What is a DOT Number?

DOT stands for the Department of Transportation. A Dot Number is for companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce. If either of these include you, it is required to be registered with the FMCSA and to have a DOT number. If you are a commercial intrastate hazardous materials carrier who hauls types and quantities that require a safety permit, you MUST register for a USDOT number. Here are details directly from the FMCSA of who is required to obtain a USDOT number:

• Is used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce (see 49 CFR 385.403).

OR

• Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 10,001 pounds or more; 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 a 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.

GET YOUR FREE DOT NUMBER TODAY! CALL (470) 598-1501

States that require a DOT number:

States that Require a USDOT Number

Separate from federal regulations, some states require their intrastate commercial motor vehicle registrants to obtain a USDOT Number. These states include:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Jersey
• New York
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Puerto Rico
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

For additional information on carrier registration in your state please reach out to the agency that oversees your jurisdiction.

Why do I need a DOT Number?

If you plan to legally operate as a trucking business and are required to have a DOT number, then you will need to file for your DOT number with the FMCSA. If you are caught without a DOT number, then you could risk being put Out of Service as well as many other fines. DOT numbers help to identify if your business is legally able to drive Commercial Motor Vehicles on public roads. We wouldn’t want unqualified CMVs on the road potentially causing accidents on highways, would we?

How much does it cost to get a DOT number?

Filing for just a DOT number with the FMCSA does not cost you anything at all. The FMCSA will ask for a credit card but this is only to verify your identity. Where payment comes in is when you start the process of obtaining an MC number. MC numbers are required if you plan to cross state lines with your CMV for your business. Each operational class that you select (carrier, broker, etc) will cost you an extra $300. Many carriers choose an operational class that is not needed and end up paying much more than they need to and unfortunately, the FMCSA does not do refunds. If you need help with your MC number please give us a call at (470) 598-1501.

What is the process to get a DOT number?

First, we need to start off with what information you will need ready to fully complete you DOT Application:

• Company Operation
• Operation Classification
• Cargo Classification
• HazMatClassification (if applicable)
• Number of Vehicles
• Type of Vehicles
• Ownership of Vehicles (own, term lease, trip lease)
• Driver Status (intrastate, interstate, total drivers, total CDL drivers)

Next, you may want to know which DOT application form you will need to select for your business. Here are the three that they currently have you to choose from:

• MCS-150 (basic form for almost all carriers)
• MCS-150B (combination USDOT number and HazMat application)
• MCS-150C (combination USDOT number and Intermodal Equipment Provider application)

NOTE: If you fill this form out online the system will automatically pull the right form for you.

How soon will I receive my DOT number?

If you choose to apply for your DOT number online, you will immediately receive your DOT number (unless it is rejected). If you decide to mail in your application, it can take up to four to six weeks to process and receive your DOT number. Please make sure that if you are mailing in your application that everything is legible, complete, and signed. If the FMCSA receives an unreadable application, then your application will be deemed void and there will be no issuance of a DOT number.

GET YOUR FREE DOT NUMBER TODAY! CALL (470) 598-1501

Final Things to Know

Getting a DOT number is a great first step for your company to start making money on the road–but it doesn’t stop there. After you receive your DOT number you will need to follow constant compliance requirements from the FMCSA. Not following FMCSA guidelines could lead to potential fines and penalties that will affect your bottom line for business profit.  

How do you stay on top of FMCSA compliance?

We have the solution! Not only can we help you file your DOT number, but we also have the #1 compliance automation software for FMCSA/DOT compliance on the market. Stay on top of document expirations with our automated notifications systems, schedule drug & alcohol tests for drivers all from your phone, upload as many documents as needed with our cloud storage, record accidents with our mobile accident registry, and much more!

See our software in action! Schedule a demo by clicking this link!