The interstate commerce requirement can sometimes be tricky. The DOT number designates the carrier itself, rather than each truck. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations also require DOT numbers for carriers that transport hazardous materials, such as propane, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and some acetylene tanks.
Dot by dot vs wide registration#
territories require a USDOT number for the intrastate operation of a commercial motor vehicle:įor additional carrier registration within your state, check with the agency that oversees your jurisdiction.Ĭontact Our Expert Team Today When Are You Required to Have a DOT Number?Īll trucking companies that operate commercial vehicles of over 10,000 pounds to haul freight or transport passengers in interstate commerce must register their vehicles with the FMCSA and obtain a DOT number. States That Require a DOT NumberĪside from the federal regulations, the following states and U.S. Your only requirement might be to file a registration with your state office. If the activities above do not apply to your line of work, you might not be required to complete a USDOT registration. Transport 16 or more passengers without compensation.Transport nine to 15 passengers for compensation.Use vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds.Drive a commercial vehicle on interstate routes.
Dot by dot vs wide driver#
You will need to file a USDOT registration if you intend to perform any of the following activities as the driver of a commercial vehicle: While most states do require a DOT number for a vast range of commercial vehicle operation, some states do not have this requirement, and other exemptions apply. Do I Need a DOT Number?Ī common misconception in fleet management is that only long-haul trucking fleets require DOT numbers. If you plan to operate any type of commercial vehicle in the United States, the first thing to determine is whether you will need a DOT number. If you do not have a credit card or are uncomfortable with sharing that data online, you will need to fill out a paper application and send the form in the mail to the FMCSA offices. As such, there is no alternative to the credit-card requirement for online applications. The FMCSA website uses an applicant’s credit card as his or her digital signature. The site will not, however, charge your credit card for filing the form or for the issuance of your USDOT number, so there is no need to worry about using the FMCSA website for FMCSA registration. While the registration process is free, the FMCSA website will ask you to submit your credit card number to verify your identity. Commercial motor vehicle operators must reapply for DOT certification every two years. Department of Transportation administers DOT certification. To become DOT certified, a driver must undergo a physical exam and a series of safe-driving tests.
Dot by dot vs wide drivers#
Most fleet drivers require a commercial driver’s license because it serves as proof a job applicant has received DOT certification. To have a commercial driver’s license, as opposed to a personal driver’s license, you must become DOT certified. Most states require DOT certification to drive commercial motor vehicles - a category that includes semi-trucks, delivery vehicles and public transportation. Buy Driver Qualification File Assistance What Does DOT Certification Mean?ĭOT certification is a seal of quality that shows a driver has the skills and competence to drive commercial vehicles on America’s roads and highways.