MC Numbers Eliminated as of October 1 – USDOT Numbers Will Remain

As of October 1, 2025, the FMCSA officially shut down the use of Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. From now on, every motor carrier, broker, and freight forwarder will be identified by their USDOT number – with authority types shown through suffixes attached to that number.

If your business is still relying on MC numbers in contracts, load boards, or paperwork, you’ll need to make changes right away

• No more new MC numbers. FMCSA will not issue them going forward.
• USDOT takes over as the main identifier. One number covers your federal registration, with suffixes clarifying your operating authority (carrier, broker, freight forwarder, etc.).
• Trucks don’t need suffix markings. The same USDOT decal requirements stay in place for vehicles.
• MC numbers still exist in legacy records. You might see them referenced in old paperwork, but they no longer carry regulatory weight.

FMCSA consolidated the system to:

• Cut down on fraud and “chameleon carriers” that used MC numbers to sidestep safety records.
• Simplify compliance. One number is easier for carriers, brokers, shippers, and regulators to track.
• Improve data quality. The new registration system validates information as it’s submitted, reducing duplicate or incorrect filings.

If you haven’t already adjusted, here’s your action plan:

• Replace MC numbers with USDOT anywhere they appear – in contracts, onboarding forms, invoices, marketing, and filings.
• Communicate with your partners. Shippers, brokers, insurers, and compliance providers need to know that your USDOT is now the only identifier that matters.
• Review your FMCSA record. Confirm that your suffixes (showing your authority type) are correct.
• Update software and systems. Make sure your TMS, billing, or compliance platforms accept USDOT + suffix in place of MC.
• Train your staff. Everyone should understand the new process so errors don’t slow down operations.

• MC numbers will fade out gradually. You’ll still see them in older paperwork or online profiles, but they are no longer recognized by FMCSA.
• FMCSA’s new registration platform will continue rolling out in phases, offering better tools and fraud prevention.
• Biennial updates matter more than ever. If your USDOT record isn’t kept current, you risk deactivation or penalties.

The MC number era is officially over, and the USDOT number now does all the heavy lifting. If your company hasn’t updated its processes, the time to act is now. Switching your documents, systems, and workflows over to USDOT will keep you compliant and help avoid costly delays.