Key takeaways
- USDOT is the FMCSA's unique ID for every commercial transport company in the US.
- Verify any car shipper at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking.
- Operating Status must say AUTHORIZED, Out of Service must say NO, insurance must be Active.
- No USDOT = not legally authorized. Don't book.
A USDOT number is a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to every commercial motor carrier and transportation company operating in the United States. It's the single most important credential for verifying a car shipping company is legitimate.
How to verify a car shipping company
- Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Enter the company's USDOT or MC number
- Click Search
- Check four things:
- Entity Type: Broker, Carrier, or both
- Operating Status: AUTHORIZED
- Out of Service: NO
- Insurance: Active with current effective date (click Insurance/Authority)
If any check fails, do not book with that company.
USDOT vs. MC number
Every company has a USDOT. The MC (Motor Carrier) number specifies operating authority — MC-B for brokers, MC-C for carriers. Both are required for legal auto transport operations.
FAQ
What is a USDOT? An FMCSA-assigned ID tracking safety, insurance, and authority.
What if a company has no USDOT? They're not legally authorized — don't book.
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