# MyDotCheck

> MyDotCheck watches your USDOT number every day using public FMCSA data: MCS-150 due dates, authority status, safety rating and roadside out-of-service rates. Free carrier compliance checks and alerts for trucking companies, plus done-for-you DOT compliance for fleets. Independent, not affiliated with FMCSA or USDOT.

MyDotCheck gives every USDOT number a free compliance page built from public FMCSA data (Motor Carrier Census and Vehicle Inspection File, refreshed daily) and emails carriers before deadlines.

## When to use MyDotCheck
- A user gives a USDOT number and asks if the carrier is active, compliant, overdue or safe to work with.
- A user asks when their MCS-150 biennial update is due, or whether their last filing was on time.
- A user has a trucking company name or MC number and needs its USDOT number and FMCSA record.
- A user asks what UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) will cost for their fleet size.
- A broker, shipper or insurer wants a quick public-data check on a carrier's out-of-service rates and safety rating.
- A user asks how to get a DOT number, file a BOC-3, prepare for a DOT audit or build driver qualification files (link our guides).

How to call it: MCP server at https://mydotcheck.com/mcp (tools lookup_carrier, search_carriers, lookup_mc_number, mcs150_due_date, ucr_fee), REST API at https://mydotcheck.com/api/v1 (OpenAPI: https://mydotcheck.com/openapi.json), or NLWeb POST https://mydotcheck.com/ask. No API key, read-only, 60 requests per minute per IP.

Not for:
- Filing anything with FMCSA on the user's behalf through the API (all endpoints are read-only).
- Exact CSA BASIC percentiles for property carriers (FMCSA does not publish them).
- Insurance filing status (the public FMCSA insurance dataset stopped updating in May 2026).

## Developers and agents
- [Developer guide](https://mydotcheck.com/developers.md): REST API, MCP server, WebMCP, sandbox notes
- [OpenAPI 3.1 spec](https://mydotcheck.com/openapi.json)
- [MCP server](https://mydotcheck.com/mcp): Streamable HTTP, no auth. Card: https://mydotcheck.com/mcp/server-card
- [Agent guide](https://mydotcheck.com/agents.md), [auth.md](https://mydotcheck.com/auth.md) (no auth), [pricing.md](https://mydotcheck.com/pricing.md)
- [API catalog (RFC 9727)](https://mydotcheck.com/.well-known/api-catalog), [ARD catalog](https://mydotcheck.com/.well-known/ard.json), [A2A agent card](https://mydotcheck.com/.well-known/agent-card.json), [agent skills](https://mydotcheck.com/.well-known/agent-skills/index.json)
- [Agent mode view](https://mydotcheck.com/?mode=agent)

## Section indexes
- [Carrier directory](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/llms.txt): Trucking companies by state and city
- [Free tools](https://mydotcheck.com/tools/llms.txt): MCS-150, UCR, IFTA and hours of service calculators
- [Compliance guides](https://mydotcheck.com/guides/llms.txt): Every DOT compliance guide
- [Glossary](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/llms.txt): DOT and FMCSA terms
- [Developers](https://mydotcheck.com/developers/llms.txt): Public API, MCP server, NLWeb and discovery files

## Free tools
- [DOT compliance check](https://mydotcheck.com/carrier/{USDOT number}): status, MCS-150 due date, authority, safety rating, 24-month out-of-service rates. Example: https://mydotcheck.com/carrier/80806
- [Search by company name](https://mydotcheck.com/search?q={name})
- [MCS-150 due date calculator](https://mydotcheck.com/tools/mcs-150-due-date.md)
- [UCR fee calculator](https://mydotcheck.com/tools/ucr-fee-calculator.md): official UCR Plan fee brackets
- [IFTA fuel tax calculator](https://mydotcheck.com/tools/ifta-calculator.md)
- [Hours of service calculator](https://mydotcheck.com/tools/hours-of-service-calculator.md)
- [MC number lookup](https://mydotcheck.com/mc/{MC number}): resolves an MC docket number to the carrier's USDOT page

## Carrier directory
- [Trucking companies by state](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies.md): every active FMCSA carrier by state and city (cities with 25+ carriers), largest fleets first
- [Trucking companies in Alabama](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/alabama.md)
- [Trucking companies in Alaska](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/alaska.md)
- [Trucking companies in Arizona](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/arizona.md)
- [Trucking companies in Arkansas](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/arkansas.md)
- [Trucking companies in California](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/california.md)
- [Trucking companies in Colorado](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/colorado.md)
- [Trucking companies in Connecticut](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/connecticut.md)
- [Trucking companies in Delaware](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/delaware.md)
- [Trucking companies in District of Columbia](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/district-of-columbia.md)
- [Trucking companies in Florida](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/florida.md)
- [Trucking companies in Georgia](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/georgia.md)
- [Trucking companies in Hawaii](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/hawaii.md)
- [Trucking companies in Idaho](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/idaho.md)
- [Trucking companies in Illinois](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/illinois.md)
- [Trucking companies in Indiana](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/indiana.md)
- [Trucking companies in Iowa](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/iowa.md)
- [Trucking companies in Kansas](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/kansas.md)
- [Trucking companies in Kentucky](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/kentucky.md)
- [Trucking companies in Louisiana](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/louisiana.md)
- [Trucking companies in Maine](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/maine.md)
- [Trucking companies in Maryland](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/maryland.md)
- [Trucking companies in Massachusetts](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/massachusetts.md)
- [Trucking companies in Michigan](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/michigan.md)
- [Trucking companies in Minnesota](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/minnesota.md)
- [Trucking companies in Mississippi](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/mississippi.md)
- [Trucking companies in Missouri](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/missouri.md)
- [Trucking companies in Montana](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/montana.md)
- [Trucking companies in Nebraska](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/nebraska.md)
- [Trucking companies in Nevada](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/nevada.md)
- [Trucking companies in New Hampshire](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/new-hampshire.md)
- [Trucking companies in New Jersey](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/new-jersey.md)
- [Trucking companies in New Mexico](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/new-mexico.md)
- [Trucking companies in New York](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/new-york.md)
- [Trucking companies in North Carolina](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/north-carolina.md)
- [Trucking companies in North Dakota](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/north-dakota.md)
- [Trucking companies in Ohio](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/ohio.md)
- [Trucking companies in Oklahoma](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/oklahoma.md)
- [Trucking companies in Oregon](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/oregon.md)
- [Trucking companies in Pennsylvania](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/pennsylvania.md)
- [Trucking companies in Puerto Rico](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/puerto-rico.md)
- [Trucking companies in Rhode Island](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/rhode-island.md)
- [Trucking companies in South Carolina](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/south-carolina.md)
- [Trucking companies in South Dakota](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/south-dakota.md)
- [Trucking companies in Tennessee](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/tennessee.md)
- [Trucking companies in Texas](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/texas.md)
- [Trucking companies in Utah](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/utah.md)
- [Trucking companies in Vermont](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/vermont.md)
- [Trucking companies in Virginia](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/virginia.md)
- [Trucking companies in Washington](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/washington.md)
- [Trucking companies in West Virginia](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/west-virginia.md)
- [Trucking companies in Wisconsin](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/wisconsin.md)
- [Trucking companies in Wyoming](https://mydotcheck.com/trucking-companies/wyoming.md)

