What is a USDOT Number and Why Does It Matter?
If you've ever looked at the side of a commercial truck, you may have noticed a series of numbers displayed prominently on the door. One of the most important of these is the USDOT Number—a unique identifier assigned to commercial motor carriers operating in the United States.
What Exactly is a USDOT Number?
The USDOT Number (United States Department of Transportation Number) is a unique identifier assigned to commercial motor carriers and other entities that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce.
This number is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the USDOT, and serves as the primary tracking mechanism for a carrier's safety information, including:
- Inspection results from roadside checks
- Crash investigations and accident history
- Compliance reviews and safety audits
- Safety ratings (Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory)
Key Fact
Every commercial vehicle visible on public highways with a USDOT number can be looked up in federal databases to verify the carrier's safety record, insurance status, and operating authority.
Who Needs a USDOT Number?
Generally, you need a USDOT Number if your company operates any of the following types of vehicles in interstate commerce:
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more
- Vehicles designed to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Vehicles designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) without compensation
- Vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring a safety permit
Even if you operate only within your state (intrastate commerce), many states require a USDOT Number for commercial vehicles. Always check your state's specific requirements.
USDOT Number vs. MC Number: What's the Difference?
Many people confuse the USDOT Number with the MC Number (Motor Carrier Number). While related, they serve different purposes:
| USDOT Number | MC Number |
|---|---|
| Required for safety monitoring | Required for operating authority |
| Assigned to all commercial carriers | Only for for-hire carriers |
| Used to track inspections and crashes | Authorizes transport of regulated goods |
In short: the USDOT Number tracks safety, while the MC Number grants permission to operate as a for-hire carrier.
How to Look Up a USDOT Number
You can verify any carrier's USDOT Number through several official channels:
- FMCSA SAFER System – The official government database at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Trucking Record – Our search tool provides instant access to over 460,000 carrier profiles with crash history and safety scores
When you look up a carrier, you'll be able to see:
- Company name and address
- Fleet size (number of trucks and drivers)
- Safety rating (if assigned)
- Crash history for the past 24 months
- Out-of-service rates from inspections
- Insurance and authority status
Why This Matters for Public Safety
The USDOT Number system is fundamental to road safety in America. It allows:
- Shippers and brokers to verify carrier credentials before booking loads
- The public to check if their moving company has a history of violations
- Law enforcement to quickly identify problematic operators during roadside inspections
- Legal professionals to research carrier history after accidents
⚠️ Consumer Warning
If a trucking company cannot provide a valid USDOT Number, or if their number reveals a history of crashes and violations, consider this a major red flag. Always verify before hiring.
Search Now
Ready to check a carrier's safety record? Use our free search tool to look up any USDOT Number and see their complete federal safety profile:
Trucking Record Editorial Team
Our team analyzes FMCSA data to provide accurate, up-to-date information about motor carrier safety. We are committed to transparency in the trucking industry.