The USDOT (US Department of Transportation) number is a unique identifier FMCSA assigns to any commercial motor carrier, freight forwarder, or intrastate hazmat carrier operating in interstate commerce or otherwise required to register. Once issued, a company generally keeps the same number for its lifetime, even through name changes or changes in operation type — FMCSA uses it to track safety records, inspection history, crash data, and compliance reviews tied to that specific entity. The number appears on truck door decals (required for most for-hire carriers) and in every public FMCSA database, including SAFER and the Company Census File that sites like this one pull carrier and broker data from. A USDOT number by itself doesn't grant operating authority to haul for compensation — that's a separate registration — it primarily exists for safety oversight and identification. Registration requires filing an MCS-150 initially and updating it biennially. "Active" status means the entity is currently registered and subject to FMCSA's safety regulations; "Inactive" means it's no longer in business or no longer required to register; a small number are marked "Revoked" after enforcement action.
Before booking a load with an unfamiliar carrier, a broker looks up its USDOT number to confirm the company is active and has a satisfactory safety history.
Displayed prominently in the ID chips and the DOT plate graphic at the top of every carrier profile.