July 7, 2020
How Long Does It Take To Get a DOT Number?
If you’re thinking about getting your trucking authority, chances are, you’ll need either a DOT Number, an MC Number, or both.
But, how long does it take to get one?
You can get your DOT number in as little as an hour and that number is active immediately. The DOT Number allows you to:
- Haul your own property
- Haul your own equipment
- Haul in only one state in intrastate commerce
Read more about the differences between DOT and MC Numbers.
How Long Does It Take To Get an MC Number?
You can get your MC Number at the same time as your DOT Number, but unlike a DOT Number, it is not active immediately. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires a 21-day vetting and protest period before the number becomes active.
Learn more about DOT Numbers, MC Numbers, and operating authority in episode 3 of our podcast Haulin Assets.
Can You Haul Loads While Waiting For Your MC Number To Be Active?
While you can haul loads immediately after getting a DOT Number, you cannot haul loads while waiting for the MC Number to become active. Doing business with an inactive MC Number can get your trucking company in big trouble for not being compliant.
While you can’t start hauling your loads, these 21 days are a good opportunity to put everything else in place to get your trucking company started.
What Should I Do While Waiting For My MC Number To Become Active?
One of the most important things you should get while waiting for your MC Number to become active is getting the appropriate trucking insurance. While you can start getting quotes before you have a DOT Number, you’ll get much more accurate quotes with one.
You can listen to episode 9 of Haulin Assets for more information about commercial trucking insurance. Waiting to activate your insurance when your MC Number becomes active can save you quite a bit of money in the long run.
You can also work toward getting:
- An ELD
- Apportioned plates
- An IFTA license
- A truck (if you haven’t already)
You can learn more about what you need to start a trucking company from us, which includes some things you can also work toward getting while your MC Number is not active.
We Can Get Your DOT Number for You
If you only need your DOT Number, you can get it with the help of Motor Carrier HQ for just $99. The whole process takes about an hour.
If you need your MC Number At Motor Carrier HQ, we can get your DOT Number, MC number, and more as part of our new operating authority package. We take the hassle out of the paperwork and can send you your numbers as soon as we get them from the FMCSA.
With our measure twice, cut once methods, we can help you get only what you need for your trucking company, never what you don’t.