What you need to know about working with Uship, Curri, and more.

So, you saw a video online or heard from a friend about apps like uShip and Curri. You own a truck or cargo van so you think, “Sounds like an easy way to make a little money on the side.” - simple. But as you’re signing up, you hit a roadblock you didn't expect: they’re asking for your U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number.

You might have no idea what that is, or you think “Wait, what? Isn't that for big-rig truckers?”

This is the moment where a simple gig becomes a real business, and it’s a bit more involved than just getting a DOT number so you can sign up for the app. The truth is, that DOT number isn't just required to sign up, it's federal law, and you need to know if it applies to you.

Are you required to have a USDOT Number?

While these types of platforms may require you to provide a USDOT number, whether you need a DOT number isn't decided by uShip or Curri; it's decided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They are the government body that regulates commercial vehicles.

According to the FMCSA, you are operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) and need a DOT number if your vehicle is used for interstate commerce (crossing state lines for a job) and meets any of the following criteria:

• It has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.

• It has a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more. This applies when you combine your truck and a trailer.

• It's designed to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.

• It's used to transport hazardous materials.

For most people using these apps, it's all about the weight rating. The GVWR isn't what your truck weighs; it's the maximum loaded weight (truck + cargo) your vehicle is rated to handle by the manufacturer. You can find this number on a sticker inside your driver-side door jamb. Many heavy-duty pickups meet or exceed this 10,001 lb. threshold. If you plan on hooking a trailer up, that needs to be factored in as well.

Something that these apps also fail to mention is the requirement for an MC Number (operating authority) for anyone who is being paid to transport property across state lines. This is a crucial requirement for anyone travelling outside of their state, and failing to obtain one can be met with some serious consequences.

Once you cross that weight line, you’re no longer just a guy with a truck—you're a motor carrier in the eyes of the law, and you need to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Even if you’re not crossing state lines, almost every state has adopted the FMCSRs for intrastate-only (staying within the state) carriers as well, albeit with some modifications.

At the end of the day, you would still need to apply for a USDOT number to sign up for the app, even if the FMCSA doesn’t technically require you to have one. But being aware of whether you need it just to sign up, or if your weight class requires you to have one, is an important distinction. If your vehicle or combinations is considered a CMV, you are required to follow the same rules and requirements as anyone else running a qualified transportation company full-time.

From Gig App Driver to Hotshot Carrier

If you find that you need a DOT number to work with these apps anyway, you've just completed one of the biggest hurdles of starting a legitimate trucking business. Why limit yourself to what the apps can offer?

Think about it: You're already a registered motor carrier. With a capable truck and the right trailer, you can pivot into hotshot trucking. Hotshot carriers haul time-sensitive, smaller loads that don't require a full semi-truck. And instead of waiting for notifications from a single app, you gain access to the real money-makers: trucking load boards.

Load boards like DAT, Truckstop, and others are where freight brokers post thousands of loads every day. These are often better-paying, more consistent jobs that can generate serious revenue. The loads you'll find there for a truck and trailer will almost always pay significantly more than a local furniture move on a peer-to-peer app.

Don't just get a DOT number to use an app. Get your DOT number, get compliant, and use it as a launchpad to build a real, high-earning transportation company. The apps can be a great way to find starter jobs, but the real freedom and income lie on the open load boards and the open road.

Tips for Starting a Fully-Fledged Trucking Company

The idea of starting a company can sound intimidating, but it's more manageable than you think.

First, you need to make it official. Instead of operating as a sole proprietor, it's wise to form a business entity like an LLC (Limited Liability Company). This creates a legal separation between your personal assets (like your house and personal savings) and your business liabilities. At the same time, you’ll need to get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, which is essentially a Social Security number for your business that you'll use for banking and taxes.

Navigating the paperwork for an LLC, an EIN, and then getting a DOT number and complying with FMCSA requirements can be complex and time-consuming if you’re not sure what you’re doing.

Rather than trying to figure it all out yourself, you can work with a compliance specialist like us! We are experts in the transportation industry and can handle the entire setup process for you - not just for the DOT number, but your LLC, EIN, and more. We can help:

• Properly form your business, getting your LLC and EIN set up correctly.

• File for your USDOT number and any other required operating authorities (if crossing state lines).

• Ensure you are 100% compliant with all applicable state and federal regulations before you hit the road, saving you from costly fines or being placed out of service.

Working with experts like TIPS who’ve helped set up thousands of new trucking companies takes the guesswork out of the process, letting you focus on finding your first profitable load instead of dealing with paperwork.

Questions?

We’ve worked with a lot of carriers recently who are looking to obtain a DOT number to sign up for these apps, without knowing anything about what it means to have a DOT number, what their requirements are, or what they should do next. If you have questions, concerns, or need to know more about what it means to be a gig-worker versus a business owner - give us a call.