Here at DriveTeam, we like to keep our students and clients up-to-date with the latest vehicle news in order to keep families and employees safe while on the road.

We periodically share important news, like the latest updates for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

All CMVs operated by a motor carrier must be legally marked with two pieces of information: either the motor carrier’s (lessee) name as listed on its MCS-150 and its USDOT number, or the owner’s (lessor) name and USDOT number. This must be done before the vehicle is operated on public roads.

When you are renting a CMV, under which identification are you required to run under?

Companies who own and rent commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are not required to post their DOT number on the CMVs they own. In fact, they are not required to have a DOT number at all if they do not operate the CMV in interstate or intrastate commerce or on public highways.

What this means to carriers wishing to rent a CMV, even for less than 30 days, is that the carrier (lessee) must show its own DOT number on the CMV it is renting if the owner (lessor) of the CMV does not. Either way, the lessee must have the rental agreement between the lessee and the lessor/owner in the vehicle, along with their operating paperwork.

A motor carrier who is renting the CMV for a period of 30 days or longer must display its own legal name and USDOT number by a removable device or sign on both sides of the rented CMV. Also, a copy of the rental agreement must be carried on the rented CMV during the full term of the rental agreement. The carrier is also responsible for the maintenance recordkeeping related to the vehicle.

Ultimately, all motor carriers leasing a CMV must comply with the marking requirements stated in §390.21 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.