Name Change for DOT or MC Number

As you gain more experience in the trucking industry, you might need a name change for your DOT or MC number. Updating pertinent identity information helps you retain your operating authority and avoid penalties.

Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings understands the importance of a streamlined filing process. That's why we explain below how to change your trucking company’s information and the consequences of failing to do so.

The Importance of Accurate DOT and MC Information

Each compliant carrier has a unique DOT and MC number. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association uses the DOT number to keep records about the carrier’s commitment to safety and employing suitable drivers. The MC imparts operating authority, allowing drivers to transport goods across state lines.

Both numbers must reflect the carrier’s current contact and identification information. Otherwise, the FMCSA could charge the carrier with fraudulent activity or identity theft. At best, they’ll revoke your operating authority until you correct the information.

At worst, you could incur penalties, such as:

• Hefty fines: If a DOT officer finds that your documents don’t support your advertised information, they may issue tickets with fines. Trucking fines are often expensive and continue daily until the carrier resolves the problem.
• Jail time: An officer may force drivers and other responsible staff members to vacate their vehicles and go to jail for breaking FMCSA regulations.
• Impending court cases: The FMCSA may pursue charges that result in negative marks on your carrier’s record.
• Tarnished reputation: Charges, citations, and fines may cause shippers and retailers to avoid your services. After all, they can’t afford shipping delays caused by paperwork fumbles that interrupt their shipment’s arrival time.
• Fewer growth opportunities: The more penalties you incur, the less professionals will want to work with you. Government agencies, retailers, and other pertinent parties want reliable carriers with a solid, long-standing reputation.

Fortunately, you can easily avoid these penalties via a quick name-change application within 30 days following the change. Once your DOT and MC numbers reflect your new identity, you can breathe easier and focus on timely shipment transportation services.

Reasons for a Name Change for DOT or MC Number

Trucking companies and drivers may change their names for diverse reasons, including:

• Rebranding: Sometimes, the name you choose for your carrier doesn’t accurately convey your purpose. You might rebrand by selecting a more marketable name.
• Ownership changes: If you buy a carrier from another company owner, you might change the carrier’s name to fit your other assets.
• Mergers: You might cooperate with another carrier to merge your companies and combine assets. A name change could fairly represent both companies or carve an identity for a new one.

Regardless of your reasoning, you should change your USDOT number and your MC number to reflect these internal shifts as soon as you finalize them.

How Do I Change the Name Associated With My DOT and MC Numbers?

At FMCA Filings, we make it easy to finalize your name change for your DOT or MC number by offering a quick solution that automatically updates your records after you provide the required information. This way, you don't have to worry about filling out a records change form for each.

You will need:

• Your USDOT pin: This unique eight-digit code consists of letters and numbers. You likely received it when undergoing the carrier registration process. If you can’t find it, you can request a new one.
• Your DOT and MC numbers: The FMCSA must verify that your identification numbers match your old carrier name. Have them ready to add to the appropriate input fields.
• The information you wish to change: You might change your carrier’s phone number, email address, or physical address alongside your business name. Keep the changing information on hand to ensure all records contain accurate data.
• Tax ID number: If you don’t have a tax ID number, use your employer identification number instead.

Completing an FMCA name change filing with the above information ensures that the name associated with your DOT and MC numbers changes accordingly. If you can’t access a tax ID number, arrange to update your MC number separately. Most changes take between 24 hours and seven business days to verify.

Once you receive confirmation that your carrier name has changed, you should complete a BOC-3 through FMCA Filing’s portal. This form assigns your newly named carrier to a processing agent. The agent will receive legal documents on your carrier’s behalf, acting as a middleman and mentor regarding future legal issues.