Your DOT and MC numbers are crucial for legal and safety reasons when it comes to trucking. There is often confusion between the two of them and the renewal process that comes with it. Both of these are important and necessary if you are operating a truck, but we know that it can be confusing and difficult at times to get these renewed with all of the paperwork that comes with it. We’re going to go into how we can help you, at TBS Factoring, with making this process much easier when it comes to renewal. 

 

What Are DOT and MC Numbers?

Both of these numbers are extremely necessary to safely and legally operate a truck, so it’s important to get the renewal process going immediately once you are in need. Here’s a look at the differences between them and what they are used for specifically. 

 

DOT Number

The USDOT number is used to identify and track a company’s safety record, including compliance reviews, inspections, and crash investigations. Commercial vehicles, including those that are over a certain weight limit, passenger vehicles, or hazardous material transporters, all need this number in order to operate and run the vehicle. The DOT number allows for public access to all safety records, as well as enables monitoring and safety enforcement by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA. 

 

MC Number

The MC number is a little bit different when it comes to who needs it and what it’s used for. Essentially, it is used to grant access to operate in interstate commerce. It’s specifically used for companies that are transporting regulated commodities or passengers for hire across state lines. It’s essentially only needed for those who are crossing state lines and typically taking interstates to do this. This number is important to legally legitimize the company to operate over state lines and haul for-hire freight. The great news is TBS will process your authority for free!

 

Why Do You Need to Renew? 

It’s important to renew both of these numbers to keep you in compliance and ensure that you’re not facing any fines, deactivation, or legal troubles. Keeping these numbers updated and active is a legal requirement that affects your ability to operate legally as a motor carrier. They are a legal necessity, and you cannot operate your freight without these numbers renewed, which means that doing so without a renewal can get you into federal legal trouble. 

 

When Should You Renew?

Although DOT numbers don’t technically expire, you’re still required to update information on an annual basis with the FMSCA. Every carrier with a DOT number must also do a Biennial update, which is referred to as Form MCS-150, every two years. This is required even if there is no changes to your information with your business. This process ensures that FMSCA has accurate and updated information for you and your business, as well as helps them to track safety and compliance with their regulations. 



What Happens if You Don’t Renew? 

Renewing your DOT and MC numbers is federally mandated, and not doing so can cause huge problems for you personally and your business. It’s important to know what kind of repercussions you could face if you don’t renew in time or if you accidentally let your authority lapse. 

Automatic Deactivation: Your DOT number will be deactivated, and you’ll lose operating authority. 

Out-of-Service Orders: FMCSA will issue orders to halt your operations immediately. 

Fines or Penalties: You can be hit with fines and penalties, especially which will be heavier if you maintain operation after suspension. 

Damage to Compliance Record: Your record will show that you did not renew and that these repercussions were given, which can damage your compliance records. 

 

Avoid Costly Mistakes When Renewing Your Numbers

There is a variety of information that you must provide when you look into renewing your MC number or USDOT number, and with this, there is also the possibility of having costly mistakes due to this. It’s important to always submit complete and accurate/updated information when you renew your numbers. Failure to do this can leave your account flagged, and you could face penalties. It is important to know when your numbers expire so that you don’t accidentally let your authority lapse, causing more headaches when trying to renew. 

 

How Can TBS Factoring Help?

At TBS Factoring, we offer a variety of services to those who work with us that help them to stay on top of compliance and keep up with their business. In particular, we offer free authority processing that helps you to get your DOT number and filing initially. We also have a team of experts that’s knowledgeable in DOT regulations and compliance, and they can help with renewing and filing to ensure that you are on track to be able to safely and legally operate freight. Although our company focuses on factoring, which is payment processing, we are here to help with a variety of other things, including helping you with the management of paperwork associated with DOT and MC renewal. 

 

Renew Easily With TBS Factoring 

We have a full team of experts who are here to help you, whether you are getting your USDOT or MC numbers for the first time or if you are looking to renew these numbers. We don’t just focus on factoring; we also focus on many other aspects that keep you hauling freight legally and safely. As stated, being compliant and renewing these numbers is important to avoid legal trouble, fines, and penalties that could damage your reputation. We take the stress and headache out of renewing your numbers by giving you the full breakdown of what you need, what the regulations are, and how to do it in the most efficient way.

If you are looking for a team of experts to help you with your truck driving needs, like MC or USDOT renewal, contact us at TBS Factoring so we can set you up with a consultation. We help with the paperwork and filing to make sure that you can get back to what you’re goog at – driving your truck and managing your freight.