Yes - if you are for-hire and engaging in interstate commerce (crossing state lines, going to the airport or port of entry).

A for-hire passenger carrier is a company that provides transportation of passengers for compensation.

You can be a for-hire passenger carrier regardless of whether:

• You are compensated directly or indirectly for the transportation service provided, or
• The compensation is paid or not paid by the passengers

To apply for passenger carrier authority, first-time applicants must begin the online registration process via our Unified Registration System. This process requires a credit card.

If you already have a US DOT number and/or an additional operating authority, you must apply via our existing application procedures.

The Company Safety Profile (CSP) is a comprehensive summary that provides essential safety-related information about on an individual Company's operation. The information on the CSP is available from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) record system known as the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS).  The CSP incorporates the most up-to-date data from MCMIS, including selected items from inspection reports, crash reports, as well as any reviews or enforcement actions involving the company. It serves as a valuable resource for assessing the safety performance of carriers. 

Effective June 14, 2023: FMCSA will no longer fulfill CSP requests for a fee.  Instead, authorized Company Officials can access the CSP report at any time through their FMCSA Portal account at no cost.  To Download the report from your FMCSA Portal, please follow these steps: 

1. Log into the FMCSA Portal. 

2. Select the “Reports” tab from the menu at the top. 

3. Select the date range and information you would like to include in the report . 

4. Click the “Submit Request” button.  A new window will open with confirmation that the request has been submitted. Click “OK”.  

5.  Click on the “Check Request Availability” button. Once the report has been generated, the “Download XML” and “Download PDF” buttons will then be active for you to click. 

6. Select the applicable download button (“Download PDF” or “Download XML” button).  

7. The selected file be downloaded to your computer. 

Please note, CSP reports can only be accessed by authorized company officials with FMCSA Portal access.  All other persons should file a request with the FOIA office.   Information on making a FOIA request can be found online here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/foia/foia-requests  

No, USDOT Numbers are not transferable. For more information about USDOT numbers and changing ownership, legal name or form of business, click here. 

Operating authorities (MC numbers) are transferable. For more information, please see our Operating Authority Transfer FAQs.

No. A motor carrier cannot broker loads without first applying for and receiving a license to operate as a property broker.

Yes if you are operating interstate commerce and one of the following apply to you:

• Your vehicle is designed or used to transport 9 to 15 passengers (including the driver) and is operated for compensation, whether direct or indirect
• Your vehicle is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
• Your passenger-carrying vehicle has an actual weight or gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds (4,536 kg) or more

For information on how to apply for a US DOT number, click here.

Yes, leasing motor carrier services is permissible if you comply with the requirements under FMCSR Section 376.11.

If a new entrant refuses to permit a safety audit to be performed on its operations, FMCSA will provide the carrier with written notice that its new entrant registration will be revoked and its operations placed out of service unless the new entrant agrees in writing, within 10 days from the service date of the notice, to permit the safety audit to be performed. The refusal to permit a safety audit to be performed may result in the new entrant being placed out of service and subjected to the penalty provisions of 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A), as adjusted for inflation by 49 CFR part 386, Appendix B.

For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.

Primarily, the URS will unify registration data housed in multiple FMCSA systems into one authoritative database, thus reducing the possibility for conflicting registration data between FMCSA systems. The URS will streamline manual processes and combine several forms into one unified online registration form. This will save time and administrative costs for the industry and FMCSA.  This rule will also improve FMCSA's ability to locate small and medium-sized private and exempt for-hire motor carriers when enforcement action is necessary.  Working with designated process agents will help FMCSA investigators locate and/or serve documents on hard-to-find motor carriers. New carriers will not be granted safety registration and an active USDOT number until process agent filings (Form BOC-3) are complete.

For more information, please see the October 21, 2015 Federal Register notice.

On January 17, 2017, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice suspending the January 14 and April 14, 2017 URS effectiveness dates.

No. If the business is headquartered in the United States, but is owned or controlled (greater than 55%) by a Mexican citizen or resident alien, you may not apply for Motor Common Carrier of Property Authority to engage in point-to-point transportation within the U.S. However, you may apply for Motor Passenger Carrier Authority and/or for United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo Authority. 

