Fee For USDOT Number

I was reading up on NY's HUT/TMT regs and came across a blip that said starting Oct 1st there will be a $300 fee for obtaining a USDOT number (Interstate)....Since obtaining the number had always been no charge I called my local USDOT officer and he confirmed that was true.....So, if anyone out there has upcoming trucking aspirations, it might behoove one to register before 10/1 and save $300, just a heads up....