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Check DOT Number Status

Written by Nick Webster

Published on June 10, 2023, 11 a.m.

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Check DOT Number Status Active OR Not




Here is how to check DOT number status:

  • Start by visiting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
  • Enter your DOT number into the search bar to access information about it.
  • Review the results for any updates or changes in status, as well as other important details such as expiration date, safety rating, and contact information.
  • You can call our third-party customer service line if you need more detailed information regarding a specific issue.
  • You can also access additional resources on our website to help you better understand how to check and maintain your DOT number status.




Introduction




A Department of Transportation (DOT) number is a critical component of a trucking business. Do you want to know what is the DOT SAP Program? It acts as a unique identifier for your company, helping in regulatory compliance, safety audits, and accident investigations. But knowing your DOT number is just half the battle – understanding its status is equally vital. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to check your DOT number status, ensuring that you're always on the right side of compliance.




What Is a DOT Number?




A DOT number is a unique identifier issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to motor carriers operating commercial vehicles that transport passengers or cargo in interstate commerce, as well as freight forwarders and brokers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees the regulation of interstate transportation and assigns each carrier a unique seven-digit identification number called a USDOT Number.



The FMCSA uses this information to track and ensure compliance with safety standards set forth by federal regulations, such as those related to insurance coverage requirements, drug testing, Hazmat shipments, and accident reporting protocols. Carriers must update their DOT information annually or whenever changes occur to remain current in the FMCSA database. Know About What is a Motor Carrier Number.




What Is DOT Number Status?




Before diving into the process of checking your DOT number status, If you want to know about MC Number Insurance Requirements, it's essential to understand what different statuses mean. Here are some of the common statuses you may come across:

  • Active: An active status implies that your DOT number is valid, and you're allowed to operate.
  • Inactive: If your DOT number is inactive, it means you are not authorized to operate. This status may occur if you've not submitted your biennial update or if you have requested to deactivate your DOT number.
  • Out of Business: This status indicates that the FMCSA believes your operation is no longer in business.
  • Not Authorized: This status applies when you have a DOT number but have not obtained the required operating authority MC Number for your type of operation.
  • MCS-150 Not Received: This status appears when you haven't filed the necessary Motor Carrier Identification Report MCS-150.
  • Now that you understand what these statuses mean, let's proceed to going over how to check your DOT number status.



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Checking Your DOT Number Status: Step-by-Step Guide



The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides a simple process to check your DOT number status online. Follow these steps:

  • Visit the SAFER Website: The Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System by the FMCSA is the official platform to check your DOT number status. Access the website at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
  • Select 'Company Snapshot': On the SAFER homepage, you'll find several options. Click on 'Company Snapshot.'
  • Enter Your DOT Number: On the 'Company Snapshot' page, you'll find a search box. Enter your DOT number in the box and click 'Search.'
  • Review Your Company Snapshot: After clicking 'Search,' you'll be directed to your 'Company Snapshot.' This page provides a comprehensive overview of your company's information, including your DOT number status.



What Is the Company Snapshot?





The 'Company Snapshot' is a concise electronic record of your company's identification, size, commodity information, and safety record. Besides the DOT number status, you'll find other useful details here:

  • Safety Rating: This rating is based on your company's last compliance review and can be 'Satisfactory,' 'Conditional,' or 'Unsatisfactory.'
  • Operation Classification: This section identifies the type of operations your company conducts, such as carrier, broker, or shipper.
  • Carrier Operation: This part indicates whether your operation is interstate, intrastate (non-Hazmat), or intrastate (Hazmat).
  • Cargo Carried: This section lists the types of cargo your company is authorized to carry.
  • Inspections/Crashes: This data represents your company's safety performance over the past two years.



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How Do I Maintain an Active DOT Number Status?





It is maintaining an active knowledge of DOT compliance. DOT number status is vital to ensure uninterrupted operations. This involves filing biennial updates, meeting insurance requirements, and adhering to safety regulations.

  • Biennial Updates: Submitting the MCS-150 form every two years is mandatory, regardless of changes in company operations. Failure to do so may result in an inactive status.
  • Insurance Requirements: The right insurance is critical for maintaining your DOT number. Ensure that your carrier has submitted proof of insurance to the FMCSA.
  • Safety Regulations: Adhering to safety regulations like vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, hours-of-service rules, and drug and alcohol testing programs is crucial. Regular audits and inspections are conducted to ensure compliance.



How Do I Reactivate My DOT Number?





If your DOT number becomes inactive, don't panic. It can be reactivated by updating your MCS-150 form or providing missing information. Do you want to know about DOT Compliance Experts. Visit the FMCSA's online registration system to update your information, ensuring all fields are accurate and up-to-date. If your number was deactivated due to non-compliance or safety reasons, you might need to meet specific requirements or pay a reinstatement fee before reactivation. Learn here about What is a Motor Carrier Number.




DOT Number Status: A Key to Compliance





Staying on top of your DOT number status is more than a regulatory necessity—it's your ticket to running a smooth, efficient trucking operation. What is DOT Clearinghouse Enforcement? It enables you to promptly address any compliance issues, minimize downtime, and maintain a strong safety record.




Conclusion





The process of checking your DOT number status is relatively straightforward, thanks to the FMCSA's SAFER system. Know about Top Compliance Service Companies. Regularly reviewing your status and understanding what it means is key to managing a successful trucking business. Remember, staying compliant isn't just about following rules; it's about ensuring the safety of your operation, your drivers, and everyone else on the road.



So, make it a habit to check your DOT number status, understand what it signifies, and take appropriate actions when necessary. Know How To Request the DOT PIN Number? This way, you'll always be a step ahead, ensuring your operations are not just profitable, but also safe and compliant.




Summary: How Do I Check My DOT Number Status?


  • Check your DOT number status by logging in to the FMCSA website.
  • Once logged in, search the company name or USDOT Number and click Search”.
  • The resulting page will contain general information about the company and its active operating authority and a list of current violations, if any.
  • The FMCSA also provides an online guide for checking DOT numbers for carriers based out of certain states.
  • In addition to checking DOT numbers on the FMCSA website, carriers may be required to register with their state's Department of Transportation (DOT) and keep up with any changes in their registration status.

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