Key points
  • Interstate trucks must display the carrier's name and USDOT number on both sides of the power unit (49 CFR §390.21).
  • Enter the number in our free trucking company safety lookup to see the company's legal name, address, status, fleet size, inspections and crashes.
  • The company named on the truck isn't always the only one responsible. Leased trucks, brokers and shippers can also be involved.

Where to find the USDOT number

  1. On the truck. Look on both cab doors for "USDOT" followed by a number, usually with the company name. You may also see an MC number (federal operating authority) or a TxDMV number for Texas intrastate carriers.
  2. On the crash report. The CR-3 records the carrier's name and USDOT number for commercial vehicles. Get the CR-3.
  3. On paperwork. Bills of lading, delivery receipts and the driver's documents often show the carrier's number.
  4. From photos. Zoom in on scene photos or dashcam footage from your own car.

How to look it up

Enter the number, or the company name if you don't have the number, in the trucking company safety lookup. You'll see:

  • legal name and any "doing business as" name;
  • physical address, which helps when naming the right company;
  • whether the registration is active, and the type of operation;
  • fleet size and number of drivers;
  • roadside inspections, out-of-service rates and reported crashes for the last 24 months.

For the official record, check FMCSA's SAFER Company Snapshot.

When the name on the truck isn't the whole story

  • Leased equipment. An owner-operator may drive under another carrier's authority. The carrier whose number is displayed is generally responsible for the operation.
  • Trailer owners. The trailer may belong to a different company, a leasing firm or a shipper.
  • Brokers and shippers arranged the load and may share responsibility in some situations. See who can be liable.

If there's no USDOT number

Some trucks don't need one, such as intrastate-only vehicles under the Texas thresholds. Others are illegally unmarked. Use the license plate, trailer number, company name or VIN from the crash report. The plate can be traced through the officer's report or your insurer.