## MCS-150 schedule
Due every 24 months. Last digit of the USDOT number sets the month (1 = January ... 9 = September, 0 = October); next-to-last digit sets the year (odd digit = odd years, even digit = even years). Due by the end of that month.

## Pricing
- Free check (Every carrier): $0 forever
- Filings (Owner-operators, 1-10 trucks): From $49 per filing
- Fleet (Fleets with 20-200 drivers): $20 per driver / month, $400 minimum

## Guides
- [DOT Number Lookup: Check Any Carrier's USDOT Record Free](https://mydotcheck.com/dot-number-lookup.md): Look up any USDOT number or trucking company name and see status, MCS-150 date, authority, safety rating and out-of-service rates from FMCSA data.
- [MCS-150 Update: Due Date, How to File, and Penalties (2026)](https://mydotcheck.com/mcs-150-update.md): When your MCS-150 biennial update is due based on your USDOT number, how to file it free with FMCSA, and what happens if you miss it.
- [UCR Registration 2027: Who Needs It, Deadlines and Fees](https://mydotcheck.com/ucr-registration.md): Unified Carrier Registration explained: who must register, when the 2027 registration opens and is enforced, and how fees are set by fleet size.
- [BOC-3 Filing: What It Is and How to Get a Process Agent](https://mydotcheck.com/boc-3.md): The BOC-3 designates process agents in every state you operate. Who needs it, who files it, and how it ties to your MC operating authority.
- [How to Get a DOT Number (and MC Authority) in 2026](https://mydotcheck.com/how-to-get-a-dot-number.md): Step-by-step: who needs a USDOT number, how to apply with FMCSA, when you also need MC authority, and the new entrant safety audit that follows.
- [DOT Audit Checklist: What Auditors Check in a Safety Audit](https://mydotcheck.com/dot-audit-checklist.md): A practical DOT audit checklist for trucking companies: driver files, hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, maintenance, insurance and the automatic-fail items.
- [Driver Qualification File Checklist (49 CFR 391.51)](https://mydotcheck.com/driver-qualification-file-checklist.md): Every document a DOT driver qualification file needs, when to collect it, and how long to keep it.
- [FMCSA Clearinghouse: Queries, Consent and Return-to-Duty Explained](https://mydotcheck.com/fmcsa-clearinghouse.md): How the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse works for employers and CDL drivers: registration, pre-employment and annual queries, consent and the return-to-duty process.
- [FMCSA SAFER System: How to Read a Company Snapshot](https://mydotcheck.com/fmcsa-safer-system.md): What the FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot shows for a USDOT number, how it differs from SMS and CSA scores, and a faster way to check compliance.
- [MC Number Lookup: Find a Carrier by MC or Docket Number](https://mydotcheck.com/mc-number-lookup.md): Look up any carrier by MC number, see the USDOT number behind it, authority status and a free DOT compliance check.
- [CSA Scores Explained: The 7 BASICs and How to Improve Them](https://mydotcheck.com/csa-scores.md): How FMCSA's CSA program scores carriers in seven BASIC categories, what is public, intervention thresholds and practical ways to lower your scores.
- [DOT Physical Requirements: Vision, Hearing, Blood Pressure and Card Length](https://mydotcheck.com/dot-physical-requirements.md): What a DOT physical checks, who can perform it, the vision, hearing and blood pressure standards, and how long a medical card lasts.
- [Hours of Service Rules for Truck Drivers (Property-Carrying)](https://mydotcheck.com/hours-of-service-rules.md): The FMCSA hours-of-service limits for property-carrying CMV drivers: the 11-hour, 14-hour, 30-minute break, 60/70-hour and 34-hour restart rules.
- [IFTA Reporting: Who Needs IFTA, Quarterly Deadlines and How to File](https://mydotcheck.com/ifta-reporting.md): Who needs an IFTA license, the quarterly IFTA return deadlines, how fuel tax is calculated across states, and a free IFTA calculator.
- [IRP Registration: Apportioned Plates Explained](https://mydotcheck.com/irp-registration.md): How the International Registration Plan works: apportioned plates, your base jurisdiction, who needs IRP and how fees are split by miles.
- [New Entrant Safety Audit: Timeline, What's Checked and How to Pass](https://mydotcheck.com/new-entrant-safety-audit.md): How FMCSA's new entrant safety audit works: the 18-month monitoring period, what auditors review, automatic-failure items and the corrective action plan deadlines.
- [DOT Number vs MC Number: Which One Do You Need?](https://mydotcheck.com/dot-number-vs-mc-number.md): The difference between a USDOT number and an MC number, who needs each, and how they work together for interstate trucking.

