If you recently applied for a DOT number and are wondering what you need to do now, or are planning to start a company with commercial vehicles and want to be prepared, this guide is for you.

Many companies operate under the assumption that because their vehicles don’t leave the state, they are exempt from getting a USDOT Number and any of the safety regulations that go hand-in-hand with operating under one. If you are under that assumption, there’s information in here that could prevent you from facing some significant violations.

Save big on trucking compliance with our 2026 Head-Start Event! Get deals on new DOT/MC authority, IFTA filings, driver files & more. Lock in 2026 prices now. Offers end Nov. 30, 2025!

If you plan on operating a commercial vehicle in Texas, or you’re already on the road, you’re likely familiar with certain requirements like the USDOT number. But what about state-level rules? For many carriers, Texas requires an additional registration known as the TxDMV Number.

This is one of the most common questions we get from construction companies, landscapers, etc. The short answer is - likely, yes. Let’s break down the requirements and shed some light on a commonly misunderstood area.

Operating a commercial vehicle in California comes with its own unique set of rules requirements. While you might be aware of what a USDOT number is, if you’re running routes within the Golden State, you’ll need two additional credentials to operate legally: a Carrier Identification Number (CA Number) and a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP).

The FMCSA has reversed course on their previously announced plans to discontinue the MC Numbers in October 2025. Learn what that means for you and what the FMCSA plans to do going forward.

If you hold an interstate USDOT number, you’re required to file for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) every year. However, if you pay a company to manage it for you, you’re paying significantly more than what it costs you to do it yourself, and you aren’t saving yourself any time or effort at all.

Love them or hate them, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are here to stay. Obtaining and using an ELD is a crucial requirement for the majority of commercial carriers. Failing to comply means serious repercussions for your operations, so we’ve put together the most important information you need to know.

For any interstate motor carrier, IRP registration and the associated cab card are critical requirements that can’t be ignored. This article breaks down what a cab card is, how it relates to the IRP, who needs it, and what you must know before putting your trucks on the road.

One of the most frequently cited and critical violations during a New Entrant Safety Audit is the failure to comply with 49 CFR Part 382. Learn what a Drug and Alcohol Consortium is and how to comply with this critical requirement.

Learn all the ins & outs of the BOC-3 Blanket of Coverage filing for anyone who wishes to obtain an operating authority from the FMCSA. What is it, why it’s required, how to get one, and more. The only guide you’ll need.

Being aware of whether you need a DOT number to sign up, or if your weight class requires you to have one is an important distinction. If your vehicle or combination is considered a CMV, you are required to follow many of the same rules as a commercial trucking company.

State permits can and have been a costly “oh, I wasn’t aware of that” moment for many carriers first getting their feet wet in new territory. Don’t wait for a ticket to learn more about what states requirements permits, who it applies to, and what your filing options are. Take a few minutes to inform yourself and protect your company against citations from unforeseen requirements.

So, you want to be your own boss and hit the open road, but the thought of buying a massive Class 8 semi-truck feels out of reach? You're not alone. Every year, many aspiring entrepreneurs turn to hotshot trucking as their way into the transportation industry. But what is it really, and is it the right move for you?

If you're running a trucking company, you have a long list of regulations to follow. One of the most important in recent years is the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. While it might seem like just another piece of government paperwork, the Clearinghouse is a critical tool for road safety and a non-negotiable part of your DOT compliance.

If you just got a letter saying you failed your safety audit, you need to act fast and smart. Your next job is to create and send in a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). This isn't just filling out a form. It's a detailed plan that proves to the FMCSA you’ve figured out where things went wrong and have put solid fixes in place so it won't happen again.

A fundamental shift in how the trucking industry is regulated is on the horizon. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has confirmed that beginning in October 2025, it will officially cease the issuance and use of traditional operating authority numbers, including Motor Carrier (MC), Freight Forwarder (FF), and Mexico-domiciled carrier (MX) numbers. This change marks the end of an era for identifiers that have been a cornerstone of the industry for decades.

Picture this: A DOT officer pulls into your terminal for a safety audit. They ask for your driver qualification files. Your stomach drops as you scramble through filing cabinets, desperately searching for motor vehicle report you swear you pulled last month. Sound familiar? You're not alone, and the consequences of being unprepared are more severe than most carriers realize.