If you wish to have a smooth move, you need to ensure you’re choosing a reputable company – and a USDOT number check can help with that. By checking this number, you can see if the company has been safety inspected and is registered with the Department of Transportation. This information can help give you peace of mind that your belongings will be handled safely during transport, so here is all you need to know about it.
Learn what a USDOT number is and how it can help you find the best movers for your upcoming move
USDOT number allows customers to know that their chosen long-distance relocation company is legitimate and has a good safety record, as well as the necessary insurance and licenses to operate across state lines. When you’re planning a cross-country move, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable company that you can trust, and checking the USDOT number is a crucial part of it.
What Is USDOT Number Exactly?
A USDOT number is a unique identifier assigned to motor carriers, commercial vehicles, and drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA uses USDOT numbers to track safety information for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operating in interstate commerce. The agency uses this data to ensure that CMVs are being operated safely and in compliance with federal regulations.
The DOT assigns the numbers, and they cannot be reused if a company goes out of business or changes its name. The number consists of seven to eight digits, followed by the US, and you can find it on a company’s website or its paperwork when you get a quote for your move. If you’re relocating to a new state and plan on getting cross-country moving services, know that these digits are necessary for identifying reliable movers. Therefore, make it one of the first questions to ask movers when contacting them.
Packing Service
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Move your car across the country in an open or enclosed trailer – for an affordable fee. We offer car transport as a standalone service, but you can bundle it with your household move and get a hefty discount.
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Our spacious climate-controlled units will protect your things until the drop-off. No need to worry about them because all items are labeled and secure, and each customer gets a dedicated unit mixup isn’t possible.
Learn moreWhy Is This Important?
If you’re hiring movers to help you move safely and efficiently, they will need a DOT number in order to ship your belongings. Your mover will use your DOT number to register with the FMCSA and obtain the necessary permits for transport. Therefore, if a company can provide you with these digits, you can rest assured that they are at least legitimate, which can significantly reduce your anxiety about relocating to another state.
It’s crucial since it safeguards clients from relocation scams. It’s a quick and simple way to look into a company’s safety record and complaint history. However, keep in mind that some scamming companies tend to report fake numbers – but you can easily avoid them by checking the dights on the FMCSA’s website.
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How to Perform a USDOT Number Check?
There are many reasons why you should perform a USDOT number check before hiring an interstate company to help you move to a new city – but how to check the DOT number?
The Department of Transportation maintains a website called SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records). SAFER provides information on interstate relocation companies and can help you find out all you need about the company. By performing a USDOT number check, you can view the company’s latest safety rating, as well as any enforcement actions that have been taken against the company. This information can help you make an informed decision about which interstate team to hire when planning a move.
Performing a USDOT number check is simple and only takes a few minutes, so let it not be one of the things you forget to do. First, visit the SAFER website. Next, enter the company’s USDOT number and click “Search.” The results will include the company’s name, address, phone number, and other important information. Be sure to click on the “View Out-of-Service Infractions” link as well to view any enforcement actions that have been taken against the company within the past two years.
If you have any questions about the results of your USDOT number check, you can always submit your question through a web form or by contacting FMCSA Customer Service.
Checking these digits can save you a lot of headaches in the future
What to Look for When Checking a Company’s USDOT Number
A USDOT number lookup is simple to perform, but understanding the results might be challenging. However, even if you have a last-minute move, it must be a part of your relocating-to-another-state checklist. We’ll go over the signs you should look for to confirm the legitimacy of your long-distance moving company.
Checking for scams
Making sure the information on a company’s website matches what you find while searching the FMCSA website is the quickest approach to determining whether the company is legitimate. When entering the digits given by the company, first, you should verify that the company name listed in the FMCSA database matches the one you were given. Next, check the phone and address information, as well as the state carrier ID number, to make sure the company is licensed.
Lastly, you’ll be able to see the company’s operating status. If it’s safe to work with, it should say “ACTIVE.” On the other hand, if you see results such as “Inactive USDOT Number,” “OUT-OF-SERVICE,” or “NOT AUTHORIZED,” stay away from these movers.
Checking for crashes
By selecting the hyperlinked text that reads “Inspections/Crashes In US” in the top left corner of the search results screen, you can view a company’s history of crashes reported to the FMCSA. You’ll be able to see the number of accidents, as well as their severity.