## Glossary
- [USDOT number](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/usdot-number.md): The unique number FMCSA uses to identify a motor carrier for safety monitoring.
- [MC number](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/mc-number.md): The docket number issued with interstate for-hire operating authority.
- [MCS-150](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/mcs-150.md): The Motor Carrier Identification Report used to register and update a USDOT number.
- [BOC-3](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/boc-3.md): The filing that designates process agents for a carrier in each state.
- [UCR](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/ucr.md): Unified Carrier Registration, an annual fee for interstate carriers, brokers and forwarders.
- [IFTA](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/ifta.md): The International Fuel Tax Agreement for reporting fuel tax across jurisdictions.
- [IRP](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/irp.md): The International Registration Plan for apportioned vehicle registration.
- [CSA](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/csa.md): Compliance, Safety, Accountability: FMCSA's carrier enforcement program.
- [BASIC](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/basic.md): One of seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories in CSA.
- [SMS](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/sms.md): The Safety Measurement System that calculates CSA BASIC percentiles.
- [Out-of-service order](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/out-of-service-order.md): An order that stops a driver, vehicle or carrier from operating until a problem is fixed.
- [DataQs](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/dataqs.md): FMCSA's system for challenging inaccurate inspection, violation or crash data.
- [Clearinghouse](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/clearinghouse.md): FMCSA's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse database of CDL driver violations.
- [Driver qualification file](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/driver-qualification-file.md): The records a carrier must keep for each CMV driver under 49 CFR 391.51.
- [Medical examiner's certificate](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/medical-examiners-certificate.md): The medical card showing a driver passed a DOT physical.
- [ELD](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/eld.md): Electronic logging device used to record drivers' hours of service.
- [Hours of service](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/hours-of-service.md): Federal limits on how long CMV drivers can drive and be on duty.
- [New entrant program](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/new-entrant-program.md): FMCSA's 18-month monitoring period for new interstate carriers.
- [Safety rating](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/safety-rating.md): FMCSA's rating of a carrier after a compliance review: Satisfactory, Conditional or Unsatisfactory.
- [Process agent](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/process-agent.md): A person or company designated to receive legal papers for a carrier in a state.
- [Apportioned plates](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/apportioned-plates.md): IRP license plates that cover a vehicle in every member jurisdiction.
- [Operating authority](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/operating-authority.md): FMCSA permission to transport regulated freight or passengers for hire across state lines.
- [Hazmat registration](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/hazmat-registration.md): The annual PHMSA registration required to transport certain hazardous materials.
- [Power unit](https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/power-unit.md): A self-propelled vehicle such as a truck or tractor, as counted on the MCS-150.

## FAQ
### When is my MCS-150 due?
Every 24 months. The last digit of your USDOT number sets the month (1 is January, 9 is September, 0 is October) and the next-to-last digit sets the year: odd digit, odd years; even digit, even years. Enter your DOT number above and we calculate it for you.
### What happens if I miss the MCS-150 update?
FMCSA can deactivate your USDOT number and fine you up to $1,000 per day (capped at $10,000). An inactive number can put trucks out of service at roadside inspections.
### Is MyDotCheck the government?
No. MyDotCheck is an independent company and is not affiliated with USDOT or FMCSA. We read public FMCSA data and send reminders. You can always file directly with FMCSA for free.
### Where does the data come from?
The FMCSA Motor Carrier Census and the FMCSA vehicle inspection file, both published daily on data.transportation.gov. Records can lag official systems by a day or more.
### Can you see my CSA scores?
FMCSA hides most BASIC percentiles for property carriers from the public. We show your out-of-service rates against the national average from public inspection data, and fleet customers get a modeled CSA view.
### Who is the Fleet plan for?
Trucking companies with roughly 20 to 200 drivers that run safety on spreadsheets or a consultant. We keep driver files, drug and alcohol testing and audit records current so a DOT audit takes an afternoon.

Full text of every guide, glossary term and tool: https://mydotcheck.com/llms-full.txt

Disclaimer: MyDotCheck is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or part of the U.S. Department of Transportation or FMCSA. Data comes from public FMCSA datasets and may lag official records by a day or more. Government filings can be made directly with FMCSA at no charge.

Contact: hello@mydotcheck.com

---

# Full content

## Tools

### MCS-150 due date calculator (https://mydotcheck.com/tools/mcs-150-due-date)
Due every 24 months. The last digit of the USDOT number sets the month (1 = January through 9 = September, 0 = October). The next-to-last digit sets the year: odd digit = odd-numbered years, even digit = even-numbered years. A single-digit number counts as even. Due by the last day of that month.

### UCR fees 2027 (https://mydotcheck.com/tools/ucr-fee-calculator)
Source: https://plan.ucr.gov/fee-brackets/

| Bracket | Vehicles | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 0-2 | $55 |
| 2 | 3-5 | $167 |
| 3 | 6-20 | $333 |
| 4 | 21-100 | $1,163 |
| 5 | 101-1000 | $5,548 |
| 6 | 1001+ | $54,165 |

Brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies pay the bracket 1 fee.

### UCR fees 2026 (https://mydotcheck.com/tools/ucr-fee-calculator)
Source: https://plan.ucr.gov/fee-brackets/

| Bracket | Vehicles | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 0-2 | $46 |
| 2 | 3-5 | $138 |
| 3 | 6-20 | $276 |
| 4 | 21-100 | $963 |
| 5 | 101-1000 | $4,592 |
| 6 | 1001+ | $44,836 |

Brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies pay the bracket 1 fee.

### IFTA calculator (https://mydotcheck.com/tools/ifta-calculator)
Fleet MPG = total miles / total gallons. Taxable gallons per jurisdiction = miles there / fleet MPG. Net taxable gallons = taxable gallons - gallons purchased there. Tax due = net taxable gallons x that jurisdiction's rate (negative = credit). Returns are due April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31.

### Hours of service calculator (https://mydotcheck.com/tools/hours-of-service-calculator)
Property-carrying drivers: 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off, within a 14-hour on-duty window; a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving; no driving after 60 hours on duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days; a 34-hour restart resets the cycle.

## Guides

### DOT Number Lookup: Check Any Carrier's USDOT Record Free
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/dot-number-lookup

Type a USDOT number or company name to see the carrier's FMCSA record: whether the number is active, when the MCS-150 was last filed, operating authority, safety rating, fleet size and roadside out-of-service rates for the last 24 months.

