July 8, 2020
What’s the Difference Between an MC Number and a DOT Number?
When starting your own trucking company or even considering becoming a broker, you may need your DOT Number, MC Number or both. But, what’s the difference between the two? Does your trucking company need one, both, or neither? How much do they cost?
These are commonly confused regulations. Getting what you don’t need can waste money. Not getting what you need can get you in trouble with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If you’re trying to determine what you need, Here are the general rules between the two:
| DOT Number | MC Number | |
| Needed for interstate commerce | Yes | Yes |
| Needed for intrastate commerce | Yes | No |
| Needed to haul your own property | Yes | No |
| Needed to haul your own construction equipment | Yes | No |
| Working for-hire to haul someone else’s property | Yes | Yes |
| How much does it cost to get? | $99 | $499 |
*If you are planning on hauling hazardous materials, the rules are much different. Call Motor Carrier HQ to let us help you determine what you need.
What Is a DOT Number?
A DOT Number acts like a driver’s license for your trucking company. You can get a DOT Number to verify with the FMCSA that your company is operating as a trucking company.
A DOT Number is often used to verify that you are using a vehicle commercially, whether you’re hauling your own products or moving equipment with a qualified commercial motor vehicle.
What Is an MC Number?
An MC Number is also called operating authority or trucking authority. Operating authority is most commonly needed when you’re planning on working for-hire in interstate commerce (hauling loads in more than one state) or hauling hazardous materials.
The MC Number is more expensive than a DOT Number and requires a $300 fee set by the FMCSA.
There are different types of trucking authority, including:
- Motor Carrier of Property
- Motor Carrier of Household Goods
- Broker of Property
- Broker of Household Goods
The FMCSA does not offer refunds if you apply for the wrong type of authority. It may cost you more if you apply for the wrong one, so you should know what type of authority you need before you apply.
Leave It to Us
Not knowing the differences between an MC Number and DOT Number can get your trucking company in big trouble. There are a lot of exceptions and rules that may make it hard to determine whether you need an MC Number, a DOT Number, or both.
If you want to get your DOT Number or MC Number, give Motor Carrier HQ a call! We can get the proper authority and build a custom game plan for your business. Relying on experts can save you money by only getting what your business needs and never what you don’t.
Are you ready to order? Get your DOT Number or your MC Number by ordering online. If you want to learn more about these two numbers, we’ve also covered more commonly asked questions about these two policies down below.