This is an overview of assistance topics you can discuss with our team. We confirm scope, availability and fees before purchase. The guidance does not determine your requirements or guarantee approval.
USDOT numbers & operating authority
USDOT registration starts with your operation. Vehicle or combination weight, passengers, hazardous materials, interstate activity and state rules can affect what you need. A common federal interstate cargo threshold is 10,001 pounds or more, using the greater applicable rating or actual weight. A vehicle label such as “van” or “hotshot” is not enough to decide.
MC operating authority is a separate question. Interstate for-hire transport of regulated property owned by others, or passengers for compensation, generally calls for authority. Private carriers hauling their own goods and certain exempt operations may not need it. A light cargo van can still need an authority review.
USDOT Service can help you organize business information and review the appropriate application path. Existing businesses should check their current records before starting a new application.
Motus, updates & existing registrations
FMCSA’s current registration guidance directs applicants to Motus. Create your personal user profile, complete identity verification, and create or claim the company account. The company official should retain control of the account and approve authorized access for assistance. Never send passwords or verification codes through a contact form.
Ask about USDOT record updates, MCS-150 needs, legal-name and address changes, additional authority, inactivation or reactivation, and authority reinstatement reviews. These are different actions: updating a USDOT record does not automatically reinstate authority.
If an application is pending, identify outstanding filings and review the current application before paying for another. Agency review and approval timelines are controlled by FMCSA.
Brokers, freight forwarders & specialized entities
Motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, intermodal equipment providers and cargo-tank facilities have different registration paths. Your role is based on what the business actually does, not simply the vehicles it owns.
Broker and freight-forwarder authority and financial-responsibility requirements differ from ordinary carrier insurance. Cargo-tank facility registration is distinct from simply operating a tanker truck. Ask our team for a service-specific review. Mexico-based and other cross-border operations also require an appropriate review.
BOC-3 filing & free insurance quotes
We offer BOC-3 filing assistance. The filing designates agents to receive legal process. Our team explains the information needed, service scope and cost before purchase. If you believe a BOC-3 is already filed, confirm it is correctly associated with the current registration before ordering another.
You can request a free insurance quote through our team. Requests are referred to licensed insurance professionals. A request does not bind coverage, and this website does not produce an instant insurance quote. Premiums, coverage, eligibility and required filings depend on the insurer and your operation.
Receiving a USDOT or MC number does not mean all operating requirements have been met. Where authority is required, confirm FMCSA has granted it and that required financial-responsibility and BOC-3 filings are in place before operating.
Safety support after registration
Registration is the start of an ongoing recordkeeping responsibility. Depending on the operation and applicable rules, support topics include driver qualification files, new entrant audit preparation, hours-of-service and ELD questions, vehicle inspection and maintenance records, and managed compliance reviews.
New interstate carriers are generally monitored under FMCSA’s New Entrant program for 18 months and are subject to a safety audit. Keep documents organized from the start. Audit support helps prepare records; it does not guarantee an audit outcome.
Driver files should be reviewed for the documents, inquiries and retention requirements that apply. Do not submit sensitive driver records through our website forms. Our team can discuss the appropriate way to review your records.
Drug & alcohol programs and Clearinghouse
Ask about drug and alcohol testing program support based on your drivers and operation, including enrollment and recordkeeping questions. Applicability must be reviewed; not every transportation business has the same testing requirements.
Clearinghouse assistance can cover identifying your user role, registration, account access, consent and query questions. Clearinghouse is a separate system with its own responsibilities. Motus registration does not replace it.
Vans, hotshots, buses, trailers & hazmat
Cargo vans and hotshots need a review of their actual operation, combination weights, compensation and travel. For passenger service, seating capacity including the driver, compensation and routes matter. Truck weight alone does not settle passenger requirements.
Hazardous-material operations need a material-specific review of quantities, packaging, placards, routes and any safety-permit or other agency registration requirements. General website guidance does not authorize a hazardous-material load.
Find your next step
Use our wizard to organize your operation, existing registrations, BOC-3 and insurance needs. At the end, you can prepare an email with your answers for our team.