Trucking in Nevada
Nevada requires commercial trucking carriers to maintain $750,000 minimum liability insurance for general freight, consistent with federal requirements. Interstate carriers operating through Nevada on federal authority follow the same minimums. Most carriers maintain $1 million or higher coverage for better protection and access to load boards that require higher limits.
I-80 across Nevada is 410 miles of sparse desert where fuel stops can be 50+ miles apart and secondary routes like US-93 and US-95 can stretch 100+ miles between services. The fuel planning guide for this corridor is not optional reading — it is survival planning. Keep your tank above half at all times. The real danger is not I-80 itself, where stops at Winnemucca and Elko are reliable, but the moment you turn off onto a secondary route.
Nevada does not maintain permanent fixed weigh stations. Enforcement is through portable scales and surprise operations, making it unpredictable compared to states with permanent facilities. The Washoe Valley wind restriction between Reno and Carson City prohibits high-profile vehicles 9+ feet tall during high winds — this is actively enforced and will shut down your route without warning.
The truck parking crisis is severe: Clark County around Las Vegas has a 550+ space deficit, Washoe County around Reno has 250+ spaces fewer than needed, and US-93 between Las Vegas and Ely has zero amenity parking for a two-hour stretch. Plan your hours of service before entering Nevada. Do not rely on finding parking.
Starting a Trucking Company in Nevada?
If you’re launching a new carrier in Nevada, our free guide walks you through every step from business formation to passing your first FMCSA safety audit. Start with the decision guide or jump to insurance costs for new authorities.
Major Trucking Corridors in Nevada
Nevada Trucking Insurance Requirements
State Minimums (Intrastate)
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $20,000 |
Federal Minimum (Interstate)
$750,000
Required for interstate for-hire carriers
RMS Recommendation: We recommend $1,000,000 CSL for most carriers. Most brokers and shippers require $1M, and it protects your personal assets.
Coverage Types for Nevada Truckers
Major Freight Hubs in Nevada
Las Vegas Metro
Nevada primary freight hub. I-15/US-95 interchange. 37,000+ commercial vehicles per day expected to grow 72%.
Reno/Sparks
I-80 western anchor. Growing distribution hub for e-commerce and regional freight.
Elko
Critical I-80 midpoint hub. Major fuel and service stop for transcontinental freight.
Winnemucca
I-80 junction with US-95. Key fuel and rest stop for north-south and east-west routes.
Nevada Trucking Regulations
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Federal Insurance Minimums | Interstate and intrastate carriers: $750K for general freight, $1M for oil/petroleum, $5M for hazmat. |
| No Permanent Weigh Stations | Nevada uses portable scales and surprise operations. Unpredictable enforcement. |
| Washoe Valley Wind | High-profile vehicles 9+ ft tall prohibited during high winds between Reno and Carson City. |
| No Toll Roads | Nevada is toll-free. No mileage-based tax (unlike neighboring Oregon). |
Get Nevada Trucking Insurance
Same-day quotes. We explain everything. Licensed in 42 states.
Call or text: (208) 800-0640
Nevada Trucking Insurance FAQ
Where do I fuel on Nevada I-80?
Major stops: Sparks/Reno, Fernley, Lovelock, Winnemucca (critical hub), Battle Mountain, Elko (major hub), Wells, Wendover. Keep your tank above half at all times. The real danger is getting off I-80 onto secondary routes where fuel can be 100+ miles apart.
Does Nevada have weigh stations?
Not permanent fixed ones. Nevada uses portable scales and surprise enforcement operations. They are unpredictable -- stations can be closed for weeks, then run intensive blitzes. PrePass and Drivewyze work when stations are active.
What is the Washoe Valley wind restriction?
High-profile vehicles 9+ feet tall (including semi-trucks) are prohibited during high winds in Washoe Valley between Reno and Carson City. Alerts are posted on electronic signs, highway radio, and 511 Nevada. This is actively enforced.
What insurance do I need for Nevada?
Interstate carriers need $750,000 federal minimum for general freight (we recommend $1M). Intrastate carriers also need $750,000 minimum. Hazmat requires $5M federal minimum regardless of authority type.
Is there a truck parking problem in Nevada?
Severe. Clark County (Las Vegas) has a 550+ space deficit. Washoe County (Reno) has a 250+ deficit. US-93 between Las Vegas and Ely has ZERO facilities with amenities for two hours. Plan your HOS before entering Nevada.
How do I get operating authority in Nevada?
Interstate: standard FMCSA process (USDOT, MC number, BOC-3). Intrastate common goods: DMV Motor Carrier Division, Form MC 208, insurance filing. Fully-regulated carriers (passengers, household goods): Nevada Transportation Authority.