GoShare is a registered broker. We match independent contractors and freelancers with projects in their local area. Contractors using our platform are responsible for understanding and being compliant with federal and local regulations pertaining to their personal delivery and moving business.
FMCSA Guidelines
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has provided the following guidelines on their site as to who needs a USDOT number.
You are required to have a USDOT number if your vehicle is used for interstate commerce and meets one of the criteria below:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater
- Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation
While most GoShare delivery pros do not drive large passenger vehicles, many box trucks and cargo vans meet the threshold for gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight.
Interstate Commerce
The FMCSA defines interstate commerce as trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States that meets one of the criteria below.
- Between a place in a State and a place outside of such State (including a place outside of the United States);
- Between two places in a State through another State or a place outside of the United States; or
- Between two places in a State as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the State or the United States.
If your vehicle is used for interstate commerce for any reason, including projects booked through GoShare, and you meet the threshold for gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, you need a USDOT number.
If your vehicle meets the USDOT number requirements, but you do not have a USDOT number for your vehicle, please avoid accepting interstate projects.
Intrastate Commerce
Some states may also require vehicles meeting the weight and size designations above to have a USDOT number for intrastate commerce (does not cross state lines). See the list here. If your vehicle meets the USDOT number requirements and you live in one of these states, please obtain a USDOT number before accepting GoShare projects.
Hazardous Materials
You are also required to carry a USDOT if you have a vehicle that is used to transport hazardous materials requiring safety permits in intrastate commerce, including:
- Highway Route Controlled Quantities (HRCQ) of radioactive materials.
- More than 25 kg (kilograms) (55 pounds) of a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material or a quantity of Division 1.5 material that requires placarding.
- For materials that meet the definition of “material poisonous by inhalation” (TIH) as defined in 49 CFR 171.8: More than 1 liter (L)(1.08 quarts) per package of a material meeting the definition of a Hazard Zone A TIH material, a material meeting the definition of a Hazard Zone B TIH material in a bulk package (capacity greater than 450 liters [119 gallons]), or a material meeting the definition of a Hazard Zone C or D TIH material in a bulk packaging that has a capacity greater than 13,248 L (3,500 gallons).
- Shipments of compressed or refrigerated liquid methane or liquefied natural gas with a methane content of at least 85% in a bulk packaging that has a capacity greater than 13,248 L (3,500 gallons).
Motor Carrier Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the motor carrier operators and drivers to know and comply with all transportation and safety regulations that apply to their business.
Prior to starting or engaging in a motor carrier business, including using the GoShare platform, all companies, owner-operators, and freelancers should check with the FMCSA and their local state and regional organizations to ensure they are fully compliant with the latest regulations.
Other Resources
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