What is a USDOT number and how do you check it?
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A straight answer from the ShipMyCar US auto transport team, plus the details that matter before you book.
Quick Answer
Short answer: A USDOT number is a unique ID the U.S. Department of Transportation assigns to commercial carriers and brokers. You can look it up for free on the FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot to see the company's legal name, operating status, authority and safety record.
Last updated: October 23, 2026
Why the USDOT Number Matters
Interstate motor carriers must register with the FMCSA. The USDOT number is used in roadside inspections, compliance reviews and crash investigations. For interstate auto transport, a company also needs MC operating authority, and brokers need broker authority.
How to Check It
- Ask the company for its USDOT and MC numbers
- Search them on the FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot
- Check the legal name matches the company you're dealing with
- Confirm the operating status says Authorized and isn't Out of Service
- Look at the inspection and crash summary
ShipMyCar US is a licensed broker, USDOT 9016315. Research any company in our carriers directory.
USDOT Number vs. MC Number
The FMCSA's identifier for companies operating in interstate commerce. It tracks safety and registration.
Historically, the docket number for operating authority — the legal right to work as a for-hire carrier or broker across state lines.
FMCSA has been moving toward the USDOT number as the main identifier, so search by USDOT when you can. ShipMyCar US is listed under USDOT 9016315 and MC 57541812.
What to Look for on the FMCSA Record
- Status: Active and authorized for hire.
- Entity type: Broker, carrier, or both.
- Name and address: Matching the company's website and quote.
- Insurance or bond: Carriers need insurance on file; brokers need a $75,000 bond or trust.
- Safety history: For carriers, inspections and crashes over time.
Step-by-Step Guide
Our FMCSA and USDOT verification guide walks through the lookup field by field. You can also browse public USDOT and MC details in the auto transport carriers directory.
Quick Answers
Companies operating in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA.
Scammers sometimes copy real numbers. Check that the name, address and phone on the record match the company.
USDOT 9016315, MC 57541812.
Related Questions
Source: every broker and carrier's operating authority, safety rating, and insurance status is public record — verify any company for free at the FMCSA SAFER System.
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