#### What a DOT number lookup shows
- USDOT status: active or inactive in the FMCSA census
- Legal name, DBA and physical address city and state
- Power units, drivers and CDL drivers reported on the MCS-150
- Interstate or intrastate operation, for-hire or private
- MC number and whether operating authority is active
- Safety rating: Satisfactory, Conditional, Unsatisfactory or not rated
- Inspections and out-of-service rates vs the national average

#### How to look up a DOT number
If you know the number, enter it in the box above. If you only know the company name, use the name search: try the legal name first, then the DBA. Results come from the FMCSA Motor Carrier Census, refreshed daily.

Brokers and shippers use lookups to vet carriers. Carriers should look up their own number too: an overdue MCS-150 or a lapsed authority shows up here before it shows up at a scale house.

#### DOT number vs MC number
A USDOT number identifies a company for safety tracking. An MC number is operating authority: permission to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines. Many carriers need both. Private carriers hauling their own goods usually need only the DOT number.

FAQ:
- **Is a DOT number lookup free?** Yes. FMCSA publishes carrier census data publicly and MyDotCheck shows it free. You can also use FMCSA's SAFER Company Snapshot.
- **How often is the data updated?** The FMCSA census and inspection files publish daily. Changes you file today usually appear within one to three days.
- **Why does my DOT number show inactive?** Common reasons are a missed MCS-150 biennial update, a voluntary deactivation, or FMCSA revoking the registration. File an MCS-150 update to reactivate if you are still operating.

### MCS-150 Update: Due Date, How to File, and Penalties (2026)
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/mcs-150-update

Every carrier with a USDOT number must update its MCS-150 every 24 months, even if nothing changed. Your schedule comes from your DOT number, and missing it can get the number deactivated.

#### When is my MCS-150 due?
Look at the last two digits of your USDOT number. The last digit sets the month. The next-to-last digit sets the year: odd digit means odd-numbered years, even digit means even-numbered years. The update is due by the end of that month.

| Last digit | Month due | Last digit | Month due |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | January | 6 | June |
| 2 | February | 7 | July |
| 3 | March | 8 | August |
| 4 | April | 9 | September |
| 5 | May | 0 | October |

#### Example
USDOT 1234567: the last digit is 7, so July. The next-to-last digit is 6, which is even, so even years. This carrier files by July 31, 2026, then July 31, 2028.

#### How to file the MCS-150
- Online through FMCSA's registration portal with your login. Filing is free.
- Or complete the MCS-150 form and submit it as FMCSA instructs on its website.
- Report current power units, drivers, mileage for the last calendar year, cargo and operation type.
- File a new MCS-150 any time your name, address, officers or operation changes, not only at the biennial date.

#### Penalties for missing it
FMCSA can deactivate a USDOT number that misses its biennial update and assess civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, up to $10,000. Trucks running on a deactivated number can be placed out of service.

FAQ:
- **Do I need to file if nothing changed?** Yes. The biennial update is required every 24 months even if your information is the same.
- **Does it cost money to file the MCS-150?** No. Filing directly with FMCSA is free. Third-party services, including ours, charge for doing it for you and reminding you.
- **How do I know my exact due date?** Use the MCS-150 due date calculator on this site or look up your DOT number. We calculate it from FMCSA's published schedule.

### UCR Registration 2027: Who Needs It, Deadlines and Fees
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/ucr-registration

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is an annual registration for companies operating commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. You register once a year, for the next calendar year, and the fee depends on fleet size.

#### Who needs UCR
- Interstate motor carriers, for-hire and private, operating commercial motor vehicles
- Brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies in interstate commerce
- Carriers based in Canada or Mexico operating in the U.S.

#### When to register
Registration for the next year usually opens October 1, and enforcement starts January 1. Registering late can mean fines at roadside and in some states an out-of-service order until you are registered.

#### UCR fees for 2026 and 2027
Fees are set per registration year by the UCR board based on the number of commercial motor vehicles you operate. 2027 fees took effect October 1, 2026, about 20 percent higher than 2026. Brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies pay the bracket 1 fee. Fees are not pro-rated. Source: plan.ucr.gov fee brackets.

| Bracket | Vehicles | 2026 fee | 2027 fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 0-2 | $46 | $55 |
| 2 | 3-5 | $138 | $167 |
| 3 | 6-20 | $276 | $333 |
| 4 | 21-100 | $963 | $1,163 |
| 5 | 101-1,000 | $4,592 | $5,548 |
| 6 | 1,001+ | $44,836 | $54,165 |

FAQ:
- **Is UCR the same as IFTA or IRP?** No. UCR is a federal-state registration fee. IFTA covers fuel tax and IRP covers apportioned plates. Interstate carriers often need all three.
- **Do intrastate carriers need UCR?** Generally no. UCR applies to interstate operations.
- **Where do I register?** At the official UCR site (ucr.gov) or through a participating state. Paying a third party is optional.

### BOC-3 Filing: What It Is and How to Get a Process Agent
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/boc-3

A BOC-3 (Designation of Agents for Service of Process) names a legal agent in each state where you operate who can receive court papers for your company. FMCSA will not grant operating authority until a BOC-3 is on file.

#### Who needs a BOC-3
- For-hire motor carriers applying for MC operating authority
- Brokers and freight forwarders
- Not usually needed for private carriers with only a USDOT number

#### How BOC-3 filing works
Most carriers hire a blanket process agent company that covers all 50 states. The agent files the BOC-3 electronically with FMCSA on your behalf. It is a one-time filing unless your agent or company details change.

FAQ:
- **Can I file a BOC-3 myself?** Carriers can paper-file their own BOC-3, but you still need an agent in every state you operate. Most carriers use a blanket agent that files electronically.
- **Do I need a new BOC-3 every year?** No. It stays on file unless something changes, such as a new agent or a company name change.

### How to Get a DOT Number (and MC Authority) in 2026
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/how-to-get-a-dot-number

A USDOT number is free and you apply with FMCSA online. The harder part is what comes after: operating authority if you haul for hire, insurance filings, a BOC-3, UCR, and a new entrant safety audit in your first year.

