A USDOT Number is a unique interstate operating authority assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to all interstate movers. An MC Number is another interstate operating authority given by the FMCSA in addition to a USDOT number. Moving companies transporting passengers or federally regulated commodities across state lines are required to have MC numbers.

What Is a USDOT Number?

A USDOT number (U.S. Department of Transportation number) is an interstate operating authority and unique identifier assigned to a moving company performing interstate moves by the FMCSA. The government uses this number to keep track of a moving company’s safety records, such as registration status, compliance reviews, ratings, inspections, crash investigations, and more. This information is made public and easily accessible on the FMCSA website.

What Is an MC Number?

An MC number (Motor Carrier number) is also an interstate operating authority and unique identifier assigned by the FMCSA to moving companies operating in interstate commerce – in other words, hauling cargo across state lines. However, while all interstate movers are required to have and display a USDOT number on their commercial carriers, not all moving companies need an MC number. What is the difference between USDOT numbers and MC numbers? The types of movers required to get them.

Who Is Required to Have a USDOT Number?

All moving companies operating commercial vehicles hauling cargo or transporting passengers across state lines must be registered with the FMCSA, have a USDOT number, and comply with Federal Regulations.

Who Needs an MC Number?

Some interstate moving companies need an MC Number in addition to a USDOT number. Moving companies that operate as for-hire carriers transporting passengers or federally regulated commodities across state lines also need to obtain an interstate operating authority MC number. For-hire carriers that only haul cargo that is not federally regulated typically aren’t required to have an MC number.

Moving companies that transport goods across state lines will typically have a USDOT number, an MC Number, or both. For instance, our Georgia moving company, USA Family Moving, displays both our USDOT number (USDOT 3076240) and MC number (MC 64858) on all our moving trucks.  

How to Look Up Motor Carrier Number

Those that are interested in this information will likely want to learn how they can look up their motor carrier number. Doing this makes filing paperwork easier and makes sure that you can concentrate entirely on whatever your trucking company or organization offers its customers. To search for your MC number, you will need to visit the SAFER FMCSA website. After visiting this website, you will need to search for your number by inputting your DOT number or company name. This even allows you to search for vital business information like company crash records, fatalities, injuries, towing, and even the safety rating of the business. 

How to Apply for a USDOT Number

The first step in applying for a USDOT number is to have all of the necessary information lined up. USDOT applications are straightforward as they come. Aside from the most basic information like names and addresses, you will need the following information: 

• Company operation
• Operation classification
• Cargo classification
• Number of vehicles in your fleet
• Types of vehicles 
• Ownership of vehicles
• Any driver statuses that you deal with

After getting all of this information squared away, it is necessary to fill out any of the three different application forms online. The three different forms are listed below: 

• MCS-150 (Basic form for all carriers)
• MCS-150B (Combination of USDOT and HazMat application – if applicable) 
• MCS-150C (Combination of USDOT Number and Intermodal Equipment Provider) 

These forms are used to effectively filter out any businesses that will be handling different kinds of materials. After printing out any of the forms that are most applicable, you will need to mail them to the following address: 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. 

How Do I Check the Status of the DOT Number? 

One of the aspects of these identification numbers is the fact that they are easy to look up, and there are many convenient ways for you to see where you stand in their filing. If you want to check the status of your DOT number, there are three ways to do so. You could check online at the SAFER website via the USDOT number lookup, find out by email via the web form, or inquire by phone by calling 800-832-5660 and speaking to customer service. 

More About USA Family Moving

We hope that you have learned how to get your USDOT number and MC number with this article. 

Our full suite of moving services includes assistance from our Georgia movers, Woodstock, GA movers, Atlanta movers, and Atlanta local movers, along with our Georgia packing services, Marietta moving services and other services in Atlanta. We are ready to help you and your family with whatever moving services you may need in the Peach State. We understand that no two moves are the same and that each one will have unique needs or require different types of professional help. What differentiates us from other related businesses is our attention to detail for different kinds of moves. We have the tools and expertise required to cater to whatever kind of move your family may need. No matter the distance that you are traveling or the kind of belongings that you have in your home, our moving professionals and Georgia movers are here to help. 

Contact us or call 770-573-1919 today for a FREE quote and to learn why we are one of the top Alpharetta moving companies and Cumming, GA moving companies!