Have you heard about this thing called a USDOT number and wonder now if it is maybe something you need to have as a truck driver? Well, we are here to help you get to the bottom of this and confirm once and for all if this is something you do need!

First, let us understand what the USDOT number is.

The USDOT number is a permit required for truckers who meet certain criteria. The requirement is per the rules of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (otherwise known as the FMCSA). Per their rules and regulations of the USDOT number, you are required to obtain this permit before you officially begin your operations as a commercial transportation business. This number then serves as an identification number for your business, holding all safety information regarding your company. This means your USDOT number would be accessible and show the information to anyone who searches for your company this way.

While some states have specific requirement regulations, across the board, these are the criteria requiring a USDOT Number.

If your truck has a gross vehicle weight, combination weight, vehicle weight rating, or gross combination vehicle weight rating that is 10,000 pounds or more, you need the DOT number. Additionally, if your business is designed for the use of transporting over 8 passengers (including the driver) for pay, you need the USDOT number. If the truck is designed for the use of transport over 15 passengers (driver included) not for pay, you need the USDOT number. Also, if your company carries hazardous materials in interstate commerce, you need a USDOT number. Lastly, if your company is used for traffic, trade, or transport in the U.S. for the following, you also need the USDOT number:

• Within two places in a State through another State or a place outside of the United States;
• Between a place in a State and a place outside of such State (including a place outside of the United States.
• Within two places in a State as part of a trade, traffic, or transportation starting from or ending outside the State or the United States.

If you meet any of the above criteria, you likely are required to file for a USDOT number with the FMCSA! In order to get that done quickly and easily, you can give us a call today. We help our customers obtain any required trucking permits with our convenient e-filing services!