Operating authority is required for any for-hire carrier transporting household goods or passengers within the state.
There are two types of authority, common and contract. Common carrier authority serves the needs of the general public. Contract carrier authority is for carriers who serve one or a limited number of shippers or persons.
Evidence of operating authority is provided to each carrier in the form of a Registration Receipt, Form RS-3. A current form must be carried in each vehicle and presented to an officer upon demand.
U.S. DOT Number
All commercial motor vehicles transporting property or passengers interstate and/or intrastate must be marked with a U.S. DOT number according to marking requirements set forth in 49 CFR 390.21 if one of the following applies:
- Gross vehicle weight rating or gross combined vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more;
- Vehicle is designed to transport more than 15 passengers including the driver;
- The vehicle is used to transport placardable amounts of hazardous materials.
Exception:
A farm-plated motor vehicle does not need a U.S. DOT number as long as it does not leave the state of Indiana.
For further information contact: