Dot Number
What is a USDOT Number?
A USDOT number is an identification number issued and used by the FMCSA and Department of Transportation to track and monitor a company's safety record.
Who Needs It?
A USDOT number is required for any company that owns or operates a Commercial Vehicle with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 10,001 lbs or more, transporting Cargo or a vehicle transporting 9 or more Passengers in Interstate Commerce. USDOT is also required on any intrastate carriers hauling hazardous materials which require a safety permit.
There are states that require USDOT numbers for all commercial motor vehicle registrants such as: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Once you are required to have a USDOT number, knowing what classification and scope of authority your particular type of business operates in and what cargo classifications describe your commodities is crucial.
- The scopes of authority are Interstate (crossing state lines or hauling cargo intended to cross state lines) and Intrastate (hauling cargo within a particular state's borders).
- The classifications for a USDOT carrier are mostly Private, For-hire or Exempt For-Hire. However, there are other classifications listed on our form such as Private Passengers- (business), Private Passengers- (non-business), Migrant, U.S. Mail, Federal Government, State Government, Local Government, and Indian Tribe. It is possible for a company to be listed with more than one classification.
- The Cargo classifications are listed on our form for you to choose from. If your commodity is not listed simply select other and type in what commodities you are hauling.
