LANSING.  As part of continued efforts to reduce traffic crashes involving commercial motor vehicles, the Michigan State Police (MSP) Motor Carrier Division is implementing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards that allow all commercial motor vehicles to obtain a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number (Act 181, PA 1963, CFR 49, part 390.21).

The new Intrastate Motor Carrier Identification Program will help the MSP Motor Carrier Division monitor existing safety concerns and ensure all intrastate commercial motor vehicles comply with national safety requirements.  The program places the same federal motor carrier safety regulations on intrastate vehicles as vehicles that travel between states. 

In 2005, nearly 72 percent of all truck-related fatalities in Michigan involved carriers domiciled in the state.

The Intrastate Motor Carrier Identification Program applies to any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a Michigan highway in intrastate commerce to transport property or passengers.  It will be phased in over a two-year period to allow operators time to comply with the requirements.  By January 1, 2009, all commercial vehicles traveling in Michigan will need a USDOT number.

To obtain a USDOT number, motor carrier companies must register with the FMCSA.  The online application is available at www.safersys.org under the FMCSA Registration and Updates link.

The MSP Motor Carrier Division is responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement including the enforcement of trucking safety laws and weight restrictions, investigating administrative and maintenance procedures of local trucking companies, and providing local school districts with school bus inspections.

CONTACT: Lt. Peggy Hines, Motor Carrier Division, (517) 336-6476