How to Verify DOT and MC Numbers Before Shipping

Why Verification Matters

Before entrusting your freight to any transportation provider, verifying their credentials is one of the most important steps you can take. A carrier's DOT (Department of Transportation) number and MC (Motor Carrier) number are their official identifiers in the federal regulatory system, and checking these numbers confirms that the carrier is legally authorized to operate.

Shipping with an unverified or unauthorized carrier puts your goods at risk and may leave you without recourse if something goes wrong.

Understanding DOT and MC Numbers

DOT Number

A USDOT number is assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to all commercial motor carriers and other entities subject to federal safety regulations. This number is used to track a carrier's safety record, including inspections, crash history, and compliance reviews.

Every carrier operating commercial vehicles in interstate commerce must have an active USDOT number. This is a non-negotiable requirement.

MC Number

An MC (Motor Carrier) number, also known as operating authority, is required for carriers that transport regulated commodities for hire in interstate commerce. While the DOT number identifies the carrier, the MC number authorizes them to conduct business as a for-hire carrier.

Not all carriers need an MC number — private carriers transporting their own goods, for example, may only need a DOT number. But any carrier offering transportation services for hire should have active MC authority.

How to Verify: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Get the Numbers

Ask the carrier for their USDOT number and MC number. Legitimate carriers will provide these without hesitation. On freight marketplaces [blocked] like AxisMaxis, carriers self-report these numbers on their profiles, making them readily available.

Step 2: Visit the FMCSA SAFER System

Go to the FMCSA's Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. This is a free, publicly accessible database maintained by the federal government.

Step 3: Search by Number

Enter the carrier's USDOT number or MC number in the search field. The system will return the carrier's Company Snapshot, which includes:

• Entity type: Carrier, broker, or freight forwarder
• Operating status: Authorized, not authorized, or out of service
• Legal name and DBA: The carrier's registered business name
• Physical address: Where the carrier is based
• Phone number: Registered contact number
• Insurance status: Whether required insurance filings are on record
• Safety rating: If a safety review has been conducted
• Inspection and crash data: Recent safety performance

Step 4: Check Key Fields

Focus on these critical items:

Operating Status: Must show "AUTHORIZED" for active authority. "NOT AUTHORIZED" or "OUT OF SERVICE" means the carrier cannot legally transport your freight.

Insurance: Verify that the carrier has current insurance filings. The SAFER system shows the type and amount of insurance on file. For general freight carriers, look for minimum $750,000 in liability coverage.

Safety Record: Review the carrier's inspection results and crash history. A high out-of-service rate (percentage of inspections resulting in the vehicle being taken off the road) is a red flag.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Carrier refuses to provide DOT or MC numbers
• Numbers do not match the company name provided
• Operating status shows "NOT AUTHORIZED"
• Insurance filings are expired or below minimum requirements
• Recently issued authority with no inspection history (not necessarily bad, but warrants additional due diligence)
• High out-of-service rates compared to national averages

How AxisMaxis Helps

On the AxisMaxis freight marketplace [blocked], carriers self-report their DOT and MC numbers as part of their profile. While the platform does not independently verify these credentials, having them displayed prominently makes it easy for shippers to cross-reference with the FMCSA SAFER system.

Combined with user-submitted ratings and reviews [blocked], this information gives shippers multiple data points for evaluating transportation providers.

Important Disclaimer

FMCSA data is publicly available information. AxisMaxis displays carrier-reported credentials for informational purposes. Shippers should independently verify all carrier credentials through the FMCSA SAFER system before entering into any transportation agreement.

Post your freight listing for free [blocked] on AxisMaxis and connect with transportation providers whose credentials you can verify.

AxisMaxis is an informational freight marketplace. All transportation agreements are made directly between users.