What Is and How to Perform a USDOT Number Check
Relocating to another place can be a complex process, especially when you have to move across the country. For starters, it’s important to make sure you’re working with trustworthy companies. One way you can do that is by running a USDOT number check. In this blog post, we will walk you through what a USDOT number is and how to verify it properly.
A USDOT number is an identification number given to businesses operating vehicles on public roads in the United States. To perform a USDOT number check, simply enter the USDOT number in the designated search field. Once you have completed the search, a comprehensive report will be provided for review. The report includes information such as company name and details, safety rating, insurance coverage status, past inspections and violations, fleet size and type of vehicles operated, and driver qualification records.
What Is a USDOT Number Check?
The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) assigns USDOT numbers to all operators of commercial vehicles that transport passengers or cargo in interstate commerce. To ensure the safety of these commercial vehicles, the USDOT requires each operator to register and receive a unique number. The USDOT Number Check is an online resource used to verify the registration of motor carriers and their USDOT numbers. Additionally, it provides a thorough review of the carrier’s safety ratings, records, inspection results, insurance coverage status, and more.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses these numbers in order to track motor vehicle safety performance and compliance with federal regulations. It is required for any company transporting passengers or hauling cargo across state lines, and it must be displayed on every commercial vehicle operated by the company. By running a USDOT number check, you can ensure that the company you’re hiring has all of its paperwork in order and is up-to-date on its safety performance standards.
Learn the Importance of the DOT Number
So, once you realize all the benefits of the move, the most reasonable step is to get organized to move, right? This means finding the best long-distance moving services and considering whether you’ll need packing assistance. And that’s when the USDOT number will have a significant impact on whether you’ll have a successful and stress-free move.
Customers are better protected from relocation scams when businesses have a USDOT number. Checking their safety rating and complaint history is a simple way to confirm the company’s legitimacy. By using bogus USDOT numbers, shady businesses attempt to conceal their safety records from regulators.
This occurs infrequently and is fraught with uncertainty, yet it does occur. Thankfully, you may To protect yourself from fraud and verify the validity of a relocation company’s USDOT number by entering it into the FMCSA’s website.
What Does It Mean When Someone Says They Have an MC Number?
When a transportation company has a USDOT number, it can be linked to information on the company’s safety record. With an MC number and approval from the FMCSA, a corporation can operate within state lines. When preparing for a move and you need your belongings transported over state borders, make sure to check the MC number when choosing the relocation team.
How to Perform a USDOT Number Check?
So, how to check a DOT number when hiring long-distance movers? Fortunately, performing an online DOT number check is pretty simple. All you need to do is go to the FMCSA website, enter the company’s name or DOT number into the search bar, and click “Search.” This will bring up a profile for the business, which includes information such as their contact details, safety ratings, driver qualifications, and insurance coverage records. You can also view inspection reports from recent trips they have made in order to get a better idea of how they operate their vehicles.
SAFER is the official Department of Transportation website (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records). SAFER can assist you in learning everything you need to know about interstate relocation firms. Checking a company’s USDOT number will reveal the most up-to-date information on the company’s safety record and any disciplinary proceedings taken by the US Department of Transportation. Use this data to determine the best interstate moving company for your needs.
While running this lookup is a breeze, making sense of the information may prove to be a formidable challenge. A last-minute relocation, however, is still something that needs to be on your must-do list if you’re moving to a new state. Let’s check what to look for:
You can check for crashes
In the top left of the search results page, you’ll see a link that reads “Inspections/Crashes In US.” Clicking on that link will take you to a page that details the company’s history of accidents. Recorded accidents cover the preceding 24 months and are divided into three distinct categories based on what states reported to the FMCSA:
- Fatal – Total fatal accidents that involved at least one fatality.
- Injury – Injuries sustained but not fatalities incurred in accidents.
- Tow – The number of times a car has been towed after an accident with no severe injuries.
You can check for scams
The simplest way to verify a company’s legitimacy is to compare the information provided there with what you find when checking the FMCSA website. Make sure the company name you were given matches the one in the FMCSA database before inputting any numbers. Next, verify the company’s legitimacy by calling the listed phone number and visiting the listed address, and looking up the state carrier ID number.
