What Is A USDOT And A Motor Carrier (MC) Number And How Do I Get My Authority As A Canadian Highway Carrier (DIY Customs Consulting)

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This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

In most cases, if your vehicle is plated in Ontario or the U.S. and if your commercial vehicle weighs over 4,536 kg (10,000 pounds) you will require a USDOT Number in order to conduct business within the United States. Similar to a CVOR or registering with a provincial authority in Canada. However, Canadian highway carriers may also have to register for a Motor Carrier (MC) number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if the carrier would like to haul any regulated commodities into the U.S.

A U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number is an interstate operating authority and a unique identifier assigned to commercial carriers and owner-operators performing interstate moves by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The U.S. government uses this number to keep track of safety records, registration status, compliance reviews, inspections and more.

What is the difference between a USDOT and an MC Number?

  • A USDOT number identifies highway carriers operating in interstate commerce, while an MC number identifies a carrier who transports regulated commodities for hire in interstate commerce. The definition of a regulated commodity can be found with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration here.

Highway carriers will need to register for a USDOT if:

  • Vehicle(s) has a gross weight of 4,536 kg (10,001 lbs) or more.
  • Is involved in interstate commerce within the U.S. or commerce from outside the U.S.
  • Is used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce (see 49 CFR 385.403).

To register for a USDOT number you can visit FMCSA website here.

Highway carriers will need to also register for a Motor Carrier (MC) Number if:

  • A highway carrier plans on taking loads into the U.S. or across interstate lines with a commodity listed in the FMCSA regulated commodities list, which can be found here.

To register for a Motor Carrier (MC) number you can visit FMCSA website here.

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