Identification numbers are assigned same day. Once registered, it takes 21 calendar days for the registration to get activated.

Along with the MC registration, BOC3 and the liability insurance must be filled for final activation.

All motor carriers willing to engage in for hire activities in interstate commerce, are required to hold a motor carrier authority (MC number). Private carriers are exempt for this registration.

All motor carriers operating vehicles of 10,000 lbs or more on their gross weight, are required to have a USDOT registration for interstate or intrastate commerce, depending on their scoop of operation.

Interstate commerce is defined by two factors:

1. If your operation requires your trucks to cross state lines.
2. If you pick up or deliver freight out of an airport or seaport, even when there is no state lines crossing.

Yes, in the following 6 to 12 months after registration, US DOT will contact carriers to conduct a safety audit.

Motor carriers registered with the USDOT are required to have a compliance program that must include:

• Drivers qualification files.
• Controlled substances program.
• Hours of service.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Accident registry.
• Insurance.

Motor carriers employing no CDL drivers, are exempt from having a controlled substances in place.  All of the other program requirements must be applied.