Do You Need to Comply with USDOT Registration?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency of our federal government responsible for regulating and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles.  Their goal is to reduce risks associated with crashes, injuries, and fatalities that involve large trucks and passenger transportation vehicles.  In 2000, the agency was established as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as part of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act.  Since you are operating a commercial business, it is possible you must meet USDOT registration requirements.  USDOT registration is managed through FMCSA.

What is USDOT registration?

USDOT registration assigns an identification number to your business.  This number allows the agency to track information about your company’s safety records, including safety audits, compliance reviews, accident investigations, and other safety-related issues.  You can find FMCSA’s regulations on their website.  With this number, the USDOT and FMCSA can track your company’s safety records.

How do I know if I need to register my business?

Not all commercial transportation companies must register with USDOT, but many do.  FMCSA has an interactive online quiz to help you determine if you must register.  Here are some key characteristics that indicate you need to register:

1. Your vehicle transports hazardous materials requiring a safety permit regardless of whether or not you use it for interstate commerce, OR
2.  Your vehicle meets one of these criteria:
   1. Has a GVWR, GCWR, GVW, or GCW that is over 10,000 lbs (whichever value is greatest).
   2. Is intended to transport more than 8 people (driver included) for compensation.
   3. Is intended to transport more than 15 passengers (driver included), not for compensation.
3. AND you use the vehicle for interstate commerce.  According to the regulations, interstate commerce is defined as any one of the following:
   1. One location in a state to a location outside the state (including a location outside the United States).
   2. One location in a state to another location in that state through another state.
   3. One location to another as part of transportation that starts or ends outside the United States.
4. OR if your state’s laws have different requirements.  Be sure to check these!

How do you register your tow trucks with USDOT?

It’s easy to get started on your registration.  If you need to register your tow trucks with USDOT, FMCSA has all the steps outlined on its website.  You must complete the application online, and you will be required to provide proof of insurance along with your application.  

How can Collins Manufacturing help?

We have a history of working with our customer companies to help them achieve success.  While you’re focused on running your business, allow our pros at Collins Manufacturing to introduce you to top-of-the-line towing equipment your employees and customers will love.  Our Collins Manufacturing’s Hi-SpeedⓇ Dolly and Carrier Dolly systems are easy, safe to operate, light to transport, and durable to handle the toughest towing jobs.  By providing our towing solutions for your employees, you’ll make their lives easier and see their job satisfaction grow.

Collins has been an industry leader in towing equipment for over 45 years.  Our Hi-SpeedⓇ Dolly and Carrier Dolly systems provide towing professionals with lightweight solutions durable enough to get even large vehicles out of challenging situations and transport them safely wherever they need to go.  Our products are designed with safety first to keep your employees safe while attaching and moving vehicles.  Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about our products.