Why a DOT Number Matters for Safe Auto Transport

The quality of being believable for any company is incredibly essential when it comes to getting new customers or retaining the previous ones. For this purpose, an auto transport company can offer satisfactory services to all its clients.

More includes maintaining a good reputation, being responsive, and showcasing their achievements wherever or whenever possible. 

Nevertheless, there is another imperative aspect that we would like to discuss today and that is the DOT number. Let’s see what this is and whether or not Genius Auto Trans has any such entity under its name. 

Understanding the DOT Number

The Department of Transportation is also known by another name, USDOT or United States Department of Transportation. In regard to this number, it’s a distinctive identity issued by an agency called FMCSA. 

The prime purpose of such a number is to track the performance, in terms of safety, of commercial motor carriers in the USA. Compliance reviews and roadside inspections are some of the data that can possibly be amassed using this entity.

Please remember that this is specifically applicable in the United States of America. Even if other countries have their own regulatory identification systems, they are not named as DOT numbers. Also, there is an official FMCSA site for more details. 

Some USDOT Number Rules

  • For state-to-state auto shipping, the provider must have a DOT number. Even transportation within the same state requires to have this number.
  • The number should be shown from both sides of the truck’s cab, either using a paint or sticker. Make sure that it is visible from feets away. Use appropriate hues in our opinion.
  • This is just like a safety report card. After an accident or inspection, the information is updated and goes under the USDOT number.

DOT Number Perks for Users

  • Auto transport users, whether they are businesses or individuals, can relish a set of benefits. For instance, this number depicts safe shipping. You will know that the company is legally registered with FMCSA. Therefore, you are dealing with an authorized carrier.
  • There are plenty of fraudulent service providers out there. You can use this number to check their reliability, and hence, avoid scams.
  • By utilizing this entity, you can grasp the history of such providers, particularly regarding their vehicles. For example, this is an approach of amassing the record of accidents the company has been involved in.
  • Users can effortlessly seek resolution to their problems. If any dispute arises during the delivery, such a number offers a reference point for filing complaints with the FMCSA. 
  • Also, you can constantly monitor the performance of the auto transport company you have selected.

Possible Limitations

While these plusses add a great value to a user’s research, there are certain drawbacks to bear in mind as well. 

For example, the SAFER system is usually up-to-date and displays the latest information. Chances are, there might be differences in when the incident occurs and at what time does the carrier update their data. 

Another crucial point is the inaccessibility to individual driver safety records. You can only determine the overall safety performance of the carrier. 

How to Look Up a DOT Number

  • To be precise, this is a very easy process. The agency we were conversing about, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is a lot helpful in determining this number. 
  • In fact, anyone can check this entity, whether a broker or a shipper.
  • To begin, please open the FMCSA SAFER website. 
  • It is important to do so from the USA. Otherwise, you may not be able to view it. Or VPN, if it is legal in your area.
  • Look for the section: Search Criteria. It will showcase three options: USDOT Number, MC/MX Number, and Name. Choose whichever seems most appropriate.
  • Entering the company name can further aid in extracting relevant information.

What’s the Process for Obtaining a DOT Number?

  • You have to begin by accumulating the basic business information. The examples are legal business name, mailing address and phone number.
  • You must also finalize the types and number of vehicles.
  • We recommend you apply for both USDOT and MC numbers. 
  • To apply online, go to the FMCSA Unified Registration System website and create an account.
  • After filling out your MCS-150 Series form, please review it carefully to avoid delays.

Note: The aforementioned process is represented by us in a very concise way. We suggest you do more research to clarify.

Today, our goal was to make the Department of Transportation or DOT number understandable for our audience. The article is valuable in many ways, particularly in assuring that they will get safe auto transport services. 

Anyone can conveniently view this entity in conjunction with many relevant details by opening the FMCSA SAFER site. Nevertheless, it is vital to type the business name whose credibility you need to verify. 

More data encompasses the history or record of incidents that your selected vehicle shipping provider has faced. Nevertheless, the limitation entails the delay by that provider in updating its information. 

FAQs

Does Genius Auto Trans have a DOT number?

Yes, it has and you can even check it online. Go through the FMCSA SAFER website and enter the name of our company to get all the relevant details. You can therefore, without any hesitation, assign your vehicle to one of our auto shipping services

What to do when the DOT number gets revoked?

This clearly means that your operating authority has been canceled. Maybe you have failed to comply with FMCSA policies, or your insurance has expired. You really need to read the notification carefully first to understand the reason.

Are auto transport companies without a DOT number still trustworthy?

Generally, not having this number is a red flag. You will then be unable to verify their safety record. Such a record has to be satisfactory in order to determine its reliability for your auto transportation needs. 

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