Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Many trucking companies and their commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operate in interstate commerce. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT).
The FMCSA is responsible for enacting, maintaining, and enforcing federal safety regulations. These regulations are designed to keep truckers and the general public safe from trucking accidents nationwide. Motor carriers must register with the FMCSA and receive a US DOT identification number.
Interstate Operating Authority Requirements
Companies engaged in certain activities need interstate Operating Authority in addition to a DOT number. These activities include:
- Operating as for-hire carriers (for a fee or other compensation)
- Transporting passengers in interstate commerce
- Transporting federally-regulated commodities, or arranging for their transport, in interstate commerce
Understanding the USDOT Number
Any industry operating commercial vehicles that transport passengers or haul cargo in interstate commerce must register with the FMCSA and obtain a USDOT Number. Commercial intrastate hazardous materials carriers who haul types and quantities requiring a safety permit must also register for a USDOT Number.
Purpose of the USDOT Number
The USDOT Number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company’s safety information. This information is acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections.
Ohio's Regulatory Authority
In Ohio, commercial transportation companies are considered public utilities. They fall under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Transportation Department.
PUCO's Role and Functions
PUCO works with the FMCSA and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. It registers motor carriers and enforces adherence to state and federal safety standards.
PUCO maintains the Ohio Motor Carrier Information System (OMCIS). This system contains regulatory information and detailed information about the trucking industry. PUCO also conducts safety audits, reviewing insurance, driver qualifications and hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and hazardous materials transportation. PUCO investigators also conduct roadside safety inspections.
