DOT Number Requirements for Carriers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires carriers to have a USDOT number to engage in interstate commerce, operate a multi-passenger vehicle that crosses state lines, or transport hazardous materials.

There are few exceptions to the USDOT number rule, and failing to comply with federal regulations can result in hefty fines. So it’s important for any professional truck driver to understand DOT number requirements.

In this post, we’ll explain how to obtain your USDOT number, when you need to renew it, and who’s exempt from USDOT number requirements.

What is a DOT number for commercial vehicles?

A USDOT number is a unique identifier that links commercial vehicles and carriers to their compliance reviews, safety records, driving violations, crash data, and licensing. The FMCSA issues this number and maintains a public searchable database of USDOT numbers.

The specific requirements for who needs a DOT number are as follows:

• Vehicles transporting hazardous materials (interstate and intrastate)

Or

• Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 lbs. or more
• Vehicles that transport eight or more passengers (for compensation)
• Vehicles that transport more than 15 passengers not for compensation

AND vehicles participating in interstate commerce via transportation, trade, or traffic.

Additionally, 37 out of 50 U.S. states require a DOT number specifically for intrastate commerce when transporting goods or passengers for compensation.

A USDOT number is typically printed on the cab of trucks hauling freight. Every carrier must have its own assigned DOT number.

Why are USDOT numbers important for interstate commerce?

First and foremost, having a DOT number is a legal requirement for most freight carriers. Beyond meeting compliance requirements, your valid USDOT number proves your legitimacy as a carrier.

When freight brokers are considering partnering with a carrier, one of the first things they do is check a carrier’s USDOT number. They want to be sure their carrier partners comply with federal motor carrier safety regulations, are insured, and are legally authorized to operate commercial motor vehicles.

Exemptions for DOT numbers

Few carriers are exempt from USDOT number rules, but you might not need a USDOT number if:

• Your gross vehicle weight is 10,000 lbs. or less
• You operate solely within your own state
• You don’t earn compensation for hauling cargo
• You transport passengers (fewer than eight) in-state only

If you’re not sure whether you need a USDOT number, the FMCSA offers a quick walk-through that will tell you whether you need one, based on your responses to a few questions.

DOT number application requirements for motor carrier operators

During the application process, motor carrier operators will need to provide the following information:

• Personal details like name, address, and phone number
• Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number
• Business information, including insurance details
• Type of trucks or vehicles that will be used in your business
• The number of vehicles you’ll be using
• Whether you’ll be transporting passengers or cargo
• DOT cargo classification

You can register and apply for a DOT number on the FMCSA website through the Unified Registration System (URS). You can also simplify the process and get your authority through a third party.

What’s the fee for DOT numbers?

Registering for a DOT number is free, but you may have to input your credit card information on the government’s FMCSA website in order to authenticate your identity. This will result in a small incidental fee.

When applying for your DOT number, you also need to select the class of operations for your business. Each classification costs $300, and some carriers have multiple classifications. HAZMAT certifications come with an additional charge as well.

You’ll also need to pay state fees for registering your carrier business. The cost of registration varies from state to state.

What is DOT certification?

A DOT certification is different from a DOT number. A DOT certification signifies that an individual is physically and mentally capable of operating freight.

Possessing a commercial driver’s license indicates that a driver has achieved DOT certification, which includes passing physical exams and driving tests.

DOT certification is also known as a DOT Medical Certification, or a DOT Card. Unlike a DOT number which is just for carriers, every driver operating a vehicle over 10,000 lbs. must obtain a DOT Card.

Typically, all drivers who work for a DOT number registered company must obtain a DOT certification, but requirements for DOT certification vary by state, so be sure to confirm your specific local regulations.

How to check a DOT Number

An easy way to verify the legitimacy of a freight company is to check its DOT number in the FMCSA’s system. To check the status of a DOT number, simply visit the FMCSA SAFER website. You can search by DOT number, motor carrier number (MC number), or name.

In addition to the company name and DOT number, search results will include the address and phone number of the company and whether the carrier is currently active.

Watch out for the following statuses displayed next to a DOT number search result:

Inactive USDOT number

This status usually means the company either forgot to file an update or failed to report a new entrant safety audit. Either way, an inactive status means they are not compliant with USDOT number regulations.

Out of service

An out-of-service (OOS) status means that a company or carrier has violated a safety regulation or failed a vehicle inspection. Damaged brake systems, missing ELDs, and hauling overweight capacity are all common reasons for an out-of-service designation for trucking companies. Driver OOS status may be based on factors related to health, intoxication, or violation of hours-of-service rules.

Not authorized

If a carrier is listed as not authorized, there is a good chance their insurance has expired or other documents are outdated. A not-authorized designation means the DOT number is technically active, but the operating authority has been suspended.

One of the most common hiccups in DOT number status is the Biennial Update. In order for your DOT number to remain active, you must complete a Biennial Update every 24 months. This update can be filed online for free through FMCSA.

Cross-check contact info

Sometimes, a fraudulent company will use a legitimate company’s DOT number. This is a form of identity theft and is a serious issue in the trucking industry. When checking a DOT number, verify that all the information listed matches the information on a load board or company’s website. Even one number in a phone number or a different physical address can be a clear sign of fraud.

Accident reports

The SAFER website also includes accident reports from the past 24 months in DOT number search results. Each company should have an “Inspections/Crashes” link in its list of information. If any accidents are listed, they will also specify whether a crash resulted in fatalities, injuries, or just a tow.

Poor safety ratings

In order to find out a carrier’s safety rating, follow the “Safety Rating” link on the DOT result page. Carriers will be listed as Satisfactory, Conditional, Unsatisfactory, or Not Rated. These scores are given based on Motor Carrier Safety Evaluations, and a conditional or unsatisfactory rating means they are not in compliance. Not rated signifies that the carrier has not yet had a full evaluation.

Lapsed insurance

You can follow the “Licensing and Insurance” link from the DOT number search results page or visit the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance Public page directly. If a carrier’s insurance coverage is active and up-to-date, it should be listed here. If coverage has lapsed, you may see a pending status or “revoked.”

Grow your business with Truckstop

Your USDOT number is just one thing you need as a professional truck driver. You also need a way to find the loads you want from reputable sources. That’s when Truckstop can help.

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