DOT Compliance

Do I need a DOT number and why
FMCSA is requiring motor carriers to have a DOT number.

Ensuring DOT Compliance entails successfully adhering to all the stipulated requirements to maintain the validity of your DOT number.
A Department of Transportation number, commonly referred to as a DOT number or USDOT number, is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to registered motor carriers operating commercial vehicles.
Motor carrier vehicles exceeding a specified weight limit, transporting specific passenger counts, or operating across state lines in accordance with FMCSA regulations are mandated to possess a DOT number. Additionally, many U.S. states impose their own local DOT requirements.
The USDOT Number serves as a distinct marker for collecting and monitoring a companies safety-related information, which is acquired through audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections.

You are required to obtain a USDOT number if
you have a commercial motor vehicle that:

  • Is employed for the transportation of hazardous materials, including those that necessitate a safety permit for intrastate commerce as delineated in 49 CFR 385.403.
  • Boasts a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW).
  • Weight or gross combination weight exceeding 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds), with the higher value taking precedence.
  • Is either designed for or employed in the transport of more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for remuneration.
  • Is specifically crafted or utilized for the conveyance of over 15 passengers, inclusive of the driver, and is not employed for the paid transportation of passengers.

What is a commercial vehicle?

This category includes the following vehicles:

  • semi-trucks
  • delivery vehicles
  • public transportation

States That Require a DOT Number

  • Is employed for the transportation of hazardous materials, including those necessitating a safety permit for intrastate commerce, as stipulated in 49 CFR 385.403.
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW).
  • Weight or gross combination weight, exceeding 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds), with the greater value taking precedence; or
  • Is either designed for or employed in the transport of more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for remuneration; or
  • Is specifically crafted or employed to carry more than 15 passengers, including the driver, without being utilized for passenger transportation in exchange for compensation;

How do I know what is my vehicle's weight

  • Check on your vehicle registration card
  • You may find it on the driver's side on the sticker when you open the door
  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • South Carolina
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

What does it mean to be DOT Certified?

DOT Certification is a prestigious endorsement that signifies a CDL driver’s proficiency and competence in operating commercial vehicles on the nation’s roads and highways.
In most states, CDL drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles are mandated to obtain DOT certification. This certification is a prerequisite for obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) rather than a standard personal driver’s license. For many individuals seeking employment as fleet drivers, holding a CDL serves as proof of having obtained DOT certification.
Becoming DOT certified involves a series of essential steps, including a comprehensive physical examination, commonly referred to as a DOT medical exam or CDL medical exam, as well as the successful completion of a set of safe-driving assessments.
To maintain DOT certification and compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial motor vehicle operators are required to reapply for DOT certification every two years. This renewal process involves submitting the MCS-150 form or the DOT Biennial update, ensuring the continued validity of their DOT number.

Where to display the DOT number?

Trucking companies and independent contractors are obligated to prominently display a Department of Transportation (DOT) number on the sides of their trucks. These numbers are a prerequisite for commencing the transportation of materials, and any newly-established company or carrier must initiate the application process for a DOT number before dispatching their vehicles onto the road.

When to renew my DOT number?

The Department of Transportation mandates that every two years, or biennially, you must refresh all the details linked to your DOT number. To accomplish this, you are required to submit the MCS-150 form. 

By completing the MCS-150 form, you provide the Department of Transportation with the most precise and up-to-date data about your fleet and company. This filing process guarantees that the information the department possesses from you remains the most current and accurate.

How to reinstate my DOT Number?

To keep DOT compliance and reactivate your USDOT number you will need to complete the MCS-150 form.

DOT Physical examination

According to 49 CFR Part 391, drivers operating specific classes of vehicles are required to undergo a physical examination administered by a certified medical professional. Qualified medical professionals can be found listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry and include doctors of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic practitioners, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses.
Before operating any vehicle, it is imperative to undergo a physical examination, and thereafter, schedule rechecks every 24 months while actively involved in operation. It’s important to note that the medical examiner may issue a certificate for a period of less than 2 years if they deem it necessary for monitoring a particular medical condition.
Furthermore, it is a mandatory practice to keep your medical examiner’s certificate readily available within the truck at all times. It should also be maintained in your driver qualification records, ensuring its accessibility to commercial enforcement officers during safety audits.