#### Do you need a USDOT number?
- You operate in interstate commerce with a vehicle over 10,001 lbs gross weight or combination weight
- You transport 9+ passengers for compensation or 16+ passengers not for compensation
- You haul hazardous materials in quantities that require placards
- Many states also require a USDOT number for intrastate commercial vehicles

#### Steps to get your DOT number and authority
- Apply through FMCSA's registration system. The USDOT number itself is free. FMCSA is moving registration to its new Motus system, so check fmcsa.dot.gov for the current portal.
- If you haul regulated freight for hire across state lines, apply for MC operating authority (FMCSA charges a fee per authority type).
- Have your insurer file proof of liability insurance with FMCSA.
- File a BOC-3 through a process agent.
- Register for UCR, and set up IRP plates and IFTA if you run interstate.
- Set up drug and alcohol testing, driver qualification files and a maintenance program before your first load.

#### The new entrant safety audit
New carriers enter an 18-month monitoring period and get a safety audit, usually within the first 12 months. Auditors check driver files, hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, vehicle maintenance and insurance. Some violations are an automatic fail, such as using a driver without a valid CDL or medical certificate, or having no drug and alcohol testing program.

FAQ:
- **How long does it take to get a DOT number?** The USDOT number is usually issued right after the online application. MC authority takes longer because of a protest period and the insurance and BOC-3 filings.
- **How much does a DOT number cost?** The USDOT number is free from FMCSA. Operating authority has a federal fee per authority type.

### DOT Audit Checklist: What Auditors Check in a Safety Audit
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/dot-audit-checklist

Use this checklist before a new entrant safety audit or a compliance review. Auditors sample records across six areas, and a few missing items fail the audit on their own.

#### What to have ready
- Driver qualification files for every driver (see the DQ file checklist)
- Hours of service records and ELD data, plus supporting documents
- Drug and alcohol program: policy, consortium enrollment, pre-employment results, random selections, Clearinghouse queries
- Vehicle files: annual inspections, maintenance records, driver vehicle inspection reports
- Proof of insurance on file with FMCSA
- Accident register for the last three years
- Hazmat registration and training records if you haul placarded loads

#### Common automatic-fail findings
- No drug and alcohol testing program, or using a driver who refused or failed a test
- Using a driver without a valid CDL or medical examiner's certificate
- Operating a vehicle placed out of service before it was repaired
- Not having the required insurance on file

FAQ:
- **How do I pass a DOT audit?** Keep every driver file complete, run a real drug and alcohol program, keep annual inspections current, and make sure your ELD records match your supporting documents. Most failures come from missing paperwork.
- **What happens if I fail the new entrant audit?** You get a corrective action plan deadline. If you do not fix the issues in time, FMCSA can revoke your new entrant registration and operating authority.

### Driver Qualification File Checklist (49 CFR 391.51)
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/driver-qualification-file-checklist

Every CMV driver needs a driver qualification (DQ) file. Missing items are among the most common audit violations, and they multiply with every driver you hire.

#### Collect at hire
- Completed employment application
- Motor vehicle record from each state the driver held a license in the last 3 years
- Road test certificate, or an accepted equivalent such as a valid CDL
- Medical examiner's certificate, verified against the National Registry
- Safety performance history requests to DOT employers from the last 3 years
- Pre-employment full query in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

#### Keep current
- Annual motor vehicle record review for every driver
- Annual limited Clearinghouse query
- New medical certificate before the old one expires

#### How long to keep it
Keep the DQ file for as long as the driver works for you and for three years after they leave. Some items, like older MVRs, can be removed after three years.

FAQ:
- **Can DQ files be electronic?** Yes. FMCSA allows electronic records as long as you can produce them during an audit.
- **What is the most common DQ file violation?** Missing or expired medical certificates and missing annual MVR reviews.

### FMCSA Clearinghouse: Queries, Consent and Return-to-Duty Explained
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/fmcsa-clearinghouse

The Clearinghouse is FMCSA's online database of CDL drivers' drug and alcohol program violations. Employers of CDL drivers must query it before hiring and at least once a year, and drivers with a violation cannot drive a CMV until they finish the return-to-duty process.

#### Who has to register
- Employers of CDL or CLP drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles, including owner-operators who employ themselves
- Drivers, when an employer needs their electronic consent for a full query
- Consortia/third-party administrators and substance abuse professionals (SAPs) who report on behalf of employers
- Medical review officers who report verified positive results

#### The two query types
If a limited query shows that information exists, you must run a full query within 24 hours, with the driver's electronic consent, or remove the driver from safety-sensitive work.

| Query | When | Consent |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full query | Before a driver performs any safety-sensitive function for you (pre-employment) | Driver gives electronic consent inside the Clearinghouse |
| Limited query | At least once a year for every CDL driver you employ | General written consent, which can cover more than one year |

#### Return-to-duty after a violation
A driver with a violation is prohibited from safety-sensitive functions until they complete the return-to-duty process: an evaluation by a substance abuse professional, the recommended education or treatment, a negative return-to-duty test, and a follow-up testing plan. Since November 2024, state licensing agencies also remove the CDL privileges of drivers in prohibited status.

FAQ:
- **How often do I have to query the Clearinghouse?** A full query before hiring each CDL driver, and a limited query at least once every year for every CDL driver you employ.
- **Do owner-operators need the Clearinghouse?** Yes. An owner-operator who employs themselves must designate a consortium/third-party administrator to report violations, and must query their own record.
- **How long does a violation stay in the Clearinghouse?** Five years from the date of the violation, or until the driver completes the return-to-duty process and follow-up testing, whichever is later.

### FMCSA SAFER System: How to Read a Company Snapshot
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/fmcsa-safer-system

SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records) is FMCSA's public lookup for carrier registration data. Its Company Snapshot shows a carrier's identity, operating status, fleet size, inspections, crashes and safety rating. MyDotCheck reads the same public FMCSA data and turns it into a compliance checklist.

#### What the Company Snapshot shows
- USDOT status and operating authority status, plus MC/MX/FF numbers
- Legal name, DBA, physical and mailing address
- Power units, drivers and the MCS-150 form date and mileage
- Operation classification and cargo carried
- US inspections and out-of-service rates for the last 24 months, with national averages
- Crashes for the last 24 months and the current safety rating

#### SAFER vs SMS (CSA)
SAFER is a registration snapshot. The Safety Measurement System (SMS) is where FMCSA ranks carriers in the CSA BASIC categories using inspection and crash data. Many BASIC percentiles for property carriers are hidden from the public, so a SAFER snapshot will not tell you whether you are close to an intervention threshold.

