How to Apply for a USDOT Number

One of the most critical steps for transportation companies and professional drivers when beginning to operate legally and safely within the United States is to Apply for a USDOT number online. This easy guide walks you through the process with minimal stress and maximum efficiency.

Understanding the USDOT Number

A USDOT number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring safety information on commercial vehicles in an audit, compliance review or crash investigation. In general, if you’re company operates commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce, you are required to have a USDOT Number.

Step-by-Step Guide to Application

Determine Your Need

First and foremost, decide if you need a USDOT number. The requirements can vary greatly depending on the type of transportation, whether the vehicles are carrying hazardous materials, whether they are designed to carry groups of 15 people or less, the weight of the vehicles and whether you are operating across state lines or not. The FMCSA website and FMCSA Registration resources will be helpful in making this distinction.

Collect Necessary Information

Before diving into an application you need to gather some important information. This includes details about how your company operates, who owns it and officer information as well as details about the vehicle that needs a USDOT number: type of cargo carried and the number of vehicles and their weight. Going into this process prepared to complete it in its entirety can save you time and help avoid delays.

Apply Online

Of course you can always complete your application online. There are typically three ways that your company can file for a USDOT number these include: online, physical forms and having a company like a 3rd party registration service, file your application for you, these services can help speed up an application. A 3rd party company can ease some of the difficulty of this process and make sure your application is correct and compliant. You can submit your application for a USDOT number through the FMCSA website. Filing online is the quickest way to obtain a number. Many companies are issued a USDOT number at the time of this online application by the FMCSA.

Verify and Update Your Information

As with any filing of a form with a government agency if there is a problem with the information that you have submitted even something small the entire document could be rejected. In addition to this, as you may recall earlier, depending on what cargo youre company carries and if you carry passengers you may be required to submit additional changes to the FMCSA. This will require additional information from the company like your USDOT number.

Utilizing Resources

Using an FMCSA Registration, especially for those that are just setting up a new business, can be a great benefit therefore the application is file without error and with the ability to accurately do this it will expedite the process for your company, so you can continue to do what you do best, safely carry goods and people around the U.S.

Compliance is Key

Having a USDOT number isnt just about legality its about safety. Commit to maintaining a safe fleet, always focus on driver safety and ensure that the public is well protected when they are on America's roadways. Stay informed of the latest regulations to ensure that you maintain that compliance. 3rd party registration services such as FMCSA Registration can easily guide you through this process to save you time, money and hassle while you focus on success in your company.