Getting your USDOT and/or MC Authority

First off, sorry for the long post. Don't read this if you already have your numbers and/or authority. You will be wasting your time.

I realize this probably gets hashed over multiple times, but I just recently added the MC number and thought there may be some valuable insights that could help someone else out, particularly when you face the onslaught of companies contacting you and offering to help you for a fee. In short, you don't need them.

Applying for USDOT number is fairly easy and straight forward. You will go to FMCSA.DOT.GOV and click the Registration TAB. You will create an account and you will need either an EIN or you can use your SSN. However, you need an EIN to file the IRS 2290 for heavy vehicle, so I’d recommend that you just get your EIN. You do not need a Process Agent or proof of insurance if you are just getting a USDOT without MC.

Now, on to the MC number. Again, you will go to the same website and create a registration or use your existing login for when you got your USDOT. For an MC number, you WILL need a Process Agent and you will eventually need proof of $750,000 liability insurance.

I used OOIDA for the Process Agent and filling of the BOC-3 form. It was simple, they know what they are doing and it was free as part of my membership. They also can answer questions about the timeline and when to actually purchase the insurance. It is recommended that you have the insurance lined up, but do not purchase it until you are very near the end of the Protest Period. When you apply for an MC number, your application is published, and the public has the chance to protest your application. This period is 10 days, but it typically takes about 20 days for FMCSA to issue your authority. With that in mind, around the 18th or 19th day is a good time to activate your insurance and have the insurance company send the information to the FMCSA.

Here is a link to a good FMCSA document that walks you through the entire process:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2022-10/OP-1 Form.pdf

Ok, now here is the real point of why I’m writing all this; because your application is published, the entire world of compliance “helpers” will have access to your application, phone number(s) and email that you used to register. They will come after you like a pack of dogs offering services that your really don’t need. Finance, Factoring, Brokers, Compliance and Insurance companies will blow up your phone and email.

Be careful what email and phone you register with. You can always go back at a later time and update your registration with your primary phone and email.

Also, these companies will offer services that you do not need. For instance, when was notified by the FMCSA that my authority was approved, I had companies contacting me, offering to get me an expedited copy of the letter so that I didn’t have to wait for it to come in the mail.

The thing is, your letter is published by the FMCSA and you can download it yourself from the daily register; Daily Decisions | FMCSA Every authority letter issued on that day will be in the file, so you will have to search for your DOT number to find your letters which you can save and print and be on your way before the letter arrives in the mail. The company that contacted me wanted to charge me $25 for what I did in a couple of minutes for free.

Just this morning (1/3/2023), I had someone contact (call AND email) me from DOT Compliance Group and tell me that my number wasn’t active. The truth is my MC went active 12/28 and I’d downloaded my letters, plus I received the letters from FMCSA on 12/31. However, I get a “scary” email telling me that I’m not active, quoting regulations and providing a link to “Update Operating Status” for a fee. They also were kind enough to offer to file my UCR for $199.

Filing a UCR Registration at UCR.GOV takes a couple of minutes and costs me $42.22 for two vehicles. Oh yeah, that letter from the company said mine was due, which it is not. I guarantee that they would’ve pocketed the $199 if I didn't know better.

In short, outside of getting a Process Agent and sending in the insurance paperwork, you can do EVERYTHING yourself. Beware of these companies offering to “help.”

 

Yeah, these people really started to piss me off. That was the main reason I posted. I wish I'd used a different phone and email so that I didn't clog up my primary ones.

 

Yes, without the insurance, they won't issue the authority.

 

Even the consortium emails can be wrong. I'm getting those, but all of my checks are current and were just done in August when I set those up.

I guess the good news is they serve as reminders to double check things every now and then.