EXEMPT-COMMODITY HAULER — USDOT ONLY
For-hire but hauling exempt goods — no MC authority needed. Because the commodities you haul are exempt, you do not need MC operating authority, a BOC-3, or FMCSA insurance on file — but you still register for UCR, run the full drug & alcohol compliance program, and register your vehicles (IRP/IFTA/2290).
These are the steps the engine includes for this authority type. Items marked “Vertical Identity” are handled by us when you enroll. Steps that don’t apply to this type are automatically left off.
UCR's site makes DIY easy — do it yourself there, or we'll handle it. Fees = official UCR schedule.
When: Annual; before interstate operation.
Source: 49 U.S.C. §14504a · reviewed 2026-06-14
Owner-operators MUST be in a consortium for random testing — you can't self-administer. We are your C/TPA.
When: Before any driver performs a safety-sensitive function.
Source: 49 CFR §382 · reviewed 2026-06-14
The test must be passed — not just taken — before driving. We order it.
When: Negative result REQUIRED before the first dispatch.
Source: 49 CFR §382.301 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Login.gov steps are yours; we run the queries as your TPA.
When: Full query pre-employment; limited query annually.
Source: Clearinghouse final rule · reviewed 2026-06-14
Even a solo owner-operator needs a DQF on themselves. We manage it.
When: Before driving; MVR within 30 days of hire + annually.
Source: 49 CFR §391.51 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Required to hold a CDL for interstate non-excepted driving. We perform the physical.
When: Valid up to 24 months — can be shorter. Renew before expiry.
Source: 49 CFR §391.41–.49 + §383.71 · reviewed 2026-06-14
A written policy is required. We provide one per DOT mode.
When: Provided to drivers before they drive.
Source: 49 CFR §382.601 · reviewed 2026-06-14
60 min drugs + 60 min alcohol for anyone making reasonable-suspicion calls. We train them.
When: Before the DER/supervisor supervises drivers.
Source: 49 CFR §382.603 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Vehicles ≥55,000 lb. E-file returns a stamped Schedule 1 in minutes — do it yourself at IRS.gov.
When: Before plating (Schedule 1 required to register).
Source: IRS Form 2290 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Multi-state operation. File through your base state — link below for each state you picked. Apportioned plates are about the VEHICLE running interstate, not about holding MC authority — private and exempt-commodity carriers (USDOT-only, no MC) register IRP too.
When: After authority is active; needs your base state.
Find your state’s official links →
Source: IRP / base-state · reviewed 2026-06-14
Qualified vehicles in 2+ jurisdictions. Issued by your base state.
When: Before interstate operation; quarterly returns after.
Find your state’s official links →
Source: IFTA · reviewed 2026-06-14
The #1 automatic failure is having no drug & alcohol program. Stay enrolled and you pass.
When: Within 12 months of starting operations.
Source: 49 CFR §385 subpart D · reviewed 2026-06-14
Not a regulation — this is how you actually find freight to haul. A load board connects you with brokers and shippers posting loads. We can connect you with a load board partner.
When: Once your authority is active and you are ready to haul.
See our recommended partner →Time estimates are practical, typical ranges — not guarantees. Your actual timing will vary.
Core regulatory sources: 49 CFR §382 — drug & alcohol testing · 49 CFR §385 subpart D — New Entrant Safety Audit · last reviewed 2026-06-14
An exempt-commodity carrier hauls goods for hire that federal law exempts from economic regulation (for example certain unprocessed agricultural products). Because the commodity is exempt, the carrier needs a USDOT number but not MC operating authority. Whether your specific commodity qualifies as exempt should be verified with FMCSA.
Yes. The drug and alcohol testing requirements under 49 CFR Part 382 apply based on operating a CMV with a CDL driver — not on whether the commodity is exempt. Owner-operators must enroll in a consortium and pass a pre-employment test before first dispatch.
Yes. FMCSA audits new carriers within 12 months of starting operations under 49 CFR §385 Subpart D, regardless of whether the commodity is exempt. The most common automatic failure is not having a drug and alcohol testing program in place.
We run your drug & alcohol program, Clearinghouse queries, and driver qualification files.
Enroll in the consortiumThis is general guidance, not legal advice. Verify requirements with FMCSA and your state DOT.
FMCSA official tool
FMCSA has a free official wizard that asks a few questions about your operation and tells you exactly which USDOT registration and operating authority you need. It opens in a new tab, so this checklist stays right here as your reference.
Opens fmcsa.dot.gov in a new tab — an official .gov tool. We don’t collect anything from it.
