How to Display Your USDOT Number Legally on your Commercial Vehicle | What’s the difference between MC, USDOT & MCP Numbers?
Posted by Luis Montero on
What’s the difference between MC, USDOT & MCP Numbers?
MC – “ICC MC” required to be displayed on the vehicle to identify “regulated” carriers under the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission. Docket # MX for carriers domiciled in Mexico, or FF for freight forwarder.
- For Hire interstate carriers are subject to more stringent requirements under the federal leasing rules; the MC number, assigned when authority is granted, is used to identify carriers operating legally under these economic requirements. It allows shippers to verify the status of a carrier’s insurance coverage and ensures that freight is being rendered to a legally licensed and insured carrier.
USDOT serves as a unique identifier issued by the FMCSA and updated via the MCS-150 form. USDOT numbers are used to track safety records and compliance across the US.
- Through the MCS-150 Identification report, the DOT is able to update Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS and enforce carrier compliance with safety fitness procedures.
MCP – Authority for-hire issued by the California Highway Patrol. DMV is responsible for issuing MCP authority, CHP issues CA Number after verifying all statutory requirements have been meet to commercially operate motor vehicles in California.
How to Display Your USDOT Number Legally on your Commercial Vehicle
There are several requirements pertaining to displaying a company’s USDOT number and other regulation numbers in a professional and legal manner. All commercial vehicles must adhere to all regulations in 49 CFR 390.21 Marking of Commercial Motor Vehicles.
The regulations specified include USDOT number, (Motor carrier identification number, proceeded by the characters USDOT) & the trade name of the motor carrier operating the commercial vehicle; “Operated by” information is also required if applicable.
USDOT numbers are issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and are used to track safety scores and carrier information for all carriers across the country. Regulation number requirements vary by type of operation and state of operation. Please see your local requirements in order to insure you are in compliance for your specific state.
All regulation numbers are required to be displayed in a contrasting color to the commercial vehicle, they must be displayed in an easy-to-read font, and they must be visible from a minimum of 50 feet away. For most fonts, the character size should be a minimum of 2 inches in height, though 3 inches or larger is recommended across the board.
All companies should also display their point of origin and company name, along with other identifying information such as phone number, vessel number or operated by information if needed. All other regulation numbers should also be displayed following the proceeding guidelines according to operation requirements. Some cities have specific character sizing requirements, so always be sure to reference your local vehicle code.
If you have any questions please contact us and we would be happy to help.
