Owning a moving business is not as simple as just starting a business. There’s a lot that goes into operating a successful business. For example, here at Verified Movers, there was a lot we had to do in order to prove our legitimacy and gain our clients’ trust. Of course, there’s also a lot of complex legal stuff that goes into creating and maintaining a business. Unfortunately, understanding what’s what, and what’s important and what isn’t can be pretty hard. The problem arises when you just don’t understand something of importance that can have an impact on your business. A USDOT number is one of those very important moving business-related things that are often misunderstood and even overlooked. So, you might be wondering, “What even is this mysterious number and why would I even need it for my business?”. Well, let’s find out, shall we?
A USDOT number: What even is this seemingly random cluster of letters?
Well, let’s get this out of the way first – the “USDOT” is not a random assortment of letters. It’s actually an acronym that stands for United States Department of Transportation. But where does the “number” bit fit in there then? Well to be able to understand that, first you have to learn what a USDOT number actually is.
Wrapping your head around USDOT numbers is not that easy!
A USDOT number is an actual number a particular vehicle gets assigned by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It’s pretty much safety insurance that all vehicles, that fall under a certain category, must have to ensure road safety. It’s probably safe to say that pretty much all vehicles owned by the best interstate moving companies Texas has to offer have those numbers. In the moving industry, safety always comes first. And now that you hopefully understand why the USDOT number is called the way it is and what it actually is, we can move on to explaining why having a USDOT number is important.
Why is having this particular number important?
Having a USDOT number is one of the best ways to identify vehicles and ensure safety. It’s important to know that only those drivers who are fit to operate certain vehicles can get this number. That means that not everyone can get it. In general, that means that a person who operates a vehicle under a USDOT number is a skilled and experienced driver. That’s why all best state to state movers Florida residents love and recommend only hire qualified movers who can operate under a USDOT. Plus, aside from assuring the safety, having a USDOT communicates a message of safety. Any client would feel a lot better hiring a mover that has this number than the one that doesn’t.
Does my moving business really require a USDOT?
The answer to that question is probably yes. Most moving businesses could do with a USDOT. However, for some vehicles, a USDOT is a must. Yet, some businesses don’t really need it at all. But how can you know if your business falls under this category?
In this case, the size does matter
Vehicles vary in size. And, different rules apply to different-sized vehicles. USDOT numbers included. That said, smaller vehicles usually don’t require a USDOT. But where exactly do your company vehicles fit in? Let’s check. Vehicles above these parameters will likely require a USDOT:
- A vehicle that is above 4,536 kg or 10,001 pounds
- A vehicle that is used to transport more than 8 passengers, including the driver, or compensation
- Or, a vehicle that is used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, but not for compensation
It’s not about how big the truck is but how many people you can transport with it!
If your company vehicles don’t meet any of these criteria, you likely don’t need a USDOT number. At least when it comes to vehicle size and capacity. However, it’s best to check with professionals before starting business operations. Keep in mind that fines can get pretty crazy.
If your business operates on an interstate level, you definitely need a USDOT
If you only offer local moving services within one state, you might not need a USDOT. However, things are not all that simple. Even if you operate in one state, you still might need it. Because even if you just take a shorter route through another state, just to get back to your home state, you will likely need a USDOT. And on top of that, any business transporting goods from a trade that originated in another state or even another country will need a USDOT number. However, since moving doesn’t really involve shipping goods, this one likely doesn’t apply to you. All in all, if you’re planning to leave the state, you will certainly need a USDOT number.
A USDOT number is also a must if you’re transporting something hazardous
The main reason why most state to state movers California prides itself in have USDOT numbers, well, aside from leaving the state, is because they never know what they’ll be transporting. Who knows what clients may possess. That’s why it’s better to be safe than sorry. A USDOT can be a saving grace for a mover. And that’s one of the main reasons why it’s pretty much mandatory for most companies. Still, if you don’t really need a USDOT, you don’t have to get it. However, it’s very useful to have should anything go wrong.
Having a USDOT number is a must if you’re transporting anything hazardous!
It’s always better to have a USDOT number than not have it!
Just like we said before, owning a business is hard work. There’s so much that you have to take care of and so much you have to keep track of. Obtaining a USDOT number is one of those things. Luckily, getting a USDOT is not that hard if you’re running a legitimate business that’s hiring certified and trained drivers. For some companies, having a USDOT is a must. But even if you don’t really need it per se, it doesn’t hurt to have it.