Along with the implementation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Unified Registration System (URS) has come a change to the way the FMCSA monitors trucking companies.
In the past, trucking companies needed a variation of USDOT, MC, MX and FF numbers. With the new URS, trucking companies will only be required to have a USDOT number.
Do I Need a USDOT Number?
In general, you need a USDOT number if you operate a commercial vehicle transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce, or you transport hazardous materials intrastate in quantities requiring a safety permit.
If you don’t match the above mentioned criteria, you may still need a USDOT number. As of December 12, 2015, 33 of the 50 states require a USDOT Number for commercial vehicle registrants. To see if your state is on the list, click here.
You will be instantly issued a USDOT number upon registering online via the Unified Registration System. Currently, registration is free.
USDOT Number to Become Sole Identifier – Suspended Until Further Notice.
Before the URS, the FMCSA recognized four identification numbers: The DOT Number, which most motor carriers are required to obtain; the Motor Carrier (MC) Number, which was assigned to non-exempt for-hire motor carriers and brokers; the FF Number, which is assigned to freight forwarders; and the MX Number, which is assigned to Mexico-based carriers operating within the U.S./Mexico international border commercial zones.
Once implemented, MC, MX and FF numbers will no longer be issued. DOT numbers will be the sole identifier for all companies who are subject to FMCSA regulation, including motor carriers.
According to an Agency flyer, the FMCSA will no longer accept MC, MX or FF numbers as a reference for filings or other matters. Registered entities without a USDOT number today will be issued a number before the implementation date.
The original implementation date of September 30, 2016 was pushed to January 14, 2017. The deadline was extended indefinitely as noted in an FMCSA Final Rule.
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**This article was updated on 1/16/2017 to reflect the extended compliance date. The implementation dates will be updated once the FMCSA publishes a Federal Register Notice.