Every trucking company operating in the US needs a USDOT number. It's not optional - it's a federal requirement for most carriers. Here's everything you need to know about getting yours and staying compliant.

What is a USDOT Number?

A USDOT number is a unique identifier assigned by the United States Department of Transportation. Think of it as your company's safety fingerprint in the federal system.

This number tracks your company's:

• Safety performance and inspection results

• Compliance reviews and audits

• Crash investigations and incidents

• Overall safety rating

The FMCSA uses this data to monitor carriers, identify high-risk operators, and enforce safety regulations across the industry.

Why Does the USDOT Number Exist?

The primary purpose is safety oversight. By assigning unique identifiers to every motor carrier, the USDOT can:

Monitor Industry Safety:

• Track accident rates and patterns

• Identify carriers with poor safety records

• Enforce regulations consistently

• Take action against unsafe operators

Improve Accountability:

• Provide transparency for enforcement agencies

• Enable better data collection and analysis

• Help insurance companies assess risk

• Allow shippers to verify carrier credentials

Your USDOT number follows you throughout your company's lifecycle. Every inspection, violation, and safety event gets recorded under this number.

Do You Need a USDOT Number?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you need a USDOT number if your commercial vehicles operate in interstate commerce and meet these criteria:

You need a USDOT number if:

1. Your vehicles have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more

2. You transport hazardous materials requiring placarding

3. You transport more than 8 passengers (including driver) for compensation in interstate commerce

4. You transport more than 15 passengers (including driver) not for compensation in interstate commerce

5. You operate vehicles with seating capacity of 16 or more, including the driver

Not sure if you need one? Check the official FMCSA guidance: Do I Need a USDOT Number?

Important: Even if you only operate intrastate (within one state), some states require USDOT numbers. Check your state's specific requirements.

How to Obtain Your USDOT Number

Getting your USDOT number is straightforward. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Register with the FMCSA

Visit the FMCSA website and complete the online registration through the Unified Registration System (URS).

You'll need to provide:

• Legal business name and structure

• Business address and contact information

• Type of operation (carrier, broker, freight forwarder)

• Service types you'll provide

Step 2: Provide Vehicle and Business Information

During registration, you'll enter details about:

• Number of vehicles in your fleet

• Vehicle types and weight classes

• Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number

• Operating authority type needed

• Insurance information

Pro tip: Have your business documents ready before starting the application to avoid delays.

Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee

There's a fee for obtaining your USDOT number. Current fees are listed on the FMCSA website. Payment is made online during the registration process.

The registration fee covers:

• USDOT number assignment

• Initial processing and verification

• Entry into federal safety databases

Step 4: Receive Your Number

Once approved, you'll receive your USDOT number immediately. You must display this number on both sides of your commercial vehicles.

Display requirements:

• Numbers must be at least 2 inches tall

• Must be in a color that contrasts with the background

• Must be visible from 50 feet away

• Must include "USDOT" before the numbers

Step 5: Keep Your Information Current

This is critical for compliance. You must update your registration within 30 days of any changes:

• Address or contact information changes

• Fleet size increases or decreases

• Change in business structure or ownership

• Operating authority changes

• Insurance carrier changes

Failure to update can result in fines and out-of-service orders. Learn more about compliance challenges carriers face.

Common USDOT Number Mistakes to Avoid

Not updating your information: Many carriers forget to update their registration after changes. This is a compliance violation.

Missing the biennial update: You must update your information every two years, even if nothing has changed. Missing this deadline deactivates your number.

Improper display: Displaying your USDOT number incorrectly or not at all can result in roadside violations.

Confusing USDOT with MC Number: These are different. Your USDOT number is for safety tracking. An MC (Motor Carrier) number is for operating authority.

Managing Compliance with Modern TMS

Keeping track of USDOT requirements, driver qualifications, vehicle inspections, and compliance deadlines is complex. Modern TMS platforms help carriers stay compliant automatically.

How a carrier-first TMS helps:

• Automated compliance reminders and alerts

• Digital document management for safety records

• Integration with FMCSA databases

• Driver qualification file management

• Vehicle inspection tracking

• Hours of service monitoring through ELD integrations

Datatruck's compliance tools are built specifically for carriers who need to manage safety and compliance alongside daily operations. No more spreadsheets or missed deadlines.

USDOT Number Penalties and Enforcement

Operating without a required USDOT number or with an outdated registration can result in:

• Fines up to $25,000 per violation

• Out-of-service orders (immediate shutdown)

• CSA violations affecting your safety score

• Difficulty obtaining insurance

• Loss of operating authority

The cost of compliance is always less than the cost of violations.

After You Get Your USDOT Number

Once you have your number, focus on maintaining a clean safety record:

Best practices for USDOT compliance:

1. Schedule regular vehicle maintenance and inspections

2. Implement driver safety training programs

3. Monitor your CSA scores monthly

4. Address violations immediately

5. Keep detailed records of all safety activities

6. Use technology to track performance metrics

Your USDOT number is more than just a registration requirement. It's your company's safety reputation in the federal system.

Simplify USDOT Compliance Management

Managing federal compliance requirements shouldn't require a dedicated staff member. Datatruck's carrier-first TMS helps you stay compliant while focusing on growing your business.

What Datatruck handles for you:

• Compliance deadline tracking

• Automated renewal reminders

• Digital document storage

• Safety performance monitoring

• Driver qualification management

Our platform is built by carriers who understand the real challenges of running a compliant operation. We don't just track compliance - we make it automatic.

Your Next Steps

Getting your USDOT number is just the beginning of federal compliance. The real work is maintaining clean records, managing documentation, and staying ahead of regulations.

Start your compliance journey right:

• Get your USDOT number through the FMCSA portal

• Set up proper record-keeping systems

• Implement technology to automate compliance tracking

• Schedule regular safety reviews

Need help managing it all? Learn how other carriers use Datatruck to simplify compliance and focus on profitability.

Choose a TMS That Understands Carrier Compliance

Datatruck is the carrier-first TMS built by carriers who've navigated every compliance challenge you're facing.

From automated compliance alerts to integrated safety management, we help you stay ahead of requirements without adding administrative burden.

Book a free demo and see how Datatruck makes compliance automatic, not complicated.