USDOT / MC / CA Three-Line Decal

Three numbers on one solid rectangle, for a carrier that holds MC operating authority and also runs under a California CA number. USDOT goes on top, MC in the middle and CA underneath. Every line is required on this product, so gather all three numbers before you start. Type them, preview the result on a truck door, and order.

The MC number is FMCSA's operating authority number, and FMCSA says it is often identified as an MC, FF or MX number depending on the type of authority granted. In general, companies that carry passengers for pay in interstate commerce, or haul federally regulated commodities owned by others for pay, are required to have that authority in addition to a USDOT number. A private carrier that hauls only its own cargo generally does not need it. Showing an MC number on the truck is a separate question. FMCSA says no marking requirement exists for it, so the MC line is information you choose to show. Read FMCSA's MC number page and its marking FAQ.

California adds a second layer for this product. An interstate carrier that wants to haul intrastate loads must get a Motor Carrier Permit, the CHP says, while a carrier that runs only in interstate commerce sits outside that program. The DMV uses the CA number as the permit number. So a carrier with MC authority that takes California intrastate work is in the group that needs the permit, and the CHP lets a valid USDOT number stand in for the CA number on the vehicle. The Caltrans page covers where the CA number goes, and the CA number guide explains the permit.

Each line is a label followed by digits. USDOT and your federal number go on top, MC and your operating authority number in the middle, and CA and your CA number underneath. The builder sample reads USDOT 1234567, MC 890123 and CA 512345, and each line holds up to 24 characters. Width is 12, 18 or 24 inches, and you choose from six background colors and four lettering colors. The federal rule asks for letters that contrast sharply with the background, so judge the contrast in the preview before you pay. The decal is $25.99, and a Set of 2 comes to $51.98. A Contour cut adds $5 per decal and cuts each line close around its own lettering. If you also need a weight line, the four-line decal at $28.99 adds a GVW line.