One of the first certifications you’ll require to drive a business vehicle into the United States is a USDOT number.
One of your most crucial credentials for operating in the United States is your USDOT number, so it’s vital to learn as much as you can about what it is, how apply USDOT number, how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses it, where it needs to be displayed, and how to maintain it.
- NOT TO BE SHARED
First of all, your USDOT number cannot be transferred to another organization. For whatever reason, USDOT numbers cannot be exchanged or leased to another organization. Even if you have a linked firm in Canada, you must abide by this requirement. The connected firm cannot utilize your USDOT number for activities in the United States if it is an entirely independent legal organization. To operate commercial vehicles in the US, each unique organization needs a unique USDOT number.
- DISPLAY IT ON YOUR AUTOMOBILE
Your USDOT number must be visible on any commercial vehicles you drive into the US. The goal of the vehicle marking is to make it clear to law enforcement and the general public who is in charge of operating the vehicle safely.
The necessity for marking has no exceptions. A legal organization, including carriers with operations in Canada that operates a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce, must make sure the necessary information is posted on the commercial vehicle. Your legal company name (or single trade name) must be put first, followed by your USDOT number as it appears on your MCS-150.
- EVERY TWO YEARS, UPDATE IT
You are expected to update the FMCSA’s record of your USDOT number at least every two years. The MCS-150 form, or Motor Carrier Identification Report, is used to complete this update.
It is necessary for you to update your USDOT number in a specific month and year, which are depending on your USDOT number. The last digit, such as 1 for January, 2 for February, 3 for March, and so on, denotes the month in which you update. The year in which you finish the update is indicated by the next-to-last number, which might be either even or odd. For instance, if the last digit of your USDOT number is “20,” you would finish your biennial update in October of each even-numbered year (2020, 2022, etc.).
- KEEP YOUR USDOT NUMBER UP TO DATE
An essential component of operating in the US is having a USDOT number. Make careful you utilize it properly and maintain its accuracy. If you don’t, you risk fines and perhaps having your USDOT number deactivated.
CONCLUSION:
To apply USDOT number, visit Pioneer Trucking Solutions® or reach us through our contact details. If you have any queries too, make sure to give us a ring. We are always there to serve you!