The DOT is an identification number that allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to monitor the safety record of your company's vehicles, as well as other information acquired during inspections and audits. In general, a USDOT number is required if you are operating in cross-state trade, carrying cargo or passengers, receiving compensation for transportation and the weight of the vehicle (added to the cargo).

An MC  Number is also an interstate operational authority and a unique identifier assigned by the FMCSA to handling companies operating in interstate commerce, in other words, transporting cargo across state borders. Change companies that carry passengers or goods regulated by the federal government between state lines must have MC numbers.