WHAT IS A DOT NUMBER?

Commercial Insurance Trucking
29 Aug by Marcus Jacob

WHAT IS A DOT NUMBER?


A USDOT Number is a unique identifier for collecting and monitoring a company’s safety information that is acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections.

“DOT” stands for Department of Transportation.


DO I NEED A DOT NUMBER?


Per the FMSCA you are required to obtain a USDOT number if you have a vehicle that:

  • Is used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce (see 49 CFR 385.403).

OR

  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation;
  • AND is involved in Interstate commerce:

Trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States—

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

WHERE DO I DISPLAY A DOT NUMBER?


Per the FMCSA, DOT number’s are to be posted on both sides of the vehicle and are to be clearly visible from up to 50 feet away. Failure to do so may result in fines or unneccarry fines.

ByMarcus Jacob