DOT and MC number
DOT and MC number
The experts at DAT Authority can take care of all your paperwork to help you get your DOT and MC number fast.
- Hit the ground running with DAT’s day-zero support
- Simplify your DOT and MC number application with DAT Authority
- Make back-office work a breeze
Hit the ground running with DAT’s day-zero support
If you’re just breaking into the industry, leverage DAT’s expert guidance to jumpstart your business.
Are you interested in starting your own trucking business (and eventually obtaining your USDOT and MC number), but remain stuck or unsure of the steps and requirements involved? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
For over forty years, DAT has worked with truckers looking to run their own independent businesses. In other words, we know what it takes to successfully start your own trucking business and amass sustained staying power, and we’re ready to guide you through the process to make sure you can hit the ground running with the numbers, processing agents, insurance, and licenses you need to start your own trucking business.
Simplify your DOT and MC number application with DAT Authority
Register your business stress-free with DAT and ensure you always stay compliant with federal and state regulations.
DAT walks you through each step of the DOC and MC number application processes – taking care of every detail to ensure you can get your DOT and MC number as quickly as possible. We help you with the paperwork so it’s right the first time around. And our support doesn’t end there. The experts at DAT Authority will help you stay abreast of changing state and federal regulations not only when you first start in the business, but also in years to come as your business becomes more established.
Make back-office work a breeze
Leave the paperwork to DAT’s experts, freeing yourself of the burdens of the back-office and maximizing your time on the road.
When you partner with DAT Authority, you get access to a trusted advisor that remains dedicated to keeping your business on the right track no matter what stage of growth it’s in.
Whether you’re just starting the process of getting your operating authority or you’re several years into your business, DAT Authority can help you avoid permitting delays, navigate local rules and federal regulations with ease, and optimize your business’ bottom-line with DAT’s reliable support.
"Some say it's simple to get your authority, and that you should save your money and do it yourself. Other people, including myself, are not sure where to even begin. I used a service provided by DAT to get my authority. It was important to me that it was done right the first time, by people who have done this before."
- Chad Boblett - Boblett Brothers Trucking
"They took me by the hand an led me through all of the diffiult and confusing steps to ensure that I started off on the right food. I cannot say it any clearer than these folks know what it's all about."
- Gregg Knight, LTL Trucking
Obtaining your DOT and MC number is a basic requirement you’ll need to fulfill if you want to run your own trucking business operating across state lines. Each number serves a specific purpose in helping to maintain order within the trucking industry.
USDOT Number: The Department of Transportation issues your DOT number, which becomes the main tracking and reporting number for your trucking business. It is used to keep track of your vehicles, drivers, and safety rating and is essential for anyone starting their own trucking business whether you’re planning to cross state lines or not.
MC Number: The MC number is also essential for most trucking businesses. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues your MC number, which certifies you to legally haul interstate freight – and get paid for your work. If you plan to only operate within a single state (which means never crossing any state lines, even if it’s just on a highway that happens to briefly cross into another state before returning to its original state), you may not need an MC number. However, most businesses choose to get an MC number and get interstate operating authority to not be limited.
Simply put, getting these numbers is a requirement if you want to operate a trucking business in the United States. Whether or not you need both will depend on the type of business you’re running.
No matter what kind of trucking business you run, you need a US DOT number so the government can keep track of your operation. Carriers that haul regulated cargo across state lines or engage in interstate commerce will also likely need an MC number.
If you’re unsure about what numbers you need, the experts at DAT Authority can work with you to determine what numbers (and other authorizations) you need to start your business. They’ll also help you fill out the paperwork to get the numbers themselves.
The good news is that you can get your USDOT number for free, but your MC number will cost you.
If you plan to haul interstate freight, your trucking business will also almost certainly require an MC number to lawfully operate in multiple states. You’ll have to pay $300 for your MC number, as well as an additional $300 for each operational class your trucking business is required to register for.
What does that mean? Take this example: Since a tour guide business usually only requires one classification, the total dot and mc number cost would only be $300. However, other truck businesses, depending on their complexity, might require more classifications and face higher fees as a result.
Yes! In fact, that’s exactly why we created DAT Authority: to help truckers and brokers get everything they need to start their own business. Our experts have helped thousands of carriers and independent owner-operators over the years launch their businesses. We will help you submit your USDOT and MC number application and ensure that your trucking business is properly licensed and registered.
In addition to helping you with all of your authority paperwork, DAT members who select our Carrier Authority subscription package receive a 10% discount on the industry-leading DAT load board – plus enjoying the first 30 days free of charge.
DAT offers three distinct DAT Authority subscription packages – each of which come with flat annual rates, without any hidden fees, and are specifically designed to support carriers’ and owner-operators’ authority needs. The subscription packages build on each other, offering more support at each level. The best way to determine which is right for you is to think about how much expert help you want as you work toward your authority. The DAT Authority packages are:
Carrier Authority: Basic ($549)
- All federal fees are taken care of
- Register your USDOT and MC Number
- BOC-3 Process Agent
Carrier Authority: Gold ($874)
- Register your USDOT and MC Number
- IRP and IFTA support
- Interstate application support
Carrier Authority: Platinum ($994)
- Register your USDOT and MC Number
- IRP and IFTA support
- Interstate application support
- Get our Safety Compliance Kit
With each package, you’ll sleep easy knowing you’ll receive expert help each step of the way as you create and build your business.
Add in a free month of access to DAT’s powerful load board and on-demand marketplace, and it’s easy to see why DAT delivers carriers the greatest bang for their buck.
The application process for USDOT and MC numbers varies in length. The good news is the expert team at DAT Authority is set up to help you submit your DOT and MC number applications and receive approval as quickly as possible.
You can expect to have your USDOT issued immediately if you apply for your USDOT number online. Those that choose to mail in their forms, however, face the prospect of waiting up to six weeks for approval. Of course, that timeframe will be slower if you have to resubmit the application due to an error. Your MC number may also come fairly quickly, but it will take 21 days for it to become active due to a mandatory vetting and protest period.
We’ll handle the paperwork so you can focus on building your business!
Are you ready to start your trucking business and get your DOT and MC number? The experts at DAT Authority are ready to help you every step of the way to ensure you do it right the first time. Contact us today to get started!