Free Resources for New Carriers

When you file for a DOT number, your application becomes public information. Companies then use this information to contact and solicit you.

While some of the information provided to you by the companies that contact you after you file may be accurate, it's also extremely common for companies to bend the truth or outright lie to you in order to have you sign up with them. Remember, any calls, texts or emails you receive after filing will NEVER be from the DOT/FMCSA. It is only third-party companies attempting to solicit you.

NO. If you received calls or texts after filing saying that you need to take ANY action to "complete your application" you can safely ignore them. You only need to file an MCS-150 if you've made mistakes on your DOT number application. Your first Biennial Update, which is also done via an MCS-150 form, is likely a few months away at the very earliest.

For most things - no. However, there are exceptions. For example, if you filed for an MC number or any other type of operating authority, you'll need to obtain a BOC-3 filing from a blanket company that is registered with the FMCSA. If you're an owner-operator or a small fleet that uses CDL-required vehicles, you will have to use a Consortium / Third Party Administrator (C/TPA) to manage your drug & alcohol testing. It is your choice what company you would like to work with to handle these things.

No. The FMCSA does not and will not contact you to help you get into compliance or get on the road. While you can contact them with questions, you will be speaking with a call center agent who is not an expert in all DOT & FMCSA regulations, and cannot provide any information on state-specific requirements.

For simple changes like number of drivers & vehicles, you can update this information via your FMCSA portal account. For situations where you applied for the wrong entity type, i.e IEP instead of carrier, or the wrong authority type, i.e FF# instead of MC#, you will need to submit a manual MCS-150 form. Depending on the type of changes you're requesting, there may be additional forms you need to submit. At TIPS, we offer a FREE application change for all new DOT numbers. Even if you don't want us to help manage your compliance requirements, we'll fix your application at no cost.

Nearly every state in the US has adopted the federal regulations for all intrastate carriers. Even if you're not crossing state lines, you're likely still required to be in compliance with many of the same rules that interstate carriers are.

YES. Almost all of the regulations, whether state or federal, are based on the vehicle you're using and your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). As a private-property carrier, you are subject to many of the same rules and regulations as for-hire carriers. One notable exception is when you are using farm-plated vehicles. Private farm carriers who use farm plates are exempt from many of the regulations.

In almost every scenario, no. The DOT number is really just the first step in the process. Now that you have a DOT number, you're likely subject to a Safety Audit & State Inspections. Having a DOT number means you have to comply with certain laws, rules, and regulations before you can legally operate. Nobody is physically stopping you from driving with only a DOT number, but it's only a matter of time before you run into serious trouble if that's all you have.

All new authorities, including MC numbers, are subject to a mandatory 21-day waiting period before they can be "authorized". Your MC number is currently "not authorized" and does not allow you to cross state lines. There's 3 things that need to happen: 1. You need to attach an insurance policy. 2. You need to obtain a BOC-3 filing from a registered blanket company. 3. You need to wait for the waiting period to end. Once all of these conditions are met, your MC number will be authorized within a few business days.

Any driver, including owner-operators, who drive a vehicle (or truck & trailer combination) that requires a CDL to operate, needs to be enrolled in a FMCSA Drug & Alcohol consortium. Owner-operators or small fleets who do not have in-house drug testing must use a third-party drug testing provider.

All interstate carriers are subject to the New Entrant Safety Audit within the first 12 months of filing for their DOT number. If you are intrastate-only, you won't go through a New Entrant Safety Audit, but you are still subject to roadside inspections & state audits. Compliance with state & federal regulations is not optional, regardless of whether you're staying in one state, or crossing state lines.

From free application changes to lifetime compliance support, we can help you every step of the way and ensure you get on the road legally in as little time as possible. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation where we'll review your application, identify mistakes, outline what state & federal regulations apply to you, and provide next steps for handling it on your own, or more information on how we can do it all for you.