What Are FMCSA And USDOT Numbers?

FMCSA And USDOT Numbers

When looking for a reputable and reliable shipping company, there are a number of factors that need to be put into consideration. Your research should also include finding out if the mover has FMCSA and USDOT numbers. This gives you the assurance that they are certified to operate by relevant authorities that govern their industry. Interstate movers are also governed by these rules. Professional movers such as A1 Auto Transport have the FMCSA and USDOT numbers and are willing to provide the information to clients who ask for this.

What are FMCSA and USDOT numbers?

Haulers and commercial vehicles transporting passengers must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. You may have done your research while looking for a mover and realized that it is good to hire the services of a credible moving company which has these numbers. So, what exactly are these numbers?

The FMCSA number

The trucking industry in the US is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This agency’s main mission is to reduce road crashes, fatalities and injuries involving large trucks and buses.

Depending on the type of authority that is granted by the agency, the FMCSA number is often identified as "OFF", "MC", or "MX" number. In general, companies that do the following are required to have these numbers:

• Interstate commerce companies which transport passengers.
• Companies which transport commodities that are regulated by federal law or commodities owned by their clients.

The FMCSA dictates the type of cargo a company may carry as well as the type of operation they may run. Therefore, a company that has various business operations may require multiple FMCSA numbers.

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The USDOT number

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) serves Americans by ensuring their transportation system is fast, efficient, convenient, safe and accessible. Their focus is to meet the vital national interest and enhance the quality of life of the American people

The following companies need this number:

• Those that offer interstate operations and have commercial vehicles that transport passengers.
• Those that haul cargo and are registered with the FMCSA.
• Commercial intrastate carriers who transport hazardous materials that fall under the category of types and quantities that require a safety permit.

The USDOT is a unique identifier for moving companies. It is useful when collecting and monitoring a company's safety information acquired during inspections, audits, crash investigations and compliance reviews. Unlike the FMCSA number which may be issued multiple times, the USDOT number can only be applied once.

As a mover, it is important for you to make a safe and stress-free move. However, this all starts with making the right informed decisions. Do plenty of research when looking for an interstate mover. Among the factors that you should look into should include whether the mover has FMCSA and USDOT numbers. This gives you assurance that your property will be shipped by haulers who meet the required standards set by the authorities and that their vehicles have been inspected and deemed safe to operate.