What is a USDOT Number?

 

A DOT Number is a unique identifier that the FMCSA uses to track motor carriers. It’s the way that the motor carrier’s safety information is tracked. This information comes from a variety of sources, including audits, compliance reviews, investigations of accidents, and inspections. Certain truck companies are required to have USDOT Numbers, and if you are one of them it’s important that you go through the necessary process.

 

Who Needs a DOT Number?

 

Companies that do interstate commerce or transport people and hazardous materials need to have a DOT Number and be registered with FMCSA.

Here are the FMCSA’s qualifications for who needs a USDOT Number:

 

Businesses that transport hazardous materials that require a safety permit in intrastate commerce

Vehicles that have a GVWR, GCWR, GVW, or GCW of 10,001 lbs or more

Vehicles designed to transport more than 8 passengers (driver included) for compensation/payment

Vehicles designed to transport more than 15 passengers (driver included), not for compensation

 

Note that this applies to business engaging in interstate commerce, which means that they travel, trade, etc. in the US…

 

From a point in a state to a point outside of that state (or outside the US)

From a point in one state to another point within that state through another state (or location outside the US)

From one point in a state to another point in that state as part of commerce that begins or ends outside that state or the United States

 

What is a MC Number?

 

The MC number is 6 digits long and assigned by the FMCSA to both carriers and brokers which gives them the authority (permission) to cross state lines with products, material, and more. With the MC number anyone can look up the company snapshot provided by the FMCSA. It provides everything you need to know about the carrier or broker you’re looking up. It includes their operating status (if they are allowed to do business), their physical and mailing addresses, their DOT number and Inspections if they are a carrier.

 

Who Needs a MC Number?

 

In general, companies that do the following are required to have interstate operating authority (MC number) in addition to a DOT number:

 

Operating as for-hire carriers (for a fee or other compensation)

Transporting passengers, or arranging for their transport, in interstate commerce

Transporting federally regulated commodities or arranging for their transport, in interstate commerce

 

Contact us today if you need any help with applying for DOT & MC numbers.