#3. DOT Numbers and MC Authority

Big step #2 of starting a trucking company, after setting up your business, is applying for yourDOT Number and MC Number, aka Operating Authority. You can't do much in trucking withoutone or both of these numbers. How do you know which one you need or if you need them at all?My buddy Tyler from Motorcarrier HQ and I cover all the basics in this episode.Here are some of subjects we discuss in detail: DOT Number MC Number Operating Authority BOC-3 Insurance (We just kind of scratch the surface. This will be its own future episode) Vehicle weights UCR FMCSA Compliance Drug and Alcohol New Entrant Audit Additional Permits New York New Mexico Kentucky Oregon Most for hire trucking companies will need to apply for an MC Number in order to get theiroperating authority. For your planning purposes, keep in mind it takes at least 21 days from theday you apply and are issued your numbers, until you will legally be able to cross state lines as afor hire trucking company. Once you do apply, the contact info you provide becomes public andyou'll start to receive a ton of solicitations for everything from compliance companies tofactoring and insurance. Watch out for snakes in the grass that try to take advantage of you.There are a lot of shady companies, especially ones who try to make you think they are theFMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Every situation is different, what licenses and hoops you have to jump through might be differentthan what your friend had to do. If you have any questions you can always talk to one of theexperts at motorcarrierhq.com, heck you might even get to talk to Tyler. They will talk to youabout your specific situation, absolutely no obligation. You can learn more by clicking here. Head to http://haulinassetsllc.com/ for the full show notes.