Hello Truckers! Hope you have liked our blogs and acquired some information from the various facts that we have discussed. In one of the previous blogs, we had discussed about the 6 levels of DOT inspection but questions like ‘why do you need a DOT number’ or ‘how to apply or file for a DOT number’ might come to your mind. To make it clear for you and help you clear your doubts, we shall discuss the essential facts in this figure. Read on to know more.

The U.S Department of Transportation issues a unique identification number to truck owners and operators, which help them, monitor the transport company’s records on safety measures, the number is useful during audits, as well as for investigating any crashes and compliance reviews. Therefore, if you own a commercial motor vehicle that carries goods or passengers in the United States then it is essential to have a DOT number.

It is a well known fact that any commercial motor carrier transporting goods or passengers should have the DOT number issued by the U.S Department of Transportation. This includes passenger vehicles such as bus, van, limousine, etc. and motor carriers transporting goods across different states should obtain the number. However, it is important to keep in mind that it is not necessary to acquire DOT number for trucks transporting cargo locally.

Truckers involved in transporting hazardous goods are required to get permit from the concerned state and register for the DOT number too. The list of hazardous materials includes flammable goods, liquids, and solids, along with corrosives, toxic goods, and radioactive elements.

Benefits of Obtaining US DOT Number

·         Having US DOT improved safety in the road and highway. Moreover, any traffic violation or accidents can be easily tracked through this DOT number.

·         The Department of Transportation in the United States uses the number to record and track commercial vehicles to ensure complete safety. In addition, the reports collected are shared across to make sure that those into risky business maintain the safety standards.

·         Any business that fails to follow the compliance review will get their DOT number cancelled and that the registration is cancelled for the vehicles associated with the same DOT number.

Requirements for Obtaining the US DOT Number

Those applying for the US DOT for the first time need should be a part of the ’18 month Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration New Entrant Safety Assurance Program’. Applicants registering in the program should adhere to safety guidelines to get the DOT number. In addition, truckers should have a valid driving license and be medically fit as well.

List of States Requiring DOT Number

The list of states making it necessary for truckers to acquire DOT number is:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

At Tax2290.com we have tried our best to provide effective and useful information to truckers. Like filing HVUT return, getting DOT number is an essential for smooth trucking business. Therefore, it is advisable to apply DOT number and file tax return on time to stay away from complicacies. For further details call us at 1-866-245-3918 or send an Email to support@taxexcise.com.