DOT & FMCSA Compliance Center | All In One Solution - Management Consulting Experts

A DOT Number is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It’s required for most commercial trucking companies and is used to track a company’s safety record, compliance, and vehicle inspections.

Whether you need a DOT Number depends on the type of operation you run:

• Intrastate: You only haul cargo within one state and don’t cross state lines. Some states still require a DOT Number for intrastate carriers.
• Interstate: You haul goods or passengers across state lines or transport federally regulated freight—you’re required to have a DOT Number and may also need an MC Number.

If you’re starting a trucking company, determining whether you operate intrastate or interstate is critical for FMCSA compliance.

An MC Number (Motor Carrier Number) is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and is required for trucking companies that operate interstate and transport regulated commodities or work as for-hire carriers. Unlike a DOT Number—which tracks safety and compliance—an MC Number gives you the legal authority to haul freight for hire across state lines. 

A BOC-3 (Blanket of Coverage) is a federal filing required by the FMCSA that designates a process agent in every U.S. state where your trucking company operates. This agent receives legal documents or court papers on your behalf. 

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a federally mandated program that requires all interstate trucking companies, freight brokers, and leasing companies to register and pay an annual fee based on fleet size. If your company operates across state lines and has a DOT Number, you’re likely required to file a UCR each year. 

Freight Broker Authority is the official approval from the FMCSA that allows individuals or companies to arrange transportation of freight between shippers and carriers for a fee. To operate legally as a freight broker, you must apply for a Motor Carrier (MC) Number specific to brokering, often called a Broker Authority and have a Bond on file.

Freight Forwarder Authority is issued by the FMCSA and allows a company to arrange, consolidate, and transport freight on behalf of shippers—often combining shipments for more efficient delivery. Unlike freight brokers, freight forwarders take possession of the freight and are responsible for its transportation, either directly or through contracted carriers.