Fequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need a US DOT number?
  2. With the "Sun setting of the ICC, do I need Intrastate Authorities?
  3. Where can I find out about C-TPAT/FAST/PAPS?
  4. Why don't you show the cumulative totals for USDOT/FMCSA actions?
  5. Can I use a Motor Carrier whose USDOT Authority has been Revoked?
  6. How does SAFETEA-LU effect my Motor Carrier Registrations?

Answers

  1. Do I need a US DOT number?

    If you are a 'New Entrant' you must obtain a USDOT number if:

    • you operate a vehicle over 10,000lbs,
    • transport hazardous material,
    • transport 9 or more passengers.


    A US DOT number is free and can be obtained online at US DOT Number Online and more information is available at the FMCSA website. Don't forget to complete your MCS-150.

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  2. With the "Sun setting of the ICC, do I need Intrastate Authorities?

    Contrary to popular belief concerning the "Sun setting of the ICC", thirty jurisdictions continue to issue an Intra-state/provincial Operating Authority for "For-Hire" property carriers. These are:

    Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

    See our page on 'Intra' and 'Inter' State Authorities.

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  3. Where can I find out about C-TPAT/FAST/PAPS?

    The three programs C-TPAT, FAST, and PAPS are Customs clearance programs governed by the US Department of Homeland Security through the US Customs and Border Protection Agency. You can obtain more information through the CBP import Spotlight website.

    FAST: FAST is the first completely paperless cargo release mechanism put into place by Customs and Border Protection. This paperless processing is achieved through electronic data transmissions and transponder technology. FAST is highly automated and allows for the expedited release of highly compliant cargo from major importers, reducing congestion at USA land borders.

    The Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) is a Customs Automated Commercial System (ACS) border cargo release mechanism that utilizes barcode technology to expedite the release of commercial shipments while processing each shipment through Border Cargo Selectivity (BCS) and the Automated Targeting System. (ATS).

    Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT): C-TPAT

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  4. Why don't you show the cumulative totals for FMCSA actions?

    Although showing cumulative totals would appear to be "impressive", it would also be in misleading. For Example, Motor Carriers that go out of business often do not correctly notify the USDOT/FMCSA, the result being that eventually their operating authority is simply revoked. As the purpose of showing this statistic is to identify a potential risk, only the current actions are significant.

    Further, QIS has noted that, under certain circumstance, a carrier can be revoked without "Notice" and that some carriers have had their authority revoked and reinstated simultaneously. We have also seen multiple notices issued against the same authority without an intervening "Discontinuance". Because it is easy to assume that these types of actions have occurred since "day one", and there is no way to go back to "day one" and correct them, the cumulative totals are found to be virtually meaningless from the aspect of Compliance Management. Therefore, other than to provide a false impression, cumulative totals are valueless. There is still one more caviet that must be considered. Although a motor carrier may have their Interstate authority revoked, they might still be able to operate in and Intrastate capacity, if they have not been revoked by their base State.

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  5. Can I use a Motor Carrier whose USDOT Authority has been Revoked?

    Although a motor carrier may have their Interstate Commerce Authority revoked (USDOT/MC #), unless their base State has also revoked their Intrastate Authority, they are still permitted to operate in Intrastate Commerce. Keep in mind that the major reason for revocation is lapsed Automobile and/or Cargo insurance coverage. Verification of Intrastate Authority and insurance coverage should be made prior to using a revoked carrier.

    Current FMCSA Rule Making may eventually allow a State to revoke the USDOT/MC number.

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  6. How does SAFETEA-LU effect my Motor Carrier Registrations?

    The up-shot is that:
    • ALL Motor Carriers must register through the Unified Carrier Registration System, including Private and Exempt Carriers
    • Intrastate Operating Authorities will continue
    • A state may revoke the Interstate Authority of a carrier domiciled in that State
    • "In theory", renewal charges for an Intrastate Operating Authority are terminated
    • A carrier can not be required to file any Federally mandated items with any State
    • First time Intrastate applicants may be charged and required to file full documentation
    • Intrastate only carriers will see no change in the rules

    See AAMVA FAQ

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This page was last updated on: 27-JUN-2008
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