Brokering and USDOT numbers
I am a Licensed Insurance Agent and retired Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) Investigator with more than 49 years in transportation. For the past 16 years I have been a transportation consultant assisting those who would like to get their own motor carrier or broker authority. Send me your questions and I will use my expertise and knowledge to answer them.
Q:
Is my motor carrier and/or broker authority worth anything if I decide to retire or sell the business?
A:
The motor carrier authority may be transferable to another person or company providing your safety rating is “satisfactory” or “none.” Only the MC number is transferable. The USDOT number is not transferable. The new owner can obtain a new USDOT number or keep his own USDOT number. Even the name and address can be changed. The authority can be transferred whether it is active or inactive. Let me know if you have an authority for sale or if you want to purchase another authority. If you need further assistance please send an email. [Rex@RexEvilsizor.com]
Q:
I just applied for my USDOT number. What am I permitted to transport with only a USDOT number?
A:
The USDOT number permits you to transport only private and exempt commodities. If you want to transport in interstate transportation, for-hire, you must also have an MC number.
Q:
What recourse do I have if I transported a brokered load and the broker refused to pay?
A:
This is why brokers have a $10,000 surety bond or trust fund for protection of the public. To apply for your money from the brokers surety bond or trust fund, go to the FMCSA web site[http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/pkg_menu.prc_menu] Insert the Docket Number (MC number). When the Motor Carrier Details page comes up, click on “Active/Pending Insurance.” This page will show you the present insurance carrier and provide a telephone number. Call the insurance carrier and ask what the procedure is to file a claim for monies due. If there is no surety bond or trust fund on file, or it has been cancelled, you still may have options. Please feel free to email [Rex@RexEvilsizor.com] me for assistance
Q:
Do I need to apply for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) if I am a broker?
A:
Yes. Motor carriers, motor private carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies all must register for the UCR. I will be happy to answer your questions. Send me an email at Rex@RexEvilsizor.com.
Q:
What are the owner-operator leasing regulations and where can I obtain a copy?
A:
Q:
As a broker of property, what records am I required to keep?
A:
The regulation governing "Brokers of Property" are contained in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 371. Download a copy of the broker regulations for your use here. [http://www.rexevilsizor.com/Title49Part371.pdf]
Q:
Is a motor carrier or broker responsible for loss and damage to a brokered load?
A:
It was never intended for brokers to be responsible for any loss and/or damage. A broker never takes possession of the shipment. The governing regulations are contained in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 370.1 Applicability of Regulations that states: "The regulations set forth in this part shall govern the processing of claims for loss, damage, injury, or delay to property transported or accepted for transportation, in interstate or foreign commerce, by each motor carrier, water carrier, and freight forwarder (hereinafter called carrier), subject to 49 U.S.C. Subtitle IV, part B." You will notice that there is no mention of a broker. Download a copy of the regulations for your future use from my website [http://www.RexEvilsizor.com/Title49Part370.PDF].
Q:
What is the best transportation authority to have?
A:
The best transportation authority to have today is both motor carrier and broker. As a motor carrier, you can lease as many owner-operators to your authority as you want. As a broker, you have the option to broker loads to other motor carriers when you can't or don't want to personally handle the loads. Of course, it would be necessary to obtain a new name and new MC number for the broker authority.
Written By: Rex Evilsizor
