How to Apply for a DOT Number in Montana?

Montana’s sizeable, sprawling canyons, cabins, and crucial transportation routes say one thing, “Shipping and Logistics Key Player”. The businesses of transportation company owners, professional transportation driver’s and truck driver’s running in Montana, and through Montana, know that most DOT number is a legal necessity for most commercial vehicles. are required to have a DOT number for these reasons, allow us to breakdown the elements of obtaining a DOT number in Montana so that you can stay compliant and keep the rubber on the road.

The Application Process

In general, if you are operating vehicles of a certain weight, transporting hazardous materials, or doing interstate commerce you will need a DOT number. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the governing body that oversees this process. To apply, they require you to file out their MCS-150 form. This form will ask for your operation type, cargo, and a record of your safety compliance. If you don’t want to miss any part of your application, services such as FMCSA Registration  have a simplified service that walks you through each step.

Required Documents and Information

Applicants should be ready to give intricate details about their operation to get a DOT number. Details like the number of vehicles used, the type of vehicle, the purpose of the use, and the routes the vehicle(s) will travel are required. You will also be required to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS, or for a single proprietor you may be able to use your Social Security Number.

Safety compliance data as well as accident records (if any) will also be required during your application. This data can be heavily scrutinized and will impact your safety rating, which effects how and if you will be able to operate.

Next Steps after Application

After filing your application, you should be sure to keep an eye on the status of your new number. The FMCSA’s website has the necessary knowledge and tools for you should you have further questions about the status of your filing, and next steps that you may have to take.

Getting your DOT number is only the beginning, keeping your information updated, renewals of your registration, and adhering to all safety standards are the next chapters in your paperwork activity book. The FMCSA Registration is the place where you will not only begin your filing, but you can also keep your company updated, filed and safe in your more relaxed, and efficiently moving operation.

Conclusion

Operating a transportation business in Montana means that you are dealing in multiple aspects of federal and individual state trade and laws and getting your number is just one piece of that puzzle. Running a compliant, safe, and efficient operation in Montana will probably take just as many miles of paperwork as it will highway, by giving FMCSA Registration a call and obtaining your number, you can make getting one more compliant each way a smooth ride.