If your company operates commercial vehicles, you need to know everything about USDOT numbers. If you are getting started, don’t worry: in today’s post, we tell you everything you need to know about USDOT numbers, from a basic definition to the states that require a USDOT number. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is a USDOT Number?
A USDOT number is a unique identifier assigned by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to commercial motor carriers operating in interstate commerce.
USDOT numbers are used to track and monitor the safety information of transportation companies such as audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.
Do I Need a USDOT Number?
You need to get a USDOT Number if you meet two sets of requirements. Let’s see what those are.
First Set of Requirements
- You have a vehicle that is used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce.
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
Second Set of Requirements
You need a USDOT number if in addition to the above, your vehicle is involved in Interstate commerce. That is, trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States:
- Between a place in a State and a place outside that 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.
What States Require an USDOT Number?
Some states require commercial motor vehicle registrants to have a USDOT number for intrastate operations. Those states are the following:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New York
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Need To Get a USDOT Number? La Senda Enterprises Can Help
From income tax preparation to bookkeeping, at La Senda enterprises we offer a full range of professional services designed to make your life easier.
We are located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and serve clients all over the Golden State and beyond. Get in touch today by email at info@lasendaenterpriseinc.com or by phone at 909-466-5522.