Do I need a PUC in PA

Yes you have to register with the PA PUC.

 

It’s not a permit in the sense we as truckers see permits. Nothing to be carried in permit book. I run the same as you.

 

Yes, if you are based in Pennsylvania you need PA PUC authority if you are doing intrastate work within Pennsylvania unless it is an exempt commodity. What is unfair is that out of state based carriers don't need a PUC number anymore to do point to point work within PA, they just need UCR, but PA based carriers still need to register with PUC and pay a 1% assessment (tax) on all intrastate transportation under the PUC authority.

Here is a link to their website with more information.
Motor Carrier

 

The 1 percent assessment was the reason I cancelled mine. Talk about adding insult to injury!

 

If you're based out of Pennsylvania and you have your UCR you do not have to pay the 1% puc on gross. You still need your puc regardless though and report your earnings every year in PA only.

 

Remember that some intra PA work is considered to be interstate as the product was not produced in PA.

Chemical liquids that came in by tanker; plastic resin in rail to truck, intermodal off the railhead are all 'continuation of interstate commerce' and the PUC wouldn't be required.