QuestionQUESTION: Where would i apply to get a mc/dot license #, and what are they for..I will be driving for a company and will be operating under my own license and leasing there truck..How much should i expect to pay..Alaska
ANSWER: Hi Brad...
The first thing I'd recommend you do is go to the FMCSA website to determine if you'll require a US DOT and MC number. An MC# (Interstate Operating Authority) is only required if you're transporting across state lines.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/online-registration/onlineregdes
Help me Register..........
The step-by-step registration guide helps you:
Determine if you need a USDOT Number, Operating Authority (MC Number), Hazardous Materials Safety Permit, or Cargo Tank (CT) Number
Find out what forms and processes you need to complete
Determine what costs are involved
Find out which regulations apply to you
Fill out online forms
Start the Step-by-Step Registration Guide
If you determine that you'll require a US DOT number and Interstate Operating Authority (MC#), you can register on line at:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/redirect.asp?page=https://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIE
There is no charge for the US DOT number assignment. The fee for each operating authority is $300.
The US DOT number:
Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number. Also, commercial intrastate hazardous materials carriers who haul quantities requiring a safety permit must register for a USDOT Number. The USDOT Number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company’s safety information acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections.
The MC number:
In general...
Companies that operate as “for hire” carriers (for a fee or other compensation) that transport passengers or federally regulated commodities, or arrange for their transport, in interstate commerce are also required to have interstate operating authority.
The Reach of Operating Authority
FMCSA operating authority is also referred to as an "MC," "FF," or "MX" number, depending on the type of authority that is granted. Unlike the USDOT Number application process, a company may need to obtain multiple operating authorities to support its planned business operations. Operating Authority dictates the type of operation a company may run, the cargo it may carry, and the geographical area in which it may legally operate.
Thanks for the question. I hope this helps some, but if you have additional questions please feel free to ask them.
...Don
http://stopillegaltrucking.com/
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Can my Mc/Dot numbers that I have recived be used on another truck that i am getting???
AnswerBrad...
Yes, the DOT and MC numbers are assigned to the motor carrier.....not the truck. If you're buying another truck and adding vehicles to your fleet, you'll need to update your MCS-150 and UCR to reflect the total number of vehicles operated by your motor carrier company.
Now if the truck you're getting is owned by someone else, you're in a whole different ball game. It would have to be leased to your company by the owner. You would become the lessee and the person owning the truck would be the lessor. As the operating motor carrier, you'll be responsible and liable the same as if you owned the truck and the driver would be the same as a company employed driver.
You can't just allow someone to run their trucks under your authority without a written lease.
All trucks operated under your motor carrier company must be covered under your motor carrier company's insurance policy. You must keep the appropriate company records for all equipment operated and all drivers operating them. The New Entrant safety audit, normally conducted within a few weeks after your authority is activated, will examine the company records. If your records do not contain the mandated records, you'll be out of service until they're corrected. I would recommend you visit this website for more information on the New Entrant Program.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/NewEntrant-faq.asp
As I've said numerous times in the past, the driving of the truck is a small part of operating a motor carrier company. Running the company correctly is what keeps you out of trouble and lets you continue to operate.
Thanks for the question and I hope I've answered it for you. If not please feel free to submit a follow up question.
There is another website you may find of interest. The "Stop Illegal Trucking" website can be found at http://www.stopillegaltrucking.com/
Check out the organization's mission statement and purpose. From there you can click on the red stop sign and go to their forums. The forum has a topic named "GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY" where a lot of information has been posted that may be of interest to you. You can visit the website as a guest and read only the topics in the forum. Registering as a member takes only a few seconds and there are no fees or charges of any kind. Registering allows you to participate in the discussions, ask questions, and post information helpful to other members. You'll meet a lot of folks that operate small motor carrier companies similar to you. There you can learn from their experiences and maybe it will help avoid some mistakes made by others. As one of the co-founders, I extend a personal invitation to you and others to join our cause to elevate the awareness of the safety and economic issues caused by illegal trucking on our nation's highways. I hope to see you there.
Good luck and let me know if there is anything I can do to help you keep legal and compliant.
...Don
SEMO Motor Transport Service (inactive)
http://www.stopillegaltrucking.com/
