USDOT requires All Large Trucks to Obtain and Display a USDOT Number

January 18, 2006

EAST LANSING. Officers from the Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division are encountering a number of large trucks from other states that are not displaying a U.S.

Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. While some states do not require a trucking company engaged in intrastate operations to obtain a USDOT number, a large truck crossing a state or national border must obtain and display a USDOT number for the motor carrier having direction and control over the vehicle.

USDOT defines a commercial motor vehicle ("large truck") as any vehicle with a single or combination gross weight rating or actual gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more; a vehicle designed to transport more than 8 passengers, including the driver; or a vehicle of any size that is required to display a hazardous materials placard. If any of these vehicles operate in interstate commerce, Sections 390.19 and 390.21 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) require a USDOT number to be obtained and displayed.

The Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division, the commercial vehicle enforcement arm of the Michigan State Police, is taking enforcement action on motor carriers that do not comply with the regulations.

There is no cost for the USDOT number, and it can be obtained on-line in a short amount of time. Even if the motor carrier only crosses a state or national border as little as once a year, the number is required.

The number can be obtained by calling USDOT at 800-832-5660 or on-line at http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/. Look under "FMCSA Services" on the left side of the screen and click on "FMCSA Registration & Updates."