DOT Registration
DOT Registration
DAT Authority takes the hassle out of DOT registration so you can focus on more important things.
As a carrier, DOT registration is a tedious yet necessary step to starting your trucking business. You will need to meet several requirements and complete a number of forms, but the good news is that the DAT Authority experts are here to help with the seemingly endless piles of paperwork.
- Say goodbye to DOT registration difficulties
- Meet requirements and stay compliant
- Enjoy expert guidance every step of the way
Say goodbye to DOT registration difficulties
Relax and let DAT Authority expertly handle your DOT number application.
Applying for your DOT number can be stressful. After all, DOT registration costs valuable time and energy — and you already have a lot on your plate. With help from the experts at DAT Authority, you won’t have to worry about filling out piles of paperwork or DOT registration delays. Instead, you can dedicate all your attention to starting your carrier or owner-operator business off on the right foot.
Meet requirements and stay compliant
DAT Authority is ready to help you navigate federal and state requirements.
You need to overcome many hurdles to become a carrier, but DAT is here to help. In addition to assisting with your DOT registration and MC number, we’ll ensure your new business is compliant with any other federal and state regulations.
Plus, we’ll stay up-to-date on any changes to federal, state, or industry laws and let you know if something is likely to affect your business. You’ll never have to worry about whether you’re compliant!
Enjoy expert guidance every step of the way
There’s no need to become an expert at navigating all the federal and state requirements — DAT is here to help.
There’s much more to being a successful carrier than DOT registration. When you work with DAT Authority, our experts will provide support throughout the entire process, whether you need help applying for your MC number or need clarifications on state requirements. We’ll even continue to provide you with support after your business is up and running.
"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
The U.S. Department of Transportation uses DOT numbers to identify carriers. Essentially, it’s a tool the Department of Transportation uses to keep tabs on carriers, their trucks, their drivers, their overall safety rating, and their operations.
For example, the Department of Transportation might collect and monitor the safety information about your company that they obtain through audits, inspections, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and more.
All carriers that haul cargo across state lines and operate vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds need to register with the FMCSA and obtain a USDOT number. Carriers transporting hazardous materials will also need to register for their DOT number.
It’s also worth noting that many states require a DOT number, regardless of whether you have interstate or intrastate operations.
While many confuse the two, DOT numbers and MC numbers are different. DOT numbers are identifiers issued by the Department of Transportation to carriers that operate in interstate commerce. MC numbers are issued by the FMCSA and enable carriers to cross state lines for hire with regulated commodities.
All carriers and owner-operators that haul cargo in interstate commerce need a DOT number. However, only some need an MC number. Carriers that transport regulated commodities across state boundaries will need an MC number in addition to their DOT number.
In addition to your DOT number and MC number, you’ll want to think about getting your CDL and IFTA credentials. Don’t forget to pay your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax if your truck weighs more than 55,000 pounds, file your BOC-3 form, and obtain primary liability, cargo, physical damage, bobtail, and per-load insurance.
You should also choose your business structure, develop a solid business plan, and think about business operations. Consider investing in a quality TMS, fuel card, and load board to make your life easier.
While you’ll face plenty of fees when setting up your carrier business, the good news is that there’s no charge to apply for your DOT number. You can apply online to receive your DOT number immediately or submit your forms by mail. In this case, you’ll receive your DOT number in around six weeks.
However, if you need an MC number, you’ll need to pay a $300 filing fee and various other fees for the authorities your business needs.
At DAT, we know that every carrier has its own budget — and the USDOT registration cost is one of the only things companies can do for free. Nearly everything else involves application fees or recurring charges. That’s why we offer three DAT Authority packages, with the cheapest starting at just $549 per year. This fee will cover your federal fees, your Form BOC-3, your DOT number cost, and the cost of your MC number. As a bonus, you’ll be able to access the DAT load board for a month!
Simplify DOT registration with DAT
The DOT number cost is more than monetary. DOT registration takes up valuable time and energy, so why not make your job a little easier and work with DAT Authority?
When you use DAT Authority, we’ll file your paperwork for everything from USDOT registration to your IFTA permit.