What is a CA Number?
If you’re new to the transportation industry, you might not be familiar with a CA number. Essentially, CA Numbers are a series of digits serving as an identifier for your company, recognized by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and is necessary for identifying yourself as a California-based commercial vehicle. It is also a required for obtaining a California Motor Carrier Permit (MCP).
The CHP utilizes this number to oversee your company’s safety record and track compliance information gathered from incidents. Whether you’re involved in transporting cargo, passengers, or hazardous materials, obtaining a CA number is essential.
What is a CA DOT Number?
The California Department of Transportation Number (CA DOT) is the same as CA Number, a specific number assigned by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Motor carriers within the state lines of California must have a California DOT Number. You can either choose between an in-state (intrastate) or out-of-state (interstate) carrier.
In-State Carriers (INTRASTATE): Operate commercial vehicles within the state lines of California. Carriers must have a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP), a CA number and a USDOT number.
Out-of-State Carriers (INTERSTATE): Some Out-of-state carriers must have a Motor Carrier Permit and a CA DOT number in addition to the USDOT number to enter California.
Carriers must display the CA # on both sides of each vehicle. (California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 34507.5).
What are the consequences for Non-Compliance?
Operating without an CA Number poses risks to your business. Carriers operating without CA Number may face being put Out of Service. Additionally, companies operating without an CA Number are subject to fines.
Do I Need DOT Number?
California requires USDOT number in order to obtain CA Number. You might be wondering how to determine which type of fleet or vehicle requires a DOT number. There are various rumors suggesting that certain states or companies may be exempt, making it challenging to understand when they are genuinely necessary.
In general, you will need to acquire a USDOT number if you plan to engage in any of the following activities with your company:
Do I need a CA Number?
If your company operates solely within California, it’s likely that you’ll need an CA number. Companies operating vehicles of various sizes and transporting different equipment may require multiple operating certifications such as an MC number. Each vehicle will bear the same CA number, even if it operates in a different class. For instance, a truck transporting hazardous materials will have the same CA number, even if its task differs. Here are the list of operations that require a CA Number:
If you need to register your Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) with DMV please click here to navigate to DMV.