Background:

The Bus Regulatory Reform Act of 1982, and its Section 6 allows for a Presidential executive order prohibiting the issuance of certificates or permits to motor carriers domiciled in or owned by citizens of a contiguous foreign country (a moratorium}. The change from the moratorium and allowance of Mexican investment in U.S. trucking companies came about first by NAFTA but wasn’t officially allowed until a Presidential Executive Order in June of 2001. A July 27, 2004 internal memo from attorney Suzanne E. Newhouse explains “The Basics of Enterprise Authority:”

Present State of Enterprise Authority

As of January 1, 2004, the NAFTA obligated its participant countries to allow for Enterprise Authority. Enterprise Authority is the ability of investors in one NAFTA country to purchase up to 100% interest in a transportation company domiciled in another NAFTA country. The transportation company may provide passenger carrier services, such as inter-city bus services or tourist transportation services, or property carrier services, such as the transportation of international cargo between points in the domiciled NAFTA country.

Presently, the U.S. complies with this NAFTA obligation. Investment restrictions were lifted in June 2001, thus encouraging Mexican investors to purchase U.S. based carriers and provide transportation of international cargo between points within the U.S. Despite U.S. adherence to the NAFTA mandate for enterprise authority, Mexico has not taken the necessary actions to comply with this NAFTA requirement and U.S. investors cannot enjoy the same benefits Mexican investors have with U.S. companies.

The NAFTA treaty in 1994 allows for Mexican investors and for the transportation of international freight in the US.  In 2001, the Presidential moratorium was lifted to specifically meet the provisions in the NAFTA treaty, but does not expand limits on international cargo only for Mexican investors in US companies.

Depending on the state you are operating in, you may be required to obtain a USDOT number even if you only operate intrastate and your cargo or vehicle never crosses state lines. Some states have their own intrastate regulations that require carriers to obtain a USDOT number, while others may not. It is recommended that you check with your state's Department of Transportation or responsible state agency to determine if you need a USDOT number. Additionally, even if you are not required to obtain a USDOT number, you may still need to comply with other state and federal regulations, such as safety and insurance requirements. 

You may also refer to the FMCSA Registration Page. 

The New Entrant Program introduces new interstate motor carriers to federal safety standards and regulations. When a carrier registers and receives a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Number, they are considered a New Entrant for 18 months. A Safety Audit will be conducted within 12 months after the New Entrant begins operations.

New Entrants will receive a letter from FMCSA explaining what they need to do next.

For information on what you can expect from a moving company, see the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) web site "Protect Your Move."  This site gives summaries of your rights as a consumer, instructions on how to respond if there is a problem with your move, etc.

Customers can file a complaint against a motor carrier or broker online or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238). 

To check a moving company's FMCSA registration information and history, go to the Protect Your Move look-up page for household goods carriers.

You may also wish to check the company's status with the Better Business Bureau.

A new entrant whose USDOT new entrant registration has been revoked, and whose operations have been placed out of service by FMCSA, may reapply for new entrant registration no sooner than 30 days after the date of revocation. If the USDOT new entrant registration was revoked because of a failed safety audit, the new entrant must do all of the following:

• Submit an updated MCS-150 and check the box “Reapplication (after revocation of new entrant)”
• Submit evidence that it has corrected the deficiencies that resulted in revocation of its registration and will otherwise ensure that it will have basic safety management controls in effect
• Begin the 18-month new entrant monitoring cycle again as of the date the re-filed application is approved

If the USDOT new entrant registration was revoked because FMCSA found that the new entrant had failed to submit to a safety audit, it must do all of the following:

• Submit an updated MCS-150 and check the box “Reapplication (after revocation of new entrant)”
• Begin the 18-month new entrant monitoring cycle again as of the date the re-filed application is approved
• Submit to a safety audit

If the new entrant is a for-hire carrier subject to the registration provisions under 49 U.S.C. 13901 and has also had its operating authority revoked, it must apply for new operating authority. 

For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.

A carrier that furnishes false or misleading information, or conceals material information in connection with the registration process, is subject to the following actions:

• Revocation of safety registration
• Assessment of the civil and/or criminal penalties prescribed in 49 U.S.C. 521 and 49 U.S.C. Chapter 149

For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.

The New Entrant Safety Assurance Program (New Entrant Program) under 49 CFR part 385, subpart D applies to all new U.S.- and Canada-domiciled motor carrier owners and operators seeking authority to conduct interstate operations within the United States.

For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.

A motor carrier operates commercial motor vehicles (CMV’s) to transport property, passengers, or hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and is involved in commerce (transportation related to a business). It could be a company with several power units, or it could be an owner-operator.