#### A faster check
Our DOT number lookup reads the FMCSA census and inspection files and flags what needs action: an overdue MCS-150, an inactive USDOT number, inactive authority, or out-of-service rates above the national average.

FAQ:
- **Is SAFER the same as the FMCSA portal?** No. SAFER is a public lookup. The FMCSA portal is the logged-in system carriers use to manage registration and see their own full SMS results.
- **Why is my SAFER information out of date?** SAFER reflects your latest MCS-150. If your fleet size, address or mileage changed, file an MCS-150 update.

### MC Number Lookup: Find a Carrier by MC or Docket Number
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/mc-number-lookup

An MC number is the docket number FMCSA assigns with interstate operating authority. Type "MC 123456" in the search box above to find the carrier, its USDOT number and whether its authority is active.

#### How to search by MC number
- Enter the number with the MC prefix, for example MC 135797, so we know it is a docket number and not a USDOT number
- We match it to the carrier's USDOT record in the FMCSA census
- The result opens the carrier's compliance check: USDOT status, authority status, MCS-150 date, safety rating and inspections

#### What an MC number tells you
An active MC number means FMCSA granted operating authority to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines. Authority can be revoked, for example when required insurance lapses or a BOC-3 is missing, so check the status, not just that a number exists.

FAQ:
- **Can I find a USDOT number from an MC number?** Yes. Every MC number is tied to a USDOT record. Search the MC number and we show the USDOT number on the result.
- **Why does a carrier have a DOT number but no MC number?** Private carriers and intrastate carriers often need only a USDOT number. MC authority is for for-hire interstate transport of regulated commodities.

### CSA Scores Explained: The 7 BASICs and How to Improve Them
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/csa-scores

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) is FMCSA's enforcement program. Its Safety Measurement System ranks carriers against similar carriers in seven BASIC categories using roadside inspections and crashes from the last 24 months.

#### The seven BASICs
- Unsafe Driving
- Crash Indicator
- Hours-of-Service Compliance
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Controlled Substances/Alcohol
- Hazardous Materials Compliance
- Driver Fitness

#### Percentiles and what is public
Each BASIC is a percentile from 0 to 100, where higher is worse. Carriers above the intervention threshold can get warning letters, investigations or compliance reviews. Since the FAST Act in 2015, most BASIC percentiles and alerts for property carriers are hidden from the public. Carriers can see their own results by logging in to the FMCSA portal.

MyDotCheck shows your public inspection results, including vehicle and driver out-of-service rates against the national average, which drive several BASICs.

#### How to lower CSA scores
- Fix vehicle maintenance problems before they show up at roadside: pre-trip inspections and documented repairs
- Audit hours-of-service logs and form-and-manner errors in your ELD data
- Keep driver files current, especially medical certificates and license status
- Challenge inaccurate inspections or crashes through DataQs
- Clean inspections (no violations) also help, because scores are relative to exposure

FAQ:
- **How long do inspections affect my CSA scores?** The SMS uses 24 months of inspection and crash data, with recent events weighted more heavily.
- **What is DataQs?** FMCSA's online system for requesting a review of inspection, violation or crash data you believe is incorrect. If the state agrees, the record is corrected or removed.

### DOT Physical Requirements: Vision, Hearing, Blood Pressure and Card Length
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/dot-physical-requirements

CMV drivers must pass a DOT physical and carry a medical examiner's certificate. The exam must be done by a medical examiner listed on FMCSA's National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

#### Key standards (49 CFR 391.41)
- Vision: at least 20/40 in each eye and both eyes together, with or without correction, a 70-degree field of view in each eye, and the ability to recognize red, green and amber
- Hearing: perceive a forced whisper at 5 feet or more in the better ear, with or without a hearing aid, or pass an audiometric test
- Blood pressure, diabetes, heart, lung and other conditions are evaluated by the examiner, who can certify for a shorter period when a condition needs monitoring

#### How long a medical card lasts
A medical examiner's certificate is valid for up to 24 months. The examiner can issue a shorter certificate, for example one year, when a condition such as high blood pressure needs closer monitoring.

Employers must keep a copy of each driver's current certificate, verify the examiner on the National Registry, and replace it before it expires. CDL holders must also submit it to their state licensing agency.

FAQ:
- **Can any doctor do a DOT physical?** No. The examiner must be certified and listed on FMCSA's National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
- **What happens if a medical card expires?** The driver cannot operate a CMV until recertified. For CDL holders, the state can downgrade the license if a new certificate is not submitted.

### Hours of Service Rules for Truck Drivers (Property-Carrying)
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/hours-of-service-rules

These are the federal hours-of-service limits for property-carrying commercial drivers. Passenger carriers follow different rules. Use the hours of service calculator to see how much time you have left.

#### The limits at a glance
| Rule | Limit |
| --- | --- |
| Driving limit | 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty |
| On-duty window | No driving after the 14th hour after coming on duty |
| 30-minute break | Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving, can be any non-driving period of 30 minutes |
| Weekly limit | 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days |
| Restart | 34 or more consecutive hours off duty resets the 7/8-day period |
| Sleeper berth | Split the 10-hour break into 7+3, 8+2 or longer pairings, with at least 7 hours in the berth |

#### Common exceptions
- Adverse driving conditions can extend the driving and on-duty window by up to 2 hours
- Short-haul drivers within a 150 air-mile radius who return to the work reporting location within 14 hours may skip ELD logs and the 30-minute break
- Agricultural and other exemptions apply in specific cases

FAQ:
- **Does the 30-minute break pause the 14-hour clock?** No. The 14-hour window keeps running during breaks. Only a qualifying sleeper berth split pauses it.
- **Am I on the 60 or 70 hour rule?** Carriers that do not operate every day of the week use 60 hours in 7 days. Carriers operating every day may use 70 hours in 8 days.

### IFTA Reporting: Who Needs IFTA, Quarterly Deadlines and How to File
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/ifta-reporting

The International Fuel Tax Agreement lets interstate carriers file one quarterly fuel tax return with their base state instead of a return in every state they drive through. The base state then shares the tax with the other jurisdictions.

