Do I Need a DOT Number?

What exactly is a USDOT number? Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Also, commercial intrastate hazardous materials carriers who haul types and quantities requiring a safety permit must register for a USDOT number.

The USDOT number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company’s safety information acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections.

You are required to obtain a USDOT number if you have a vehicle that:

• IS used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce ( 49 CFR, 385.403

OR

• Has a gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight, or gross combination of 10,001 pounds or more, which is greater: or
• Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation: or
• Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation;

AND is involved in Interstate Commerce: Trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States –

• Between a place in a state and a place outside of such state (including a place outside of the United States);
• Between two Places in a State through another State or place outside of the United States: or
• Between two places in a State as part of trade, traffic, or Transportation originating or terminating outside the State or the United States.
• 
  

You are required by FMCSA to Obtain a USDOT Number and comply with the Federal Regulations

It is the responsibility of motor carrier operators and drivers to know and comply with all applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Safety compliance and safe operations translate into saved lives and protected property. The NorthAmerican Transportation Association believes the information in this article, when effectively applied, will contribute to safer motor carrier operations and highways.

Please note that certain States require their intrastate commercial motor vehicle registrants to obtain a US DOT Number. Please check with your local State association for more information.