|
What do the US DOT and MC numbers mean
anyway?
The transportation of horses across state lines by a
"for hire" company is regulated by the Department of Transportation
and the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA). These
"for hire" companies must be licensed by the US DOT and have their
US DOT number displayed on their vehicle. If they are hauling Show
or Race horses they must also have a Motor Carrier (MC) number on
their vehicle.
In order to gain the US DOT and the MC numbers
the company is required by the FMCSA to carry $750,000 in
liability insurance.
What does this insurance cover?
This insurance doesn't cover the horses that are
being hauled. But should the vehicle be determined as the cause of
an accident this will cover the damages done by that vehicle.
If this insurance doesn't cover the horses
- what does it mean to me?
If you contracted an unlicensed transporter and they
have an accident, the transporter's insurance should cover any
damages. However, if they are not insured to the required amount,
YOU as the shipper could be liable for any damages since you
contracted them to cross state lines. Also, a broker for transport
like those on the internet are regulated by the FMCSA and if they
are not licensed they too are liable.
What if I contract with an unlicensed
transporter and they are stopped over by the authorities - what will
happen to my horses?
When stopped, companies not properly licensed will
be placed out of service until they obtain proper licensing and
insurance. During this time they cannot move their vehicle. It could
take 7 or more days to obtain the proper authority (if all of their
documents and insurance are in compliance). At this point you will
have two options - 1) have your horse(s) picked up by a licensed
transporter or 2) have your horses taken to a local barn for
boarding until your transporter is authorized.
Is a CDL license the same as the US DOT or
MC number? Other transporters I have talked with have given me their
CDL license number when I've asked them about their licensing.
A CDL license only licenses the transporter to
operate the vehicle. The laws supporting a CDL require a company to
be licensed "for hire" to obtain proper drivers license. If the
combined weight of the vehicle (GVWR) exceeds 26,001 lbs OR IF the
trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs GVWR, the law states that you must obtain
a Class A CDL. Each state may differ on their CDL rules but if the
transporter is US DOT licensed then this applies. These laws apply
to all transporters regardless of company size or number of
vehicles. Please note: a 3 horse trailer will exceed 10,000 lbs GVWR.
Also, if a driver doesn't have the proper CDL license to operate the
vehicle, the driver and the vehicle may be placed out of service
until a properly licensed driver is able to operate the vehicle.
Where can I verify US DOT
and MC Numbers and who they are registered to?
Visit the
FMCSA
and type in the US DOT or MC number or name of the company (pick the
appropriate dial button).
I've gotten many quotes for
hauling my horse(s), why do they vary so much?
Carrying the proper amount of liability insurance
($750,000.00) brings with it a large price tag. Haulers that
aren't DOT/MC compliant don't have that expense. Going with a
non-compliant hauler may be cheaper but the chance of the hauler
being pulled over by the authorities and detained until the proper
insurance and paperwork are completed - may turn out to be more
expensive in the long run.
|
