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What is the Difference Between an MC Number and a DOT Number?


Entering into the trucking industry, there are several requirements that you need to take care of from IFTA tax regulations to your motor carrier numbers with the federal motor carrier safety administration (FMCSA) before you can hit the road. The determination of which you need can largely depend on the type of operation you are running. This is referring to the type of work you will be taking on as a trucker such as if you intend to transport passengers or strictly cargo, be it hazardous materials or acting as a power unit for private carriers. MC and USDOT numbers are among those but many are not entirely sure what these are or the difference between them. Do you need both of them, or just one? Here we will be taking a closer look and putting some answers to these popular questions such as, what is a DOT number? And, What is an MC number? The big difference here is a determination between interstate and intrastate carrier operations. Stick with us and you will learn the key differences between an MC number vs DOT number and how to know when you know either of them.

What is a USDot Number?

A USDOT number, also known as a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number, is a unique identifier assigned to commercial motor carriers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) operating authority. This identifier is required for all commercial motor vehicles that transport goods or passengers and weigh over a certain limit or carry specific amounts of paying passengers. This number is crucial for ensuring the safety of the public on the roadways and compliance with federal regulations.It is important to note that a USDOT number is required regardless of whether your company operates within a single state or travels across state lines. This is because the FMCSA regulates commercial motor vehicles that cross state lines under the authority granted to them by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).In order to obtain a USDOT number, you must complete an application through the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS). Additionally, if your commercial vehicle weighs over a certain limit, you will also need to register for a Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150). This report must be updated every two years to ensure that the information provided to the FMCSA is accurate and up-to-date.

What is an MC number?

Now that we have covered what a DOT number means for your trucking company, now it’s time to jump ahead to what an MC number is. An MC number, also known as a Motor Carrier number, is a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to commercial motor vehicles that transport interstate cargo both inside their state and crossing over state lines. This number is necessary for commercial motor carriers to operate legally and ensures compliance with federal regulations.Similar to the USDOT number, obtaining an MC number involves registering with the FMCSA through the Unified Registration System (URS). In order to apply for an MC number, you must first obtain a USDOT number and then complete the necessary application and registration processes.It is important to note that not all commercial motor carriers require an MC number. For instance, if you are only transporting goods within your state, you may only need to obtain a USDOT number. However, if you are transporting goods across state lines, an MC identification number is required to comply with federal regulations for an Interstate operating authority.Certain types of cargo require specific driver’s licenses and permit in addition to the MC for trucks used in the business. For example, carriers of hazardous materials must obtain a Hazardous Materials Safety Permit, and those who transport household goods must obtain a Household Goods Motor Carrier Permit.It is also important to ensure that your commercial motor vehicle is properly insured to comply with federal and state requirements. This includes maintaining financial responsibility for your vehicle, which may require additional permits and licenses depending on the type of cargo you are transporting.

MC Number vs DOT Number: Understanding the Differences

As we touched upon in the above definitions, one of the major differences between the two is the need in or outside of the confines of the home state that your company or for-hire carriers operate in. A USDOT number is required both with interstate commerce and intrastate commerce operations within the United States. However, if you are only operating within your state lines without crossing any borders, you can usually get away with only having a DOT. On the other hand, an MC number is only needed for interstate operations in which you will be crossing borders from one state to another.

How Do to Know Which One You Need

Knowing which type of authority you are going to need really depends on the specifics of your trucking company. These specifics will also be listed out for clients and others to access on sites such as SAFER. You will need to factor in the requirements on items such as your gross vehicle weight rating as well as if you are going to operate specifically within your home state or if you will be an interstate carrier, such as a moving company or a passenger carrier, in which case you would need to acquire interstate authority.

For more information, be sure to check directly with the source, such as the motor carrier authority, which can be found online at fmcsa.dot.gov as well for additional details. Another great source of information could be your insurance company, as they will know the requirements you need to also meet the requirements to be properly insured.


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