New ID rules for trucks in U.S.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has revised its requirements for marking commercial trucks with U.S.DOT identification numbers.

The new rule will require carriers operating in interstate commerce to display their names and U.S.DOT number on both sides of the power unit. Starting July 3, 2000, all new carriers hauling on interstate runs must submit a Motor Carrier Identification Report (Form MCS-150) to the FMCSA before beginning operations. They must also mark their trucks before putting them into service. Also, all new vehicles added to a fleet on or after July 3 must meet the new marking requirements before being placed in service.

The rule requires commercial motor vehicles to be marked with the legal name or a single trade name of the business that owns or controls the motor carrier operation, and the name must appear as indicated on the motor carrier’s Form MCS-150. Carriers have until July 5, 2005 to display that name on trucks and buses in their fleets. Carriers may verify information on file with the FMCSA by going to http://www.safersys.org on the Internet and accessing the information via their U.S.DOT number, MC number or name.

Provisions concerning use of removable marking devices, such as magnetic name tags, are retained in the new regulation.

Information and the form used to apply for U.S.DOT numbers can be obtained by calling 1-800-832-5660. The MCS-150 form also can be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/factsfigs/formspubs.htm. n

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