1. WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS THE ANSWER IS YES…..
Do I Need a USDOT Number?
WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS THE ANSWER IS YES…..

2. Where does it say I need to have a USDOT Number?
First, the adoption of Title 49 CFR 390 as noted in Trans (1) applies to:
All Wisconsin motor carriers (private, intrastate for-hire, and interstate exempt commodities) operating commercial motor vehicles in commerce.
Part requires each motor carrier that operates in commerce to obtain a USDOT number.

3. Where does it say I need to have a USDOT Number?
Second, the provisions requiring the display of a USDOT number as found in applies to:
All commercial motor vehicles defined in 390.5

4. Where does it say I need to have a USDOT Number?
Finally, any Wisconsin carrier registered as an interstate exempt commodities carrier is also required to display a USDOT number. As stated earlier, Part would apply to these carriers even if they do not engage in interstate operations.

5. Definitions Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) includes:
Vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination vehicle weight rating, gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 lbs. or over.
Vehicles designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.

6. Definitions Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) continued…
Vehicles designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) not for compensation.
Vehicles used to transport hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding.

7. Definitions Private Carriers:
Private carriers may only transport their own goods in their own vehicles to further a primary business that is not trucking. Hauling goods for someone else for compensation requires for-hire operating authority.

8. Definitions For-hire carriers:
For-hire motor carrier means a person engaged in the transportation of goods or passengers for compensation.

9. Definitions Compensation:
Compensation means payment made to the motor carrier for the transportation services provided. Something given or received as an equivalent or reparation for a service.

10. Definitions Commerce:
You are operating in commerce if any of the following apply to you:
Money earned is declared as income from a business for tax purposes;
Costs for the underlying activities are deducted as a business expense for tax purposes;
Products and/or money is accepted for advertising a sponsor;
The transport vehicle is being used in the furtherance of a commercial operation.

11. Definitions
Farmer:
Farmer means any person who operates a farm or is directly involved in the cultivation of land, crops, or livestock which --
(a) Are owned by that person; or
(b) Are under the direct control of that person.

12. Display of USDOT numbers
Part Marking of CMV’s
Every self propelled CMV as defined under must be marked as follows:
The legal name or single trade name of the motor carrier operating the CMV as listed on the motor carrier identification report.
The motor carrier identification number proceeded by the letters “USDOT”.

13. Display of USDOT numbers
Part Marking of CMV’s Cont……
Size, shape, location and color of markings:
Must appear on both sides of the power unit.
Be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which they are placed.
Be readily legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 ft.

14. Where and How do I Obtain a USDOT Number?
There are three ways to obtain a number.
First, the fastest and most accurate way is to register on line at the Federal USDOT website.
When you complete the online application you will receive your USDOT Number.

15. Where and How do I Obtain a USDOT Number?
Second, you can call by phone and receive information on how to get a USDOT Number.
This method allows you to receive a fax copy of the registration form for you to complete and mail in and takes up to 6 weeks.

16. Where and How do I Obtain a USDOT Number?
Third, you can obtain a paper copy of the Federal application form MCS150 and mail it to the US Department of Transportation.
Again, this may take 6 weeks or longer.

17. Where and How do I Obtain a USDOT Number?
USDOT Numbers are free at this point in time. However you will need a credit card for identification purposes when registering on line.

18. Please do not call the Wisconsin State Patrol or DMV regarding your USDOT number or application. They have no means to issue or change application information. They can not speed up any of the application process.

19. An additional local contact regarding your USDOT Number is:
The most effective telephone contact is the FMCSA at
An additional local contact regarding your USDOT Number is:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
567 D’Onofrio Drive Suite 101
Madison, WI 53719
(608)

20. Sources for Obtaining Copies of the Federal Regulations
Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association: (608)
American Trucking Association:
On line at the FMCSA web site:

21. Questions?