Do I Need a DOT Number for a Cargo Van?

If your business transports cargo or passengers on interstate roadways, you should have your paperwork in order. While collecting information, you’ve likely heard of how you need a DOT number for certain vehicles.

If you’ve wondered, “Do I need a DOT number for a cargo van?” you’ve come to the right place. The experts at FMCA Filings help interstate businesses complete their USDOT Number Applications, update their state permits, and more. Keep reading to learn whether you need a USDOT number for your vehicle.

What Is a USDOT Number?

A U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number comes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The number helps the FMCSA uniquely identify your business or employees to help maintain legal freight and transportation compliance. 

For example, they record your company’s data from audits, crash investigations, and inspections. They wish to ensure your compliance with federal interstate commerce requirements. You should also monitor your safety regulations and ratings, which can prove beneficial for business deals.

Do All Commercial Vehicles Need a USDOT Number?

The DOT Operating Authority has determined that some commercial vehicles do not need a USDOT Number. There can be cases where you don’t need a DOT number but do need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or vice versa. The FMCSA lists several vehicular or usage traits that require the company to obtain this number, such as:

• If you use the vehicle to move certain types or amounts of hazardous materials in intrastate travel
• If your vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds (4,536 kg) or more
• If your company will receive compensation for using a vehicle designed for more than eight passengers, including the driver, or,
• If your company will use a vehicle designed for more than 15 passengers, including the driver – in this case, you are not receiving compensation for passenger transportation

In addition to one of the above requirements, you must also intend to use the vehicle in interstate commerce. The DOT and FMCSA define interstate travel by one of three types of traffic, transportation, or trade:

1. Between a place in a state and somewhere outside of the state (including locations outside the U.S.)
2. Between two places in one state where travel goes briefly through another state or country
3. Between two places in one state as a part of some form of trade, traffic, or transportation that started or will finish outside the state or country

Do Cargo Vans Need USDOT Numbers?

So, perhaps you still wonder, “Do I need a DOT number for a cargo van?” If your cargo van meets one of the four requirements and is involved in interstate commerce, yes. 

But you might also only use your vans inside the state without traveling to other ones. Do you still need a DOT number then? Possibly—you may still need a USDOT number for intrastate commerce.

Intrastate commerce refers to trade, traffic, or transportation that stays completely within a single U.S. state’s borders. Many states also require that you obtain a USDOT number whether or not you participate in interstate commerce. As of 2023, only one-fourth of the contiguous states do not require it, including:

• Arkansas
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia

You should always double-check and ensure these states have not changed their policies. 

As a company or business in the U.S., you need to know and comply with federal and state-wide vehicular regulations. In doing so, you show respect toward the country’s efforts to keep U.S. roads safe. You also contribute to better road conditions, carrier operations, and transportation policy maintenance.

How Can I Know for Sure That I Need It?

Since the language and requirements can be complicated, the FMCSA has a questionnaire you can fill out. By answering these questions, you can discover whether you need a USDOT number, no matter what vehicle you use. Their questions and statements range from simplistic to detailed, such as:

• Are you a motor carrier who is or will be transporting passengers or products in commerce?
• Are you an interstate or intrastate carrier?
• Do you carry Highway Route Controlled Quantities (HRCQ) of radioactive materials?

How Can I Get More Help?

We can understand if you're still wondering, “Do I need a DOT number for a cargo van?” considering how complicated the process can be. If you aren’t sure or need help filling out the application for a DOT number, contact our experts.

Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings helps businesses nationwide stay in compliance with federal USDOT commerce regulations. Our team can also walk you through state regulatory forms and address sudden issues, like if your USDOT number shows as “not authorized” operating status. For fast and efficient service, speak with our live agent professionals or contact FMCA Filings on our website today.