The US Department of Transportation was established to ensure safe, modern, and efficient transport systems across the United States. These also include establishing an agency called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They regulate the commercial trucking industry to reduce accidents and injuries. Therefore, companies and individuals should check the USDOT Number when using commercial vehicles to transport their freight.

A USDOT Number Registration protects customers against fraud and is an easy way to check a trucking company’s safety record. It also helps in verifying their legitimacy and compliance with regulations. However, some companies often try to hide their safety records by creating fake USDOT Numbers. Hence, use the FMCSA website to see if the number on the company’s website is legit.

WHO NEEDS USDOT NUMBER?

All trucking companies with a Gross Vehicle Weight above 10,000 pounds and participating in interstate commerce must register their vehicles with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and obtain a USDOT Number. Motor carriers transporting hazardous materials such as propane, fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides also need it.

HOW TO CHECK USDOT NUMBER FOR TRUCKS

Ensuring the trucking company, you want to hire has a registered USDOT Number is vital for the safety of your freight. It allows you to make an informed decision based on the company’s past performance.

Here is how to check below:

USE THE FMCSA’S SAFER SYSTEM SEARCH PAGE

The Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System is a database with trucking company safety and complaints information. Thus, individuals and companies can search for USDOT Numbers using the SAFER system search page.

SEARCH WITH COMPANY NAME

Go to the FMCSA official website search menu and write the company’s name. Ensure you change the search criteria to “Name” before pressing the search button. Also, many trucking companies have similar names so pay attention to ensure you select the accurate one.

SELECT THE CORRECT NAME

Trucking companies are registered with their legal name on the FMCSA website, and many trucking companies have similar names. Thus, it is easy to choose the wrong company if you do not know its base state. You can get the company’s location on their website or with a quick google search.

GO THROUGH THE COMPANY SNAPSHOT PAGE

The snapshot page consists of the company’s profile and data such as their complaint and inspection history, safety and performance ratings, accidents, and others. You will also find their legal name and USDOT Number. Check if their identification and contact information match the ones provided on the website and ensure their USDOT Number is not declared: Out of Service.

KEY TAKEAWAY

USDOT Number helps protect individuals and companies that need movers from hiring an unreputable company. Checking the FMCSA database will provide vital information on their safety and compliance history