DOT compliance

You got your CDL license and began your career driving trucks but must now ensure you are maintaining all of the necessary regulations and standards set by the federal motor carrier safety administration.

Lets start from the basics..

What is a DOT number?

This is a unique number assigned by the Department of Transportation. This number is utilized in numerous cinereous, such as:

• By law enforcement when they pull you over they will search you up by your DOT number to make sure you are compliant.

• To sign up for the drug and alcohol random program (They will randomly call DOT holders for alcohol testing.)

• Used by the government office to keep track of your violation records.

• FMCSA used this number to collect information about your operation, such as: drivers count, how many commercial vehicles you have in your fleet, your business address, your company name,

Who need a DOT number?

The department of transportation requires you to obtain a USDOT number if you have a vehicle that:

• Is used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce (see 49 CFR 385.403).

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;

AND is involved in Interstate commerce:

Trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States—

• Between a place in a State and a place outside of such 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.

How do i keep my DOT number in compliance?

There are few steps to take to ensure DOT compliance requirements are met.

1. File biennial update to ensure your DOT stay active.

2. If you are running an interstate commerce operation, you must pay the annual UCR registration fee.

3. Make sure you have the required MC authority.

At American carrier compliance we make it easy for you to follow DOT regulations, give as a call at 800.992.3040 and one of our specialists will guide you thru the process and will help you determine what kind of filings you will need to comply with base on your specific business operation.