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A USDOT number is a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to companies that operate commercial vehicles in either interstate or intrastate 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.

You are required to have a USDOT number if you operate a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce. However, even if you’re not crossing state lines, nearly every state has adopted the same requirements for intrastate-only companies with commercial vehicles. 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 / hazmat placard 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. In short, the USDOT number is for identification & safety tracking, while the MC number provides the legal authority to engage in for-hire transportation across state lines. Not every carrier that needs a USDOT number will need an MC number. If you plan to work as a for-hire & interstate carrier, you will need both. If you’re unsure whether an MC number applies to you, get in touch with us.

There is no fee charged by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for filing a USDOT number. We will file for your DOT number at no cost to ensure there are no mistakes on your application that may prevent you from operating as quickly as possible.

After your application is submitted electronically, you receive your USDOT number instantly. The FMCSA's online system is designed to issue the number immediately upon successful completion of the application.

For many new applicants, getting the DOT number is really the first step in the process. There are certain safety regulations that must be complied with to operate legally, depending on your type of operation. At TIPS, we provide a free consultation to go over exactly what will be required to get your trucks on the road and pass any audits or inspections that come your way.