Do Owner-Operators Leased to a Company Need a DOT Number?

Do Owner-Operators Leased to a Company Need a DOT Number?

Short answer: In most cases, no — owner-operators leased to a motor carrier operate under the carrier’s USDOT and MC numbers, not their own, as long as specific conditions are met.

Owner-Operators Leased to a Carrier

Using the Company’s DOT & MC Number

YES — in most cases

When an owner-operator is fully leased to a motor carrier, the carrier’s operating authority (MC number) and USDOT number are used for operations, and the carrier assumes responsibility under FMCSA regulations.

When an Owner-Operator Does Not Need Their Own DOT Number

An owner-operator typically does NOT need their own USDOT number if all of the following apply:

• Fully leased to a motor carrier

• Carrier provides operating authority (MC number)

• Carrier’s USDOT number is properly displayed on the truck

• Dispatch and load contracts are handled by the carrier

• Carrier assumes safety responsibility under FMCSA rules

In this situation:

• The carrier is responsible for DOT compliance

• The driver operates under the carrier’s authority

• The driver is not considered a separate motor carrier

This applies whether the operation is:

• Local

• Regional

• Interstate
  (as long as the lease is valid and active)

What the Owner-Operator May Still Need

Even without their own DOT number, the owner-operator may still be required to have:

• A valid lease agreement on file with the carrier

• Inclusion in the carrier’s Driver Qualification File (DQF)

• Enrollment in the carrier’s drug & alcohol testing program

• Vehicle compliance under the carrier’s authority

• IRP and IFTA handled according to the carrier’s structure (this varies)

When an Owner-Operator Does Need Their Own DOT Number

An owner-operator will likely need their own USDOT number if:

• Hauling loads outside of the lease

• Accepting direct loads under their own business

• Switching between carriers without proper lease termination

• Operating independently of carrier dispatch

• This is where many drivers get into compliance trouble — mixing roles.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Registering a DOT number while leased to a carrier “just in case.”

This can trigger:

• Unnecessary DOT compliance filings

• Exposure to audits

• Conflicting carrier authority records

How Bossman & Bosslady Enterprise Can Help

We help owner-operators determine whether they should operate under a carrier’s authority or their own — before anything is filed.

Request Services for a DOT compliance review and operation assessment.