Information required info on side of truck

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by Thetrashnoob, May 14, 2025.

  1. Thetrashnoob

    Thetrashnoob Light Load Member

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    Besides company name, city/town, dot number what else is required? I see some trucks have gvw 80k on them and a lot that don’t, I called the dot and they said it’s not required? If it’s not required why do people have it then?
     
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  3. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

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    The only thing for the FMCSA is your DOT number. Lots of people do things because others are doing it. Essentially, they don't do their own research. Certain states require certain things unique to them so that needs to be adhered to as well.
     
    86scotty Thanks this.
  4. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    US DOT number. Don't forget the "US" or it's a ticket. I remember a buddy got that one time lol
     
    Sons Hero Thanks this.
  5. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    Colorado used to require either last 6 or 8 of vin.
     
    Diesel Dave Thanks this.
  6. Lyle H

    Lyle H Road Train Member

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    If you are leased to a different company and running under their authority you need their name, dot number and the words "Operated by" in front of their name.
    And if you are running under someone else's authority, and have your own dot number, do not put your number on the truck.
     
    Bean Jr. Thanks this.
  7. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    For trucks not plated in Colorado. For trucks plated elsewhere, they would like you to have the vin on the truck but it's not mandatory. And then only on the right side of the truck so they can read it in the scalehouse. DOT once told me at Lamar that if I had had the vin visible she would not have had me park and bring my stuff in.
     
    Bean Jr., kylefitzy and Judge Thank this.
  8. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    Something some people seem to forget is that the number has to be a contrasting color to it's background and I think 3 inches tall. No gray on black. I've definitely seen plenty of nigh on invisible numbers on trucks.
     
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  9. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Overview
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    Truck companies operating in interstate commerce are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to display their name and USDOT number on both sides of the vehicle. The name displayed should be the legal name or a single trade name, as it appears on the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150). The USDOT number should be preceded by the letters "USDOT".
    Details:
    • Name Display:
      The legal name or a single trade name of the company operating the vehicle must be clearly displayed. This name must be as it appears on the MCS-150.
    • USDOT Number:
      The motor carrier's identification number, preceded by "USDOT," must also be displayed.
    • Location:
      The markings must be displayed on both sides of the power unit (cab or vehicle door).
    • Legibility:
      The letters and numbers must be readily legible during daylight hours from a distance of 50 feet.
    • Contrast:
      The letters and numbers must be in sharp contrast to the background on which they are placed.
    • Minimum Height:
      The lettering height should be a minimum of 2 inches.
    • Form MCS-150:
      The MCS-150, or Motor Carrier Identification Report, is a form required by the FMCSA for motor carriers and other registrants to update their existing USDOT number company record.
     
  10. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    Okay, 2 inches then. But definitely more visible than some make it. It also indicates it needs to be on the door. I've also seen many that put it on the battery box or even fuel tank. Probably all in violation but who's going to issue a ticket for that?

    If I remember correctly there's also a requirement to have a 3 digit minimum unit number but that may only be for multi truck operations. It's why you see so many 007s and 001s.
     
  11. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

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    I stand corrected about the company name not being required. This is a great example of why you should always go to the source for regulatory information instead of a bunch of random strangers on the internet.
     
    tarmadilo Thanks this.
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