Intermodal equipment marking

Scope

The requirement for marking intermodal equipment applies to intermodal equipment providers.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 390.19 - Motor carrier, hazardous material safety permit applicant/holder, and intermodal equipment provider identification reports
• 49 CFR 390.21 - Marking of self-propelled CMVs and intermodal equipment

Key definitions

Interchange The act of providing intermodal equipment to a motor carrier pursuant to an intermodal equipment interchange agreement for the purpose of transporting the equipment for loading or unloading by any person or repositioning the equipment for the benefit of the equipment provider, but it does not include the leasing of equipment to a motor carrier for primary use in the motor carrier’s freight hauling operations.

Intermodal equipment Trailing equipment that is used in the intermodal transportation of containers over public highways in interstate commerce, including trailers and chassis.

Intermodal equipment interchange agreement The Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIFA) or any other written document executed by an intermodal equipment provider or its agent and a motor carrier or its agent, the primary purpose of which is to establish the responsibilities and liabilities of both parties with respect to the interchange of the intermodal equipment.

Intermodal equipment provider Any person that interchanges intermodal equipment with a motor carrier pursuant to a written interchange agreement or has a contractual responsibility for the maintenance of the intermodal equipment.

Summary of requirements

Intermodal equipment must be marked with or otherwise identifiable via a USDOT number. To obtain a USDOT number, intermodal equipment providers must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by filing Form MCS-150C, Intermodal Equipment Provider Identification Report, as described in §390.19.

Five options

Under §390.21(g)(4), intermodal equipment providers have five options for identifying their intermodal equipment. In all cases, the identification must include the provider’s legal name or single trade name and the FMCSA identification number preceded by “USDOT.” Any one of the following five options will satisfy the identification requirement:

1. Marking the identification on the curb side of the item of equipment. The marking must be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed. The identification code must be readily legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet while the vehicle is stationary. It must be kept and maintained in a manner that retains this legibility.
2. Placing the identification marking on a label placed upon the curb side of the item of equipment. The label must be readily visible and legible to an inspection official during daylight hours when the vehicle is stationary. The label must be a color that contrasts sharply with the background on which it is placed, and the letters must also contrast sharply in color with the background of the label. The label must be kept and maintained in a manner that retains this legibility.
3. Marking the interchange agreement. The USDOT number of the intermodal equipment provider, as well as the VIN and 4-character SCAC code and 6-digit unique identifying number, must be placed on the interchange agreement so that it is clearly identifiable to an inspection official.
4. Placing the identification information on a document placed in a weather-tight compartment affixed to the frame of the intermodal equipment. The color of the letters used in the document must contrast sharply in color with the background of the document. The document must include additional information to identify the specific item of equipment (such as the VIN and 4-character SCAC code and 6-digit unique identifying number).
5. Maintaining the USDOT number in a database. The database must be available via real-time internet and telephone access, and must identify the name and USDOT number of the intermodal equipment provider responsible for the intermodal equipment. Database inquiry methods must include (a) Standard Carrier Alpha Code plus trailing digits, (b) license plate number and state of license, or (c) Vehicle Identification Number of the item of intermodal equipment. The database must offer read-only access without requiring advance user registration, a password, or a usage fee.