USDOT Number
United States Department of Transportation Number
A unique identifier assigned by the FMCSA to commercial motor carriers operating in interstate commerce, used to track safety information and compliance.
A USDOT Number is a unique identification number assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to commercial motor vehicles and carriers engaged in interstate commerce. This number serves as a critical tracking tool that allows the FMCSA to collect and monitor a company's safety information, including crash investigations, compliance reviews, audits, and roadside inspections.
Any company that operates commercial motor vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must obtain a USDOT number. This includes vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more, vehicles designed to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation, or more than 15 passengers without compensation, and any vehicle transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding.
The USDOT number must be displayed on both sides of each power unit operated by the carrier. The markings must be in a color that contrasts with the background, be legible during daylight hours from a distance of 50 feet, and include the carrier's legal or trade name along with the USDOT number. Carriers are also required to update their USDOT information biennially by filing an MCS-150 form.
Failing to maintain an active USDOT number or failing to update your registration can result in your number being deactivated, which means you cannot legally operate. Penalties for operating without a valid USDOT number can include fines of up to $16,000 per violation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a USDOT number?
You can apply for a USDOT number through the FMCSA's Unified Registration System (URS) online, or you can use a filing service like DOTFilePro to handle the application for you. The number is typically issued on the same day the application is successfully submitted.
Is a USDOT number the same as an MC number?
No. A USDOT number is a tracking identifier required for all commercial motor carriers in interstate commerce. An MC number is a separate operating authority that grants you the legal right to operate as a for-hire carrier. Many carriers need both, but they serve different purposes.
How much does a USDOT number cost?
There is no government fee to obtain a USDOT number when applying through the FMCSA online system. However, professional filing services charge a fee for handling the application process and ensuring accuracy.
Related Terms
MC Number
Motor Carrier Number
An operating authority number issued by the FMCSA that grants carriers the legal right to transport passengers or regulated commodities for compensation across state lines.
MCS-150
Motor Carrier Identification Report
A form filed with the FMCSA that collects essential information about a motor carrier's operations and must be updated biennially or when business information changes.
FMCSA
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The federal agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for regulating the trucking and bus industries, with a focus on reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Operating Authority
The legal permission granted by the FMCSA that allows a carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to conduct for-hire transportation operations in interstate commerce.