Note: CMVs include vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR, which is the prescribed weight limit from the vehicle manufacturer, indicating the total amount the vehicle can weigh to operate safely) or Gross combination weight (GVW, which is the total weight of the truck, any trailers and cargo), of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater.

A broker is the “middle person” between a shipper and a motor carrier. Brokers arrange for the transportation of property or household goods. They don’t transport the property, don’t operate motor vehicles or have drivers, and don’t assume responsibility for the cargo being transported. Hence, they don’t directly engage with it.

A freight forwarder organizes shipments for individuals or corporations. Freight forwarders assemble and consolidate shipments and provide for break-bulk and distribution of shipments. Unlike Brokers, Freight Forwarders assume responsibility for the transportation and may transport the freight itself. Therefore, they are involved directly or indirectly with the cargo.

Note: If you only transport Freight, you are not a Freight Forwarder.

To learn more about entity types, see our video ”How To Identify Entity Types”. Also located on the FMCSA Registration Home Page.

While the state driver licensing agencies are responsible for issuing licenses to commercial drivers, the FMCSA sets the standards (found in 49 CFR 391.41) for drivers' minimum levels of physical fitness, and determines who can perform the physical exams.

• The FMCSA Medical Programs website is the main source of information on FMCSA physical standards and programs.
• The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners lists medical professionals who have completed training and successfully passed a test on FMCSA's physical qualification standards, and are certified to perform FMCSA physical exams for commercial drivers.
• The Medical Examiner's Certificate is completed by the person who performed the exam, and certifies that the driver is physically qualified to drive a CMV. If they prefer a medical "card," Drivers can purchase a separate blank medical card from a supplier of motor carrier forms (e.g., State trucking association) before the exam and ask the examiner to complete and sign it, in addition to the Medical Examination Report form, or they can print the Certificate on cardstock.
• Drivers may apply for exemptions to some of the standards, such as loss of a limb, vision or diabetes standards. Information on how to apply for these exemptions is available on the FMCSA Medical Exemptions page.

For assistance with interpretation of FMCSA CDL medical standards, please contact the FMCSA Physical Qualifications Division directly:

• Email: FMCSAMedical@dot.gov
• Phone: 202-366-4001

The FMCSA Portal provides single sign-on access to FMCSA systems via a single password and user ID, which must be set up via Login.gov. The FMCSA Portal enables Federal, State, and industry users to access the Agency's existing information systems with a single set of credentials and have easy access to safety data about the companies regulated by the FMCSA. Motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, intermodal equipment providers, and cargo tank facilities will have secure access to their company information on file with the FMCSA.

Definitions of the 2 types of Portal accounts:

• Company Official Account - The Company Official is responsible for approving and managing account requests from other company employees or associates, such as service providers. This user ensures that all FMCSA Portal accounts for company users are accurate and up to date. Responsibilities include approving and deactivating accounts when users leave the company, as well as assigning appropriate roles and access. Each USDOT Number must have one designated Company Official and only the Official can approve/deny access for other company users. To request a Company Official user account, you must have the PIN associated with your USDOT. If you do not have a PIN, or do not know your PIN, follow instructions in our FMCSA Portal Registration User Guide for FMCSA Registered Entities and Associates
• Associate of a Company Account - An associate of a company can be an employee of the company or associates, such as 3rd party service providers. These users are approved by the Company Official to have access to view current registration details and make any necessary updates to company records through their portal accounts. These users do not have the ability to manage user accounts, but they can create their own account by following instructions in our FMCSA Portal Registration User Guide for FMCSA Registered Entities and Associates.

FMCSA Portal Password Reset:

There is no longer an option to reset your password on the FMCSA Portal as Login.gov is now required to sign in/sign up for an FMCSA Portal account. You can now follow instructions in our FMCSA Portal Registration User Guide for FMCSA Registered Entities and Associates.

For further assistance, you can contact us via https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/ask. 

Yes. All entities with a USDOT number are required to file a biennial update every two years according to the prescribed schedule, by the last day of the month.

You can file a biennial update prior to the time that an update is due. FMCSA considers any update of an MCS-150 or MCS-150C that was completed by a motor carrier, Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP), or carrier that has been issued a Hazardous Materials Safety Permit (HMSP) at any time during the 12 months immediately preceding the biennial update due date to satisfy the biennial update requirement.

For information on how to file your biennial update, click here.