DOT Numbers and MC Authority | Episode 3

Big step #2 of starting a trucking company after setting up your business is applying for your DOT number and MC number, also known as operating authority. You can’t do much in trucking without one or both of these numbers. How do you know which one you need or if you need them at all? My buddy Tyler with Motor Carrier HQ and I cover all the basics in this episode.

Here are some of subjects we discuss in detail:

• What things do you need before you apply for your authority?
• What are the definitions of common acronyms in the trucking industry?
• What is an MC Number? What is a DOT Number?
• What is IFTA?
• What is IRP?
• How long does it take to get an LLC?
• Where do you get the EIN Number? What is It?
• Why should you create an LLC?
• What’s the difference between a DOT Number and an MC Number?
• How long does it take to get a DOT Number and MC Number?
• How much trucking insurance do I need?
• How much does trucking insurance cost? How do I get a quote?
• What is a BOC-3 Filing?
• Who is required to be enrolled in a random drug and alcohol testing pool?
• How do you determine what compliance regulations you need to follow?
• What’s the difference between a DOT physical and the drug and alcohol test?
• What does the random drug testing consortium test for?
• What are IFTA fuel quarterly reports?
• What is the new entrant safety audit call?
• How do I prepare for the new entrant safety audit?
• What is the MCS-90?
• What states have extra policies and permits for truck drivers?
• How do I find my GVWR?
• How much does it cost to apply for my operating authority?
• What should I do while waiting for my operating authority to be active?

What To Expect After Applying For Your Operating Authority

Once you do apply, the contact info you provide becomes public, and you’ll start to receive a ton of solicitations for everything from compliance companies to factoring and insurance. Watch out for snakes in the grass that try to take advantage of you. There are a lot of shady companies, especially ones who try to make you think they are the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Every situation is different. What licenses and hoops you have to jump through might be different than what your friend had to do. If you have any questions you can always talk to one of the experts at Motor Carrier HQ, heck you might even get to talk to Tyler. They will talk to you about your specific situation, absolutely no obligation.

Let’s dive into all the questions we answer this episode.