Get your free USDOT Number started today.

A USDOT number is a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to companies that operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. This number is used to collect and monitor a company's safety information, which is gathered during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections. Think of it as a crucial component of your company's safety and compliance record within the transportation industry.

You are required to have a USDOT number if you operate a commercial vehicle for interstate commerce. Nearly every US state has also adopted the same requirements for their Intrastate operators. Specifically, your vehicle requires a USDOT number if it has a gross or combined weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, is designed to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation, or is designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) not for compensation. Additionally, any vehicle used to transport hazardous materials in quantities requiring a safety permit must have a USDOT number.

While a USDOT number identifies your company with the FMCSA for safety and compliance, an MC (Motor Carrier) number grants you the authority to operate and transport cargo across state lines. Essentially, the USDOT number is for safety tracking, while the MC number provides the legal authority to engage in for-hire transportation. Not every carrier that needs a USDOT number will need an MC number. If you plan to work as a for-hire carrier, transporting goods for others, you will likely need both. At TIPS, we can assist you in determining all your specific authority needs to ensure you are fully compliant and ready to operate legally.

No, there is no fee charged by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for the issuance of a USDOT number. While the number itself is free from the government, many businesses choose to use a service like ours to ensure the application is filed correctly and efficiently, avoiding potential delays or errors. Our service of processing and filing for your free USDOT number is complimentary; we aim to simplify the process for you as part of our comprehensive suite of compliance services.

After your application is submitted electronically, you will typically receive your USDOT number instantly. The FMCSA's online system is designed to issue the number immediately upon successful completion of the application. The key is to ensure all information submitted is accurate and complete. By using our service, you can be confident that your application is free of common errors, allowing you to get your number without unnecessary delays and get on the road faster.