USDOT Number

A unique identifier issued by the FMCSA that is required for commercial vehicles to track a company's safety information.

A USDOT Number is a unique serial number assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to a commercial motor carrier. It serves as the primary identifier for collecting and monitoring a company's safety performance, including audits, crash investigations, compliance reviews, and inspections. This number must be displayed on all commercial vehicles operated by the carrier. Carriers that operate in interstate commerce and have a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more are required to have a USDOT number. It is also required for vehicles transporting hazardous materials or more than a certain number of passengers. While it is a federal requirement for interstate carriers, over 30 states also require intrastate commercial carriers to obtain a USDOT number. This number is distinct from an MC Number, which grants operating authority.

Example

A new trucking company in Texas that plans to haul goods to Louisiana with a truck rated at 26,000 lbs GVWR must apply for a USDOT number and display it on both sides of the truck before its first interstate trip.