US Dot number

I'm going to become an owner/operator soon. I'm being told it takes about 3 months to get a US Dot #. I haven't bought my truck yet. Do I need a truck before I apply for my US DOT #?

 

Well, I guess I can't get insurance without a truck. Isn't the MC # for authority to operate & the US DOT # something else, or are these both issued together?

 

Thanks, that's basically what I needed to know. But since I won't wait 3 months for the #, no need to apply until after I get a truck. The person I got this info (3 months) from is an owner/operator for many years, & also my neighbor. When I heard her tell me this, I was like, are you kidding me? That's a long time to sit around after purchasing your truck & can't use it.

 

When I said I'm going to be an O/O, I should have said we are going to form a partnership. The other half of this partnership has several years or more big rig driving experience. We are going to team drive, I'll learn from him. Also, I'm not so young anymore, but not too old either, & have experience driving many other types of vehicles. I also operate my own small business, have so for many years. This opportunity came up, something I've been thinking of doing before, so I'm going to try it. I'm also in a what I feel is a unique situation that allows me to do this & not worry about being an instant success. I realize there's going to be a learning curve too. Our plan is too start slow with a modest investment, & hopefully not have bad luck right from the start. After just joining this sight, I've already learned some things & will continue to try to learn more. Fortunately, I have a very close friend who just a few years ago was an O/O that I communicate with often via email, & a neighbor who team drives with his wife. The original question I asked here came to my mind while I was talking to his wife. I was anxious to get this question answered which lead me to do my own research, find & join this site, & ask this question. All part of the process in getting started in a new venture. I would expect this woman whom I spoke with yesterday would have accurate info, but it turns out in this case, she did not.