxi service is not swept in, airport/terminal operators may give preferred access to certain providers, and states may require nondiscriminatory pre‑licensing drug tests or background checks for drivers.