Free USDOT Number

USDOT Numbers are FREE, and we can help you acquire one. Our goal is to simplify the complex world of DOT compliance, make it easy and less time consuming for the owner-operator. Driving shouldn’t be something you fear, it should be something you enjoy and look forward to. FCCR makes driving simple, by simply letting us worry about the paperwork so that you can enjoy the drive again. One of our compliance experts will consult you on how to properly set up your business, and register a free USDOT Number during the process.

Free DOT Form

Free USDOT Number Overview

There is no fee for a USDOT number. However, if your business requires operating authority, you may require an MC number and/or other designations that do require fees. Our compliance experts will walk you through the process of everything you need to get on the road, and give you a free DOT number along with it.

The first steps when registering your commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is to determine whether or not you need a USDOT number. This is in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Getting a USDOT number requires looking through technical information. One checkmark in the wrong box, one miss-crossed “T” or any other simple mistake when specifying your cargo or operation can cost you time and money. We here at FCCR encourage you to look for our help when applying for your USDOT Number, and starting your own trucking business in general. Our professional consultants have maintained years of experience filing USDOT applications.

 

What Is A USDOT Number And Why Do I Need One?

USDOT is an acronym for the U.S. Department of Transportation. A USDOT number is needed for any trade or transportation of people or goods within the United States if a company is transporting people/cargo outside of a particular state, transporting people/cargo between two places within a particular state or if a company is transporting people/cargo from a state to anywhere outside of the country.

Read More: Do I Need a USDOT Number?

 

Do I Need To Own A Business To Get A USDOT Number?

No, you don’t need to own a business to get your DOT Number, you can act as an individual under a sole proprietorship or DBA.  You do have the choice of creating a business entity, however, this can be an LLC or Corporation.

Read more: Are You Starting a Trucking Company? Here’s What You Need to Know

 

What Information Do I Need To Apply For USDOT Number?

In order to get a USDOT number you’ll want to have this information available:

  • Your company’s Employer Identification (EIN and tax identification number if you already created a company). Your Social Security number would be needed if you are acting as an individual.
  • The names of your company’s officers and their titles.
  • Identifying information
    • Your name or company name
    • The principal address associated with your business
    • Company phone number, email address, and fax number
    • Social security number or the company’s IRS tax ID

During the FMCSA application process, you’ll need to declare your operation classification as well, so its important to determine who you will be conducting business for.

This could be:

  • Authorize For Hire
  • Exempt For Hire
  • Private (property)
  • US Mail
  • Private Passenger (non-business)
  • Migrant
  • US Mail
  • Private Passenger (business)
  • State Government
  • Local Government
  • Indian Nation

It will also ask you to indicate the type of cargo you will be moving in your vehicle and if you will be transporting hazardous materials. You’ll want to put all of this information into a Driver Qualification File, FCCR offers DQ File Management Services.

 

What Comes After Getting My USDOT Number?

The USDOT Number application is often combined with an Motor Carrier (MC) number application. The MC fee is, unfortunately, non-refundable. If the application is filed incorrectly, then you will end up losing money and time. It takes 1-2 months  to correct this mistake on average. These small mistakes can be even more troublesome than filling out the original application. In order to fix this, you must request a PIN and comply with any other mandatory regulations.

Read more: Do I Need an MC Number?