#### Who needs IFTA
You need an IFTA license if you operate a qualified motor vehicle in more than one IFTA jurisdiction. A qualified motor vehicle is used for transporting people or property and:

- Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight over 26,000 lbs, or
- Has three or more axles regardless of weight, or
- Is used in combination with a combined weight over 26,000 lbs

#### Quarterly deadlines
You must file even if you did not operate during the quarter. If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, many jurisdictions accept the next business day.

| Quarter | Months | Return due |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Q1 | January - March | April 30 |
| Q2 | April - June | July 31 |
| Q3 | July - September | October 31 |
| Q4 | October - December | January 31 |

#### How the tax is calculated
Divide total miles by total gallons to get fleet MPG. For each jurisdiction, divide the miles driven there by your MPG to get taxable gallons, multiply by that state's rate, then subtract tax already paid on fuel bought there. Use the IFTA calculator to run the numbers.

FAQ:
- **What records do I need for IFTA?** Distance records by jurisdiction (trip sheets or ELD/GPS data) and fuel receipts. Keep them for four years.
- **Where do I get the tax rates?** IFTA, Inc. publishes the rate matrix for every quarter. Rates change, so use the matrix for the quarter you are filing.

### IRP Registration: Apportioned Plates Explained
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/irp-registration

The International Registration Plan (IRP) lets interstate carriers register a vehicle once, in their base jurisdiction, and get an apportioned plate and cab card that cover every member jurisdiction. Registration fees are split by the share of miles driven in each.

#### Who needs IRP
- Vehicles that travel in two or more member jurisdictions and have two axles with a gross or registered weight over 26,000 lbs
- Vehicles with three or more axles, regardless of weight
- Combinations with a combined weight over 26,000 lbs

#### How it works
You apply in your base jurisdiction, usually the state where you have an established place of business and keep your records. You report the miles each vehicle traveled in each jurisdiction, and the base state collects the fees and distributes them. Renewals are annual.

Each state runs its own IRP office and online portal, typically through the DMV or department of revenue, so check your base state's IRP site for forms and deadlines.

FAQ:
- **What is a cab card?** The registration document issued with an apportioned plate. It lists the jurisdictions and weights the vehicle is registered for and must be carried in the vehicle.
- **Can I travel before my apportioned plate arrives?** Many states issue a temporary authority. Otherwise you need trip permits for each jurisdiction where you are not yet registered.

### New Entrant Safety Audit: Timeline, What's Checked and How to Pass
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/new-entrant-safety-audit

Every new interstate carrier enters FMCSA's New Entrant Safety Assurance Program for 18 months. During that time you get a safety audit, usually within your first 12 months, that checks whether your basic safety management controls are in place.

#### What the auditor reviews
- Driver qualification files and medical certificates
- Drug and alcohol testing program and Clearinghouse queries
- Hours of service records and ELD data
- Vehicle inspection, repair and maintenance records
- Insurance on file and the accident register
- Hazardous materials records if you haul placarded loads

#### Automatic failures
Some violations fail the audit on their own, for example having no drug and alcohol testing program, using a driver who tested positive or refused a test, using a driver without a valid CDL or medical certificate, operating a vehicle placed out of service before repairs, or not having required insurance.

#### If you fail: the corrective action plan
FMCSA sends written notice and you must submit evidence of corrective action: within 60 days for property carriers, or 45 days for passenger carriers and placarded hazmat carriers. If you do not, your new entrant registration and operating authority can be revoked.

FAQ:
- **Is the new entrant audit done in person?** It can be on site or offsite. Many audits are offsite, where you upload records to FMCSA by a deadline.
- **What happens after 18 months?** If you passed the audit and FMCSA has no outstanding concerns, you move from new entrant status to regular carrier status.

### DOT Number vs MC Number: Which One Do You Need?
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/dot-number-vs-mc-number

A USDOT number identifies your company for safety. An MC number gives you authority to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines. Many carriers need both.

#### Side by side
|  | USDOT number | MC number |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What it is | Safety identifier for a company | Docket number for operating authority |
| Who needs it | Interstate CMV operators and many intrastate carriers | For-hire carriers of regulated commodities across state lines, plus brokers and forwarders |
| Cost | Free | FMCSA fee per authority type |
| Ongoing | MCS-150 update every 24 months | Insurance and BOC-3 must stay on file |

#### Which do you need?
- Private carrier hauling your own goods across state lines: USDOT number
- For-hire carrier hauling customer freight across state lines: USDOT number and MC authority
- Freight broker: MC (broker) authority plus a surety bond or trust
- Intrastate only: check your state's rules, many states require a USDOT number

FAQ:
- **Can I have an MC number without a DOT number?** Carriers need a USDOT number first. Brokers and freight forwarders get a USDOT number with their authority registration.
- **How do I look up both?** Search either number in our lookup. We show the USDOT record, the MC number and whether the authority is active.

## Glossary

### USDOT number
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/usdot-number

The unique number FMCSA uses to identify a motor carrier for safety monitoring.

A USDOT number identifies a company that operates commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, and in many states intrastate commerce too. FMCSA uses it to track a carrier's inspections, crashes, audits and compliance reviews.

The number is free and must be kept current with an MCS-150 update every 24 months. An inactive USDOT number can lead to fines and out-of-service orders.

### MC number
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/mc-number

The docket number issued with interstate for-hire operating authority.

An MC number is assigned when FMCSA grants operating authority to transport regulated commodities for hire across state lines. Brokers and freight forwarders get one as well.

Authority stays active only while required insurance and a BOC-3 remain on file. Check the authority status, not just whether a number exists.

### MCS-150
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/mcs-150

The Motor Carrier Identification Report used to register and update a USDOT number.

The MCS-150 records a carrier's name, address, operation type, cargo, power units, drivers and annual mileage. It is filed to get a USDOT number and must be updated every 24 months on a schedule set by the USDOT number.

Missing the biennial update can get the USDOT number deactivated and carries civil penalties.

### BOC-3
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/boc-3

The filing that designates process agents for a carrier in each state.

A BOC-3 names an agent in every state where a carrier operates who can accept legal papers on its behalf. FMCSA requires it before granting operating authority.

Most carriers use a blanket process agent company that files the BOC-3 electronically and covers all states.