Searching for complaints
A USDOT search frequently provides no good results for complaints. We advise you to spend 5-10 minutes researching web reviews rather than relying on the FMCSA for information on complaints. Two excellent starting points are independent reviews you can find on Google and Yelp.
Can You Also Check Safety Ratings?
By selecting the hyperlinked text that reads “Safety Rating” in the top left corner, you can learn about a company’s safety rating. Safety rating for a company can be:
- Satisfactory – highest possible ranking, which implies the company complies with all of the FMCSA’s regulations and requirements.
- Conditional – the company is predominantly safe but doesn’t comply with one or more of FMCSA’s regulations and requirements.
- Unsatisfactory – the company that is marked as unsatisfactory has the lowest ranking and does not comply with FMCSA’s regulations and requirements.
How About Insurance?
You can obtain insurance records by clicking on the “Licensing & Insurance” box in the top right corner of your page. It will help determine whether its insurance is still in effect or has been withdrawn. It’s important in case something goes wrong during your move and you need to be compensated for the potential damage.
Even the best movers can experience accidents, which is why your belongings must be covered
How Does a Company Get a DOT Number?
When starting a relocation company, one of the first things an owner needs to do is apply for a DOT number since all interstate relocation companies are required to have it. The DOT number is basically the equivalent of a license – it ensures that a company is registered with the federal government and meets all the necessary requirements for operating a moving business.
Still, in order to be approved, the company must be eligible – it needs to meet all the requirements for operating a relocation business. If it does, the company representatives need to fill out an application on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. The whole process doesn’t take long, but once the company is approved, it will be ready to start operating its business.
A company cannot start working before obtaining these digits
Is a Company That Has a USDOT Number Reliable?
When you see that a company has a DOT number, it means they are registered with the federal government and are operating legally. The company has also agreed to follow certain guidelines set forth by the FMCSA. These guidelines include things like maintaining insurance coverage and conducting routine maintenance on their vehicles.
However, being registered with the government is not the only indicator of trustworthy movers (and good additional services, such as packing service or professional auto transport). In addition to looking for a DOT number, there are other ways you can check if you should do business with a certain company. If you want to move away and start over, you can look up reviews online or check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also ask the company for references from past customers. Make sure you do your research before hiring any company and avoid relocation mistakes that can have severe consequences.
Most Common Relocation Scams
Some companies seek to take advantage of their customers using many different tactics, which only increases the fear of relocation in those who plan to move. In order to avoid them, make sure to follow all of the relocation tips mentioned above. Additionally, take a look at some of the most common frauds in order to be completely prepared:
Hidden fees
One of the most common scams that dishonest companies practice is a fraud based on hidden fees, which targets those who want to find the cheapest way to move out of state. This is where the company will quote you a low price but then hit you with a variety of hidden fees once the job is done. These fees can include things like packaging materials, fuel charges, move-out cleaning services, and so on – and they can add up quickly.
Price based on the volume
Most companies base their prices on the weight of your belongings, but there are some that will try to charge based on the space they will take in the truck. Be careful of these kinds of quotes since it’s very easy to manipulate the objects, so they take more room than needed. Instead, look for companies that charge based on weight or, even better, look for those movers that are able to provide you with a free guaranteed quote.
The fake advertisement
False advertisements are designed to lure unsuspecting customers into using a particular company’s services – only to find out later that they’ve been scammed. Many of these scammers will stop at nothing to get what they want. They may tell you that they will hold your belongings hostage until you pay them an exorbitant amount of money. They may even threaten to damage or destroy your belongings if you don’t pay up.
High cash deposit
As with almost every scam, you’ll be offered a very low estimate for your move. The catch is that the movers will require a large cash deposit (usually several thousand dollars) in order to confirm the move. Once you’ve paid the deposit, the company disappears and is never heard from again. Obviously, this leaves you out a lot of money and with no way to get your belongings moved.
When You Check the USDOT Number, You’ll Be Able to Hire the Best Cross-Country Movers
The next time you need to hire cross-country movers, be sure to check the DOT numbers of all the companies you’re considering. By doing so, you can ensure that you are working with a reputable company that complies with all safety regulations. Relocation can be stressful enough, so make your move easier by opting for a truly trustworthy mover.
