Yep. USDOT# doesn't make you a Motor Carrier. Only the MC# will do that.

Don't worry about hazmat...you won't be able to afford it.

Well that doesn't make sense. you said yes that it's the same but that MC# is the only one that makes you a motor carrier.

I think I'm doing something wrong, I just go this message during registration:

You have just completed the MCS-150/150A registration process to receive your USDOT number. Based on your answers to the questions asked at the beginning of this process the system determined that you also need operating authority (MC, MX, FF number).

Please remember each type of authority costs $300 which is NON-REFUNDABLE!


This would mean a total of $600 not $300 so what am I doing wrong?

You don't have to pay anything to get your USDOT#. You only pay for the MC#. The DOT# is simply an identifier and doesn't correspond to anything other than your company's info. The MC# corresponds to the permit which gives you your actual authority.

Here is the definition of the two USDOT# and MC# for those of us new:

Operating Authority (MC/FF/MX Number): definition

The operating authority (MC/FF/MX number) is assigned to interstate for-hire motor carriers and brokers that apply for operating authority.
These numbers are also referred to as docket numbers.

The FF number is assigned to freight forwarders; the MX number is assigned to carriers domiciled in Mexico; and the MC number is for all other carriers and brokers



The USDOT number is the number that the FMCSA assigns to each motor carrier that starts interstate operations.
Your USDOT number must be marked on all of your vehicles.

To apply for a USDOT number, please submit a Form MCS-150

It's asking how many driver will be subject to FMCSA regulations, obviously I'll be starting with one, but I do have a partner that I plan on working with in the future possibly. Do you guys just put a few so you don't have to keep changing or updating it? Or is that really a nonissue?

So is it Motor common carrier or Motor contract carrier? By the way I was given a USDOT# already. That was easy.

The new URS, whenever it comes out, does away with the dual authorities. As it stands, you will be doing virtually all of your work as a contract carrier, might as well register as such.

You only put the number of drivers you have at the time you apply. You will be required to update your MCS150 information every two years. My state requires that I update each year.

A motor carrier must have either contract or common authority. You don't necessarily need both. The Feds don't distinguish between the two any more. I have common authority. Most people have common.

I don't think you will want to get hazmat starting out. They have lowered the cost for the permit or authority for hazmat. I believe it costs $500. The big expense comes in when you get insurance. Hazmat insurance is rather expensive. It can also be difficult to get an insurance company to write hazmat coverage. I haven't seen rate high enough to warrant the extra cost. You don't want to make things too complicated starting out. If you seen you want to haul hazmat you can always add that later.

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