Chapter 6
Obtaining USDOT Numbers, Operating Authority and MCS-150 Updates
WHO NEEDS TO REGISTER WITH FMCSA?
Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to receive a USDOT number and operating authority.
The USDOT number serves as a unique identifier for monitoring a company’s safety information. Audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations and inspections all use a USDOT number to identify a carrier, so carriers must have their USDOT number on their vehicles. The CSA 2010 program will also use USDOT numbers and other means of identification to track both commercial motor vehicles’ AND drivers’ adherence to safety rules.
MCS-150 FORM
To obtain a USDOT number, a transport company must complete the MCS-150 form. The form also must be updated every other year (biennially), and also when a company goes out of business or has had its USDOT number revoked and is re-applying.
The MCS-150 form is also used by a company to declare the type of business they will conduct, so they might gain operating authority in that area, such as: Motor property or passenger carrier, shipper, freight forwarder or cargo tank facility.
Interstate operating authority is required to transport property (regulated commodities) or passengers for-hire in interstate commerce.
FMCSA ONLINE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING SYSTEM
The FMCSA Online Registration and Licensing System is web-based and designed to process registration and licensing requests quickly and accurately. It also helps ensure Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators complete and submit all the correct forms needed for a particular task. Additionally, the system allows for online payment with a major credit card.
FMCSA encourages all applicants with Internet access to use online registration: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/online-registration. A registration tracking number with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) can be issued allowing for a return to the system to complete, update or add information.
USDOT NUMBER
49 CFR Part 390.21
Interstate carriers are required to mark their vehicles with the carrier's USDOT number in addition to their business name. The letters "USDOT" must precede the number. This number is issued by the United States
Department of Transportation. Carriers can apply for this number by filing the Form MCS-150, Motor Carrier Identification Report and MCS 150A, Safety Certification Application with the USDOT.
For more information or to request a USDOT number contact the Motor Carrier Division at (801) 965-4892 or (866) 215-5399 or online at the FMCSA website (www.fmcsa.dot.gov).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For applicants without Internet access, FMCSA can mail instructions, forms, and other materials for the registration process; call FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660.
For further information regarding FMCSA’s Online Registration and Licensing System contact the Motor Carrier Division at (801) 965-4892 or (866) 215-5399, or the FMCSA Utah Division office at (801) 963-0093.
Chapter 6
Obtaining USDOT Numbers, Operating Authority and MCS-150 Updates
WHO NEEDS TO REGISTER WITH FMCSA?
Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to receive a USDOT number and operating authority.
The USDOT number serves as a unique identifier for monitoring a company’s safety information. Audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations and inspections all use a USDOT number to identify a carrier, so carriers must have their USDOT number on their vehicles. The CSA 2010 program will also use USDOT numbers and other means of identification to track both commercial motor vehicles’ AND drivers’ adherence to safety rules.
MCS-150 FORM
To obtain a USDOT number, a transport company must complete the MCS-150 form. The form also must be updated every other year (biennially), and also when a company goes out of business or has had its USDOT number revoked and is re-applying.
The MCS-150 form is also used by a company to declare the type of business they will conduct, so they might gain operating authority in that area, such as: Motor property or passenger carrier, shipper, freight forwarder or cargo tank facility.
Interstate operating authority is required to transport property (regulated commodities) or passengers for-hire in interstate commerce.
FMCSA ONLINE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING SYSTEM
The FMCSA Online Registration and Licensing System is web-based and designed to process registration and licensing requests quickly and accurately. It also helps ensure Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators complete and submit all the correct forms needed for a particular task. Additionally, the system allows for online payment with a major credit card.
FMCSA encourages all applicants with Internet access to use online registration: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/online-registration. A registration tracking number with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) can be issued allowing for a return to the system to complete, update or add information.
USDOT NUMBER
49 CFR Part 390.21
Interstate carriers are required to mark their vehicles with the carrier's USDOT number in addition to their business name. The letters "USDOT" must precede the number. This number is issued by the United States
Department of Transportation. Carriers can apply for this number by filing the Form MCS-150, Motor Carrier Identification Report and MCS 150A, Safety Certification Application with the USDOT.
For more information or to request a USDOT number contact the Motor Carrier Division at (801) 965-4892 or (866) 215-5399 or online at the FMCSA website (www.fmcsa.dot.gov).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For applicants without Internet access, FMCSA can mail instructions, forms, and other materials for the registration process; call FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660.
For further information regarding FMCSA’s Online Registration and Licensing System contact the Motor Carrier Division at (801) 965-4892 or (866) 215-5399, or the FMCSA Utah Division office at (801) 963-0093.
