Do I Need a USDOT Number?

WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS THE

ANSWER IS YES…..
 Where does it say I need to have a
USDOT Number?
First, the adoption of Title 49 CFR 390 as
noted in Trans 327.03(1) applies to:
All Wisconsin motor carriers (private, intrastate
for-hire, and interstate exempt commodities)
operating commercial motor vehicles in
commerce.
Part 390.19 requires each motor carrier that
operates in commerce to obtain a USDOT
number.
 Where does it say I need to have a
USDOT Number?

Second, the provisions requiring the display

of a USDOT number as found in 390.21
applies to:
All commercial motor vehicles defined in 390.5
 Where does it say I need to have a
USDOT Number?

Finally, any Wisconsin carrier registered as

an interstate exempt commodities carrier is
also required to display a USDOT number. As
stated earlier, Part 390.19 would apply to
these carriers even if they do not engage in
interstate operations.
 Definitions
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) includes:
Vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating,
gross combination vehicle weight rating, gross
vehicle weight or gross combination weight of
10,001 lbs. or over.
 Vehicles designed or used to transport more
than 8 passengers (including the driver) for
compensation.
 Definitions
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
continued…
Vehicles designed or used to transport more
than 15 passengers (including the driver) not for
compensation.
Vehicles used to transport hazardous materials
in quantities requiring placarding.
 Definitions

Private Carriers:
Private carriers may only transport their own
goods in their own vehicles to further a primary
business that is not trucking. Hauling goods for
someone else for compensation requires for-hire
operating authority.
 Definitions

For-hire carriers:
For-hire motor carrier means a person engaged
in the transportation of goods or passengers for
compensation.
 Definitions

Compensation:
Compensation means payment made to the
motor carrier for the transportation services
provided. Something given or received as an
equivalent or reparation for a service.
 Definitions

Commerce:
You are operating in commerce if any of the
following apply to you:
Money earned is declared as income from a business for tax
purposes;
Costs for the underlying activities are deducted as a
business expense for tax purposes;
Products and/or money is accepted for advertising a
sponsor;

The transport vehicle is being used in the furtherance of a

commercial operation.
 Definitions

Farmer:
Farmer means any person who operates a farm
or is directly involved in the cultivation of land,
crops, or livestock which --
(a) Are owned by that person; or
(b) Are under the direct control of that person.
 Display of USDOT numbers

 Part 390.21 Marking of CMV’s

Every self propelled CMV as defined under
390.5 must be marked as follows:
The legal name or single trade name of the
motor carrier operating the CMV as listed on
the motor carrier identification report.
The motor carrier identification number
proceeded by the letters “USDOT”.
 Display of USDOT numbers

 Part 390.21 Marking of CMV’s Cont……

Size, shape, location and color of markings:
Must appear on both sides of the power unit.
Be in letters that contrast sharply in color with
the background on which they are placed.
Be readily legible, during daylight hours, from
a distance of 50 ft.
 Where and How do I Obtain a
USDOT Number?

 There are three ways to obtain a number.

First, the fastest and most accurate way is to
register on line at the Federal USDOT website.
www.SAFER.FMCSA.DOT.GOV
When you complete the online application
you will receive your USDOT Number.
 Where and How do I Obtain a
USDOT Number?
Second, you can call by phone and receive
information on how to get a USDOT Number.
1-800-832-5660
This method allows you to receive a fax
copy of the registration form for you to
complete and mail in and takes up to 6
weeks.
 Where and How do I Obtain a
USDOT Number?
Third, you can obtain a paper copy of the
Federal application form MCS150 and mail it to
the US Department of Transportation.
Again, this may take 6 weeks or longer.
 Where and How do I Obtain a
USDOT Number?

USDOT Numbers are free at this point in time.

However you will need a credit card for
identification purposes when registering on line.
 Please do not call the Wisconsin State
Patrol or DMV regarding your USDOT
number or application. They have no
means to issue or change application
information. They can not speed up any of
the application process.
 The most effective telephone contact is
the FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660.

An additional local contact regarding your

USDOT Number is:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
567 D’Onofrio Drive Suite 101
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 829-7530
 Sources for Obtaining Copies of the
Federal Regulations
 Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association: (608)833-
8200
 American Trucking Association: 1-800-282-5463
 On line at the FMCSA web site:
www.fmcsa.dot.gov
Questions?