As of January 1, 2019, intrastate motor carriers in Massachusetts will be required to obtain and display a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number per 540 CMR 2.22, the Commercial Marking section of the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) regulations.

This applies to motor carriers operating the following CMVs:

  • Engaged in intrastate commerce having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds.
  • Used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding.
  • Designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, used in intrastate commerce in Massachusetts.

As a result, businesses operating only in Massachusetts that never before had to comply with the federal regulations will now need to comply with virtually all of the federal regulations except the requirement for DOT numbers. As an example, a contractor with a Ford F-350 (one-ton) pickup truck with a GVWR of 12,500 pounds and an E-350 cargo van with a GVWR of 11,000 pounds operating ONLY in Massachusetts will now be subject to many of the federal regulations including:

  • Vehicle Markings: The legal name of the business or, if a DBA, the registered owner of the vehicle must be appear on both sides of the self-propelled CMV; be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed; be readily legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet (15.24 meters) while the CMV is stationary; and be kept and maintained in a manner that retains the legibility required by paragraph (c)(3) of this section.
  • Special Safety Equipment:All commercial motor vehicles operating exclusively in Massachusetts will be subject to the MA Commercial Vehicle Inspection, which is the equivalent of the Federal Motor Carrier inspection. A copy of the inspection report must be in the vehicle.
  • Medical Certificate & Valid Driver’s License:Required to be carried by the driver.
  • Hours of Service Regulation:Applies to all inter– and intra-state commercial motor vehicles

For intrastate motor vehicles over 26,000 pounds GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), there would be added requirements including the need for a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), pre-employment, post-accident and scientifically-based random substance and alcohol testing.

To obtain a USDOT Number, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. From there, follow the Registration link to obtain an intrastate USDOT number. The company will be issued a single USDOT number that must be displayed on all CMVs as defined above that the company operates, including leased vehicles. There is no charge to obtain this number from the USDOT-FMCSA.

After January 1, 2019, failure to obtain and display a USDOT Number on a motor carrier’s vehicles may result in a civil fine and/or placement of the CMVs Out-of-Service until the company obtains a USDOT Number. Whether a company operates intrastate (meaning business is conducted solely within Massachusetts) or operates interstate (conducting business between states), a company must obtain the DOT number directly on-line at the FMCSA website.

Please note that on Thursday, November 1, 2018, 7:00 PM at the East Bridgewater Commercial Club, EBIA will be hosting a Q&A with Mr. Joseph Mokrisky. Joe will be discussing the new MA USDOT number regulations, as they pertain to commercial vehicles and business owners. All local business owners are welcomed to join us for this free informational discussion.

For immediate additional information contact:

Joseph Mokrisky

Capitol Motor Carrier Compliance

(781) 603-8277

National Safety Council

Secretary, Transportation Safety Division

Chairman, Commercial Fleet Section