IRP vs IFTA: What’s the Difference?

IRP vs IFTA: What’s the Difference for Trucking Businesses?

IRP and IFTA are often confused, but they serve very different purposes.

Understanding the difference is essential for trucking businesses, owner-operators, and fleet managers who operate across state lines and want to stay compliant.

What Is IRP?

The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a vehicle registration agreement that allows commercial vehicles operating in multiple states to register proportionally based on mileage traveled in each jurisdiction.

Instead of registering your truck separately in every state, IRP lets you carry one apportioned license plate and cab card that shows where your vehicle is authorized to operate.

IRP generally applies to:

• Vehicles operating interstate

• Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 lbs or more

• Power units with three or more axles (regardless of weight)

What Is IFTA?

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) simplifies fuel tax reporting for commercial vehicles traveling across multiple states or provinces.

With IFTA, you file one quarterly fuel tax report that accounts for:

• Miles driven in each jurisdiction

• Fuel purchased in each jurisdiction

Fuel taxes are then distributed appropriately between states.

IFTA generally applies to:

• Vehicles operating interstate

• Vehicles over 26,001 lbs

• Vehicles required to report fuel use across state lines

When Do You Need IRP vs IFTA?

While both apply to interstate operations, they are not the same and one does not replace the other.

• IRP: Covers vehicle registration and apportioned plates

• IFTA: Covers fuel tax reporting and compliance

Many carriers need both, depending on how and where they operate.

Common IRP & IFTA Mistakes

Some of the most common compliance issues we see include:

• Assuming IRP registration automatically covers fuel taxes

• Missing or late quarterly IFTA filings

• Incorrect or incomplete mileage records

• Failing to update cab cards after vehicle or address changes

These mistakes can lead to audits, penalties, and registration delays.

How Bossman & Bosslady Enterprise Can Help

We assist trucking businesses in Florida and Alabama with:

• IRP registration and renewals

• IFTA account setup

• Quarterly IFTA fuel tax reporting

• Mileage record guidance

• Cab card updates and compliance support

Not sure what you need? We’ll review your operation and explain exactly what applies to you.

Request Services to get compliant and stay on the road.