Motus is a new USDOT registration system designed to streamline compliance and modernize the way motor carriers, brokers, and supporting companies manage their regulatory obligations.  Every motor carrier must register with Motus.

The definition in §390.5 refers to a vehicle used on a highway, in interstate commerce, that meets any one of the following criteria:

• has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater;
• is designed to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation;
• is designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
• is transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring the vehicle to be placarded

All first-time carrier applicants get enrolled in the FMCSA's New Entrant Safety Assurance Program. Under this program, you must pass a safety audit conducted within your first year of operation. In addition, your operation will be closely monitored for compliance at roadside inspections during your 18-month probationary period, after which you'll be given permanent registration status. J. J. Keller can help you prepare for (or respond to)  your new entrant audit.

The following 33 states require intrastate carriers to also obtain a USDOT number:

Private carriers who only transport their own cargo, for-hire carriers who only transport exempt commodities that are not federally regulated, and carriers who operate only in geographic territories that are exempt from authority rules.