Finally, the company’s current operational state will be displayed for your perusal. It should read “ACTIVE” if it’s ready for use. In contrast, you should avoid moving companies whose results include messages like “NOT AUTHORIZED,” “Inactive USDOT Number,” or “OUT-OF-SERVICE.”
You can check complains
For many reported problems, searching the USDOT yields no useful results. Instead of relying on the FMCSA for complaint data, we suggest you spend five to ten minutes reading online reviews of each team you’re considering hiring for your relocation to a new state. Independent evaluations, such as those found on Google and Yelp, are a great place to begin your research, but be sure to know how to recognize fake reviews.
What Relocation Companies Actually Have to Do to Obtain a USDOT Number?
When you plan to move to another city, the first thing that comes to your mind is how you will do it. The right answer is to hire a relocation team that will help you with the entire process. But before you start preparing for movers, as you can see so far, you’ll need to do a USDOT number lookup. To avoid one of the biggest relocation mistakes and not get scammed, you should understand what relocation businesses actually need to do to obtain this number a bit better.
Relocation companies will need to supply certain information about their businesses and companies’ cars in order to finish the DOT application. So, it’s essential to gather the necessary information before they start filling out the application. The following items should be within easy reach:
- A report on the condition of the driver,
- Statistics on car ownership,
- Particulars about the number of cars and their makes and models,
- Details on how to categorize shipments and procedures,
- Details about the Company’s Operations,
- When relevant, details about the approval and labeling of hazardous materials.
It is important to take time while applying for a USDOT number because movers will need to provide technical details. Simple mistakes like missing signatures or incorrectly selected boxes can cause significant delays in application processing.
Why It’s Important to Have Trustworthy Cross-Country Movers by Your Side?
Movers offer a variety of services to help you move to your new home. The experienced and professional staff can handle all aspects of your move, including packing and loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking of large items. In other words, professionals on your side will ensure the entire relocation goes smoothly, which in most DIY cases isn’t even possible.
Storage Service
Knowing what kind of surprises cross country move may hold, we offer 30 day free storage for belongings at the origin state.
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Moving Insurance
Flat Price Moving and Auto Transport Company offers moving insurance to cover potential damages
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Auto-Transport
If your first concern is having your vehicle transported safely and efficiently, enclose shipping is the way to go.
Read moreMust Every Long-Distance Moving Company Have a USDOT Number?
No, not every relocation company needs to have a USDOT number. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), only those who transport passengers or household goods across state lines must obtain a USDOT number. This means that local movers do not need one.
However, regardless of whether or not a company needs to have a USDOT number, it is advised that consumers always check the background and credentials of any moving company they use. Any reputable long-distance mover should be registered with the FMCSA and have an active USDOT number.
What About a Car Shipping Company?
No, not every auto transport company needs to have a USDOT number, either. It is only required for companies that engage in interstate transportation of vehicles – meaning the company transports cars from one state to another. If you are hiring a local auto transport service that will move your vehicle within one state, then no USDOT number is necessary.
Additionally, if you are shipping a car yourself and don’t want to hire someone else to do it, then you will not need a USDOT number either. Finally, some companies may be exempt from the federal requirements for USDOT numbers depending on the size of their fleet and whether or not they primarily transport hazardous materials, which are materials movers can’t move. If this is the case, they may not need to obtain a USDOT number.
What Are Other Ways to Check if a Relocation Crew Is Legitimate?
In addition to asking for references and researching reviews, there are a few other ways you can check if a relocation crew is legitimate. Don’t forget to ask your family and friends for recommendations. After all, you won’t get a better recommendation than from someone you know personally. You might even get some extra relocation tips on how to move efficiently, too.
Hire Reliable Movers and Don’t Worry About Getting Scammed
By performing a USDOT number check before hiring any cross-country moving company, you can rest assured that they are following all of the necessary regulations and have proper insurance coverage in place for your move. While not mandatory, it is always wise to take extra precautions when relocating to another place – especially if you have expensive belongings like antiques or art pieces – so it pays to research your potential service providers beforehand! With this information in hand, you should be ready for your next big move.
