Many who contact me through my LearnToTruck.com website or call for an insurance quote have never applied for or had a USDOT (United States Department of Transportation) or MC (Motor Carrier) number before. It is imperative for anyone who wishes to have a USDOT and/or an MC number to understand all the different entities involved, and be fluent with what’s necessary in terms of compliance with those entities’ requirements.
To help with that, if an owner-operator or small fleet has not already hired an “agent” to apply for their USDOT and MC numbers to gain motor carrier authority, I always encourage everyone to complete the application themselves. Avoiding possible fines and penalties from the FMCSA, IRP, IFTA, UCR, and etc., by using the excuse that you just didn’t know something was required, or that the “agent” made a mistake, is the same as trying to use the “I didn’t see a speed limit sign” excuse to avoid getting a speeding ticket. Speaking from experience, it’s typically not going to work in your favor.
Use of third parties for help with USDOT/MC authority filings ranges in costs -- by doing it yourself, not only can you educate yourself on just what’s required, but you can avoid those costs. I have seen some “agents” charge anywhere from $500 to $1,500 or more in addition to the fees required by each official entity just to get started. Many will then point out a supposed need to continue to use their services throughout the year. What they don’t tell you is that it is just as easy for you to complete all the required tasks by giving the exact same information to those entities directly.
Before applying, understand that some of the most insignificant or otherwise minor-seeming errors and/or deceptions can cause some of the longest delays in getting your “Operating Status” all the way to “Authorized for Property” (the most common authorized status for OTR operations). Until your status is updated by the FMCSA, you are not compliant and as such cannot begin operations. That is to say, you can’t haul loads and generate income independent of another motor carrier.
In the Army we had a saying, “fast is slow and slow is fast.” That saying is applicable here as well. When we do things in haste, mistakes typically happen. Online forms can encourage haste, in my experience. Always review every entry for typos, accuracy and duplications.
Typos -- These are the most common errors I see. Some are simple to see and identify, while others are far more difficult to spot.
