Semi Truck Door Decals: Two-Line and Four-Line Stacks for Tractors

Semi truck door decals come in three common layouts: a two-line USDOT and MC, a four-line USDOT, MC, CA and GVW stack, or a name-and-numbers block. Order two identical decals, one for each cab door, in a width that sits on the flat part of the door. The four-line stack carries numbers only, so it needs a name decal or a logo door beside it.

Pick the stack for your tractor

Here is what each layout looks like with sample text:

• Two-line: USDOT 1234567 over MC 890123. The USDOT + MC two-line decal is the lightest way to show both numbers.
• Four-line: USDOT 1234567, MC 890123, CA 0123456, GVW 80000. That is the four-line stack.
• Name and numbers: ACME HAULING, DALLAS, TX, USDOT 1234567, MC 890123 on one decal, the Custom USDOT Logo.

Whatever you choose, the federal marking rule, 49 CFR 390.21, asks for the carrier's legal name or a single trade name and the USDOT number on both sides. So a numbers-only stack is half the job unless the name is on the door too.

The four-line stack: USDOT, MC, CA and GVW

Each line earns its place for a different reason. The USDOT line is the one the federal rule asks for. The MC line is optional: FMCSA says no marking requirement exists for it, so add it only if you hold operating authority. The MC number on truck guide goes deeper.

For California, the CHP says a carrier that must hold a Motor Carrier Permit must display its CA number on its vehicles, and may display a valid USDOT, PUC or Cal-T number in its place. The GVW line prints whatever figure you type, so take it from your own paperwork. Any line can be swapped for a KYU or TXDOT number or a VIN in the builder.

Pairing numbers with a custom logo door

If you want a brand on the door, the 35 custom logo designs are $120 per door. We fit your company name to the design and send a proof to approve before printing. The Summit Block Mountain Logo is one example, heavy block capitals under a mountain.

Put the logo on the door, then add a separate numbers decal below or beside it, in the same spot on both doors. Check that the name in the logo reads clearly from 50 feet and matches the name on your FMCSA registration.

Semi truck door decal size and the cab door mounting area

Treat 12, 18 and 24 as the widths of the decal itself, since none is a legal minimum. Cab doors vary too much by make, model and cab style for us to list a door size, so measure your own:

1. Cut a paper rectangle at the decal width you are considering.
2. Tape it to the door and step back to the distance you would see it from.
3. Keep it clear of the handle, the window frame, the door seam and any raised body line.
4. Mark the final spot with tape and repeat on the other door.

The truck door decal size guide covers widths in more detail, and where to put a USDOT number on a truck covers placement.

Contrast on dark or chrome-trimmed doors

Our decals are a solid rectangle in the sticker color you pick, so the lettering contrasts with its own background and not with the paint. Choose from White, Black, Yellow, Silver, Red or Blue backgrounds and Black, White, Red or Blue lettering, and keep a wide gap in lightness. The rule asks for letters that contrast sharply with the background. See the full summary at USDOT number display rules.