hotshotheader1a.jpg 822x142
Commercial Motor Vehicle Marking Final Rules

General Rules

  1. Requires all interstate motor carriers to display the USDOT motor carrier identification number.

  2. The identification number must be preceded by the letters "USDOT".

  3. Requires that CMVs be marked with the legal name, or a single trade name, of the business entity that owns or controls the motor carrier operation. This information must match the information on the motor carrier's Form MCS-150.

  4. Single trade name: The FMCSA will consider requests for assignment of individual USDOT numbers to corporate divisions on a case-by-case basis. Although the FMCSA does not wish to limit an organization's flexibility or its ability to promote a trade name, the agency must still consider whether the assignment of multiple USDOT numbers to a single corporate entity would compromise the integrity of the collection and processing of safety data.

  5. If the name of any person other than the operating carrier appears on the commercial motor vehicle, the name of the operating carrier must be followed by the required information, and be preceded by the words "operated by".

  6. Principal place of business address: The final rule DOES NOT require the motor carrier to mark its motor vehicles with the city and state. It does not prohibit this practice, either.

Size, shape, location, and color of marking

    The marking must appear on both sides of the self-propelled commercial motor vehicle.
    Be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed.
    Be readily legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet (15.24 meters) while the commercial motor vehicle is stationary.
    Be kept and maintained in a manner that retains the legibility.

Construction and durability

    The marking may be painted on the commercial motor vehicle or may consist of a removable device, if that device meets the identification and legibility requirements.

Other identifying Information

    Other identifying information may be displayed on the vehicle if it is not inconsistent with the required required.

Special note for new motor carriers:

    You must file your MCS-150 before starting operations. You must also mark the power units of your CMVs before you put them into service and operate them on public highways.


Have A HotShot Day!        ©2021 The Internet Freight Terminal. All Rights Reserved.