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Before a motor carrier of property or passengers domiciled in the United States or Canada begins interstate operations, it must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and receive a USDOT number.
Scope
These requirements apply to new U.S. and Canadian motor carriers applying to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce the United States.
Regulatory citations
- 49 CFR 385.301T — What is a motor carrier required to do before beginning interstate operations?
- 49 CFR 385.303T — How does a motor carrier register with the FMCSA?
- 49 CFR 385.305T — What happens after the FMCSA receives a request for new entrant registration?
Key definitions
- Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway, in interstate commerce, that meets any one of the following criteria:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW), of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or
- Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
- Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver), and not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
- Is transporting hazardous materials of a type or quantity which requires placarding.
- New entrant: A motor carrier (not domiciled in Mexico) that applies for a USDOT identification number in order to initiate operations in interstate commerce.
Summary of requirements
In addition to registering with the FMCSA and receiving a USDOT number, for-hire motor carrier must obtain operating authority from FMCSA following the registration procedures in Part 365, unless the carrier is providing transportation exempt from the Part 365 registration requirements.
New entrant motor carrier application materials may be obtained by:
- Internet (www.fmcsa.dot.gov);
- Telephone ((800) 832-5660); or
- Mail (FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590).
The requester of new entrant registration will be directed to the FMCSA website to secure and/or complete the application package online.
Upon completion of the application forms, the new entrant will be issued a USDOT number.
Exception. These requirements do not apply to Mexico-domiciled motor carriers. A Mexico-domiciled motor carrier of property or passengers must register with FMCSA by following the registration procedures in Parts 365, 368, and 390.