The Department of Transportation (DOT), specifically referred to as USDOT in the United States, is the federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the country’s transportation infrastructure. This includes highways, railroads, air travel, and maritime operations. The USDOT plays a crucial role in setting safety standards, ensuring compliance, and managing the licensing and operational requirements of transport companies.

For the auto transport industry, including companies like Interlane, the USDOT ensures that carriers and brokers meet specific safety and insurance requirements before operating. Every licensed carrier is assigned a unique USDOT number, which helps monitor their safety records, accident history, and compliance status. This system protects consumers and maintains accountability across the industry.

In Canada, similar roles are fulfilled by federal and provincial transport authorities, but U.S. regulations still apply for any cross-border shipments entering the United States. Interlane complies with all DOT and Canadian transportation requirements to ensure vehicles are shipped legally, safely, and efficiently.

When choosing an auto transport company, verifying a carrier’s USDOT number is an important step in ensuring legitimacy and safety. At Interlane, we maintain transparency by only working with properly licensed and insured partners who meet or exceed all regulatory standards.