The 411 on US DOT Numbers
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When choosing a moving company for your long-distance move, your best bet is to use one that is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. By doing so, you can be sure that your goods will be in the care of a licensed moving company that is in line with all industry laws and regulations. If you end up using a company without the all-important US DOT number, your belongings might end up in the hands of some random people with a truck looking to make some quick money.
Though any interstate or long distance mover should have a US DOT number, there are 28 states that require local movers to have this number as well. For local movers in states that don’t require the US DOT number, these companies must still be registered with their states’ individual departments of transportation.
By using a company with a US DOT number, your move will be handled by licensed professionals well versed in the appropriate laws and safety standards. In fact, in order to get the US DOT number, the mover must complete an extensive education program. During this eighteen-month-long program, the company must maintain safe operations and pass a safety audit.
Now you know what the US DOT number is, how a company gets one, and why it is so important. The next logical step is determining whether your potential moving company has one. You can do this by simply looking at one of the company’s trucks - the US DOT number should appear on the cab and on the tractor. Alternately, you could check with the Federal Motor Carrier Saftey Administration, by going to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and searching for your particular mover.
Well that’s the 411 on US DOT numbers. If you want more information on these important digits, then go see our online guide on the subject by clicking here.
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A USDOT Number is merely a Federal safety tracking number. Before you move from one state to another, make sure you have confirmed the mover has an “MC Number” which is evidence of operating authority to transport household goods(a Federal Mover Business License). This is formerly known as an “ICC Number”. Then, check their MC Number here: http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/pkg_carrquery.prc_carrlist. If you do not see the word “active” under authority status, then do not use the mover.
–DOTAuthority.com
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