Before closing, you can stand up the new legal entity (EIN, articles), decide whether you’ll keep the seller’s USDOT (only in a true stock/interest purchase where the legal entity doesn’t change) or apply for a new USDOT/authority via URS, line up insurance, and select a BOC-3 process agent. Those filings are required before for-hire interstate operations can begin. You can also draft or adopt the drug & alcohol policy, pick your C/TPA, build driver qualification file templates, prepare prior-employer safety inquiries, and schedule full Clearinghouse pre-employment queries (with driver consent) so you’re ready to go on Day 1. You can’t actually operate under new federal credentials until the USDOT record is created/updated, required insurance and BOC-3 are on file (for for-hire), and authority is active, and you generally can’t retitle equipment until the sale closes.

Purely intrastate carriers do not register for UCR. However, Form 2290 (HVUT) is a federal IRS tax based on weight and use. If you register a highway vehicle at 55,000 lb+ GVW and use it on public roads, you must file/pay 2290 regardless of intrastate vs interstate.

A USDOT number is not transferable. It stays with the same legal entity. In a stock/interest purchase where the FEIN/legal person remains, you keep the USDOT (and simply update name/address). In an asset purchase (new legal person), you need a new USDOT (and, if for-hire interstate, new operating authority). Multiple USDOT numbers are only appropriate for separate legal entities or truly distinct operations, and you must keep safety controls, markings, and records separated by entity. Drivers’ logs must clearly identify which motor carrier employed them on that day.

From FMCSA’s standpoint, buying only real estate doesn’t transfer motor-carrier registration, safety ratings, or authority. FMCSA only “records” transfers when an entire operation/authority is transferred and both parties notify the Agency. No issues when purchasing a building only.

You can merge entities and move the principal place of business to another state. The federal operating authority stays with the surviving legal entity. You would file the USDOT update (URS) and amend the BOC-3 and insurance. FMCSA expects those changes to be made promptly (and some items within 30 days). You don’t hold “different authorities” for the same legal person. You update the existing one.

Federal marking rules require every self-propelled CMV to display the current operating carrier’s legal name (or single trade name) and USDOT on both sides, legible from 50 feet. If another party’s name appears, it must say “operated by” followed by your name/USDOT. Practically, issue temporary magnetic/vinyl decals and a fleet memo so drivers can re-mark at the next stop. For short-term rentals (less than or equal to 30 days) a limited alternative marking tied to the rental agreement is allowed, but otherwise update the door markings as soon as the operating carrier changes.

For the drug & alcohol portion, yes. Since January 6, 2023, a pre-employment full Clearinghouse query satisfies §§391.23(e)/382.413 for FMCSA-regulated employers. You must still complete other prior-employer checks (e.g., accident history, work history) under §391.23(d), and you must run annual limited queries on all CDL drivers you employ.

You may not continue to display the seller’s name if they’re no longer the operating carrier. The door must show the operating motor carrier’s legal or single trade name and its USDOT. If another name appears, it must be formatted as “operated by [your name] USDOT 123456.” Using a DBA is fine if it’s your DBA on file with FMCSA, otherwise remove the seller’s name.