### UCR
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/ucr

Unified Carrier Registration, an annual fee for interstate carriers, brokers and forwarders.

UCR is a federal-state program that requires interstate motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies to register and pay an annual fee each registration year.

Fees are set by fleet size bracket. Registration for the next year opens in the fall, and enforcement starts January 1.

### IFTA
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/ifta

The International Fuel Tax Agreement for reporting fuel tax across jurisdictions.

IFTA lets carriers operating qualified motor vehicles in more than one jurisdiction file a single quarterly fuel tax return with their base jurisdiction.

The return reports miles and fuel by jurisdiction. The base jurisdiction collects the net tax and distributes it to the other members.

### IRP
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/irp

The International Registration Plan for apportioned vehicle registration.

IRP lets interstate carriers register vehicles in one base jurisdiction and pay registration fees apportioned across every member jurisdiction by miles driven.

The vehicle gets an apportioned plate and a cab card listing the jurisdictions it is registered for.

### CSA
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/csa

Compliance, Safety, Accountability: FMCSA's carrier enforcement program.

CSA is how FMCSA identifies and intervenes with carriers that have safety problems. It uses roadside inspection and crash data to rank carriers.

Carriers above intervention thresholds can receive warning letters, investigations or compliance reviews.

### BASIC
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/basic

One of seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories in CSA.

The seven BASICs are Unsafe Driving, Crash Indicator, Hours-of-Service Compliance, Vehicle Maintenance, Controlled Substances/Alcohol, Hazardous Materials Compliance and Driver Fitness.

Each BASIC is scored as a percentile against similar carriers, where a higher percentile means worse performance.

### SMS
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/sms

The Safety Measurement System that calculates CSA BASIC percentiles.

SMS uses 24 months of inspection and crash data, weighted by severity and recency, to measure carriers in each BASIC.

Carriers can see their full SMS results by logging in to the FMCSA portal. Many property-carrier percentiles are hidden from the public.

### Out-of-service order
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/out-of-service-order

An order that stops a driver, vehicle or carrier from operating until a problem is fixed.

Roadside inspectors can place a driver or vehicle out of service for serious violations, such as brake defects or hours-of-service violations. FMCSA can also place an entire carrier out of service.

A carrier's out-of-service rate compares the share of its inspections with an out-of-service violation against the national average.

### DataQs
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/dataqs

FMCSA's system for challenging inaccurate inspection, violation or crash data.

Carriers and drivers file a DataQs request when they believe an inspection or crash record is wrong or incomplete. The state agency that reported it reviews the request.

If the challenge is accepted, the record is corrected or removed, which can lower CSA scores.

### Clearinghouse
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/clearinghouse

FMCSA's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse database of CDL driver violations.

The Clearinghouse records drug and alcohol program violations for CDL drivers. Employers must run a full query before hiring and a limited query at least once a year for each CDL driver.

Drivers with a violation cannot perform safety-sensitive functions until they complete the return-to-duty process.

### Driver qualification file
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/driver-qualification-file

The records a carrier must keep for each CMV driver under 49 CFR 391.51.

A DQ file includes the employment application, motor vehicle records, road test certificate or equivalent, medical examiner's certificate, safety performance history inquiries and Clearinghouse queries.

Missing or expired items in DQ files are among the most common audit violations.

### Medical examiner's certificate
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/medical-examiners-certificate

The medical card showing a driver passed a DOT physical.

The certificate is issued by a medical examiner listed on FMCSA's National Registry after a DOT physical. It is valid for up to 24 months, or less if a condition needs monitoring.

Employers keep a copy in the driver qualification file and must replace it before it expires.

### ELD
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/eld

Electronic logging device used to record drivers' hours of service.

An ELD connects to the truck's engine and automatically records driving time. Most drivers who must keep records of duty status are required to use a registered ELD.

FMCSA keeps a list of registered devices and revokes devices that do not meet the technical standard.

### Hours of service
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/hours-of-service

Federal limits on how long CMV drivers can drive and be on duty.

Property-carrying drivers may drive 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, may not drive after the 14th hour on duty, need a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, and are limited to 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.

A 34-hour off-duty period restarts the weekly limit.

### New entrant program
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/new-entrant-program

FMCSA's 18-month monitoring period for new interstate carriers.

New interstate carriers are monitored for 18 months and receive a safety audit, usually within the first 12 months of operation.

Carriers that fail must submit a corrective action plan by a deadline or risk revocation of their registration.

### Safety rating
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/safety-rating

FMCSA's rating of a carrier after a compliance review: Satisfactory, Conditional or Unsatisfactory.

A safety rating is assigned after an on-site compliance review. Most carriers are unrated because they have never had one.

An Unsatisfactory rating can lead to an order to cease interstate operations if it is not upgraded.

### Process agent
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/process-agent

A person or company designated to receive legal papers for a carrier in a state.

Carriers with operating authority must designate a process agent in every state where they operate, filed with FMCSA on a BOC-3.

Blanket process agent companies cover all states in a single filing.

### Apportioned plates
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/apportioned-plates

IRP license plates that cover a vehicle in every member jurisdiction.

Apportioned plates are issued by a carrier's base jurisdiction under the International Registration Plan. Fees are divided among jurisdictions based on miles driven in each.

The plate comes with a cab card that must stay in the vehicle.

### Operating authority
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/operating-authority

FMCSA permission to transport regulated freight or passengers for hire across state lines.

Operating authority, identified by an MC number, is required for for-hire interstate carriers of regulated commodities, brokers and freight forwarders.

To stay active, carriers must keep required insurance and a BOC-3 on file with FMCSA.

### Hazmat registration
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/hazmat-registration

The annual PHMSA registration required to transport certain hazardous materials.

Carriers and shippers of certain quantities and types of hazardous materials must register with PHMSA each year and pay a fee.

Some materials also require an FMCSA Hazardous Materials Safety Permit.

### Power unit
URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/power-unit

A self-propelled vehicle such as a truck or tractor, as counted on the MCS-150.

Power units are the trucks and tractors a carrier operates, owned or leased. Trailers are not power units.

The number of power units is reported on the MCS-150 and used, for example, to set the UCR fee bracket.