What are the USDOT number marking requirements under 49 CFR 390.21?

Short answer

The USDOT number marking requirements under 49 CFR 390.21 include:

1. The legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier operating the self-propelled CMV.

2. The identification number issued by FMCSA to the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider, preceded by the letters USDOT.

3. If the name of any person other than the operating carrier appears on the CMV, the name of the operating carrier must be followed by the information required by paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section, and be preceded by the words "operated by".

The rule says

1. "The legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier operating the self-propelled CMV, as listed on the Form MCSA-1, the URS online application, or the motor carrier identification report (Form MCS-150) and submitted in accordance with 390.201 or 390.19, as appropriate." (49 CFR 390.21(b)(1))

2. "The identification number issued by FMCSA to the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider, preceded by the letters USDOT." (49 CFR 390.21(b)(2))

3. "If the name of any person other than the operating carrier appears on the CMV, the name of the operating carrier must be followed by the information required by paragraphs (b)(1), and (2) of this section, and be preceded by the words operated by." (49 CFR 390.21(b)(3))

In plain English

The USDOT number marking requirements are in place to ensure that commercial motor vehicles are properly identified and linked to their operating carriers. The requirements are straightforward, but carriers must ensure that they are displaying the correct information on their vehicles, including their legal name or trade name and their USDOT number. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in penalties and fines.

What to do

• Ensure that all self-propelled CMVs are marked with the required information, including the legal name or trade name and USDOT number.
• Verify that the marking is displayed on both sides of the vehicle and is readily legible from a distance of 50 feet.
• Review and update the marking as necessary to ensure compliance with the regulations.
• Train personnel on the importance of proper marking and the consequences of non-compliance.