DOT Number vs. MC Authority: What New Trucking Businesses Need
As a new owner-operator, you may be wondering about the DOT number vs MC authority. This is something you need to know when you run your own trucking business. They may sound like similar things, but they differ.
At Trucker Social, we’re going to break down the two distinctions so that you understand how to keep your business compliant. Before you can even hit the highways as an owner operator, you will need both a DOT number, and an MC authority.
Having these two things ensures that you can operate legally on American highways. Not having a DOT number can result in a fine of $3,000 to $100,000. The fines for not having an MC authority start at $16,000 with the potential for criminal charges.
What is a DOT number?
When we look at DOT number meaning, the FMCSA assigns you a DOT number, which helps them to identify your company. When the FMCSA looks up your DOT number, they will record things like compliance reviews, crash investigations, audits, and inspections. This data can serve as a safety record. Nearly everyone needs a DOT number, and if you’re a new owner-operator, you more than likely need one as well.
You need a DOT number as a trucker whenever you meet the following requirements:
You drive interstate routes
You have a commercial vehicle with a gross weight of 10,001 pounds
You drive semi-truck loads with hazardous materials
Driving without a DOT number will severely limit how much you can earn as a business. They’re free, so there’s no reason not to get one. They’re also not that difficult to acquire compared to the MC authority. To get one, follow these steps:
Go to the FMCSA website and registration area.
Next, head to the registration area and hit the button to apply for a new DOT number.
After that, you hit the button to apply as a new applicant. They will have instructions.
Next, you just fill out the requested information.
It usually takes 25 days to get a new DOT number. If you apply by mail, it takes four to six weeks.
Related article: How to Become an Owner Operator: A Practical Start-to-Finish Guide
What’s an MC Authority?
It stands for motor carrier authority number. You will hear claims that they phased out the MC authority number, but that isn’t true. Instead, what’s happening is that they’re moving to a new system called Motus. However, MC authority will continue to be used for the time. Along with the DOT number, the FMCSA will also assign your MC authority. Having an MC authority is what lets you legally operate in transporting goods.
Most owner operators will need to register for an MC authority along with a DOT number. If you operate in only one state, you may not need an MC authority, but you need to check this yourself. It costs $300 to register an MC authority as the filing fee.
To register an MC authority, follow these steps:
First, head over to the FMCSA website’s portal.
Next, you need to apply for it by submitting your application through the website.
Pay the non-refundable $300 filing fee, depending on the authority type you need.
You typically need to wait 10 days to hear from them. You will also need to designate a process agent for every state where you plan to operate.
What’s the Difference between an MC Authority and a DOT number?
Usually, you can register a DOT number easier than you can register an MC authority. You can even get a DOT number before you even have a semi-truck. The DOT number ensures safety compliance and keeps a record of it. Taking an MC number, on the other hand, gives you the legal authority to operate as a for-hire carrier.
Typically, you only need one DOT number and one MC authority. The only difference here is when you plan to have two separate companies, which is when you would need to set these two things up again.
Related article: Owner-Operator Expenses: The Costs That Determine Your Profit
Find Compliance Operators
You can hire a compliance company to set all of this up for you, and you can use their services to stay compliant. DOT regulations are complex, and if you make one mistake, it can lead to hefty fines. Once you’ve got your DOT number, all you need to do is enter the number to see which compliance services you might be in need of. Check it out now on the Lumen Fleet Services website.
