If your truck needs a USDOT marking, the lettering has to be right: the correct name, the correct number, on both sides, and easy to read. My American Sign letters DOT and USDOT numbers on trucks for Northern NJ contractors and commercial fleets, using Oracal 751 cut vinyl, and we install at your shop or job site or at our location in Budd Lake.
What the federal marking rule covers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) vehicle marking rule, 49 CFR 390.21, applies to self-propelled commercial motor vehicles subject to the federal safety regulations. In general terms, the marking must:
- Show the motor carrier’s legal name or single trade name, as registered with FMCSA
- Show the carrier’s USDOT number, preceded by the letters “USDOT”
- Appear on both sides of the vehicle
- Use letters that contrast sharply with the background color
- Be readable in daylight from 50 feet while the vehicle is stationary
- Be maintained so it stays legible
This is a general summary, not legal advice. Whether your vehicle needs a USDOT number depends on things like its weight rating and the kind of operation you run. Check with FMCSA or your compliance advisor, then call us to get it lettered.
How we letter DOT numbers
Name and number on both doors
We place your company name and USDOT number on both sides of the truck, usually on the doors, in a size and color that reads clearly against your paint. On a white truck that might be black lettering; on a dark truck, white or another high-contrast color.
Matched to your company lettering
If we’re lettering the whole truck, the DOT marking becomes part of the same design, with the same font family and colors, so it looks finished rather than added on. You’ll see it in your design preview before anything is installed.
Adding a DOT number to existing lettering
Already have lettering and just need a USDOT number added? We take DOT-number-only jobs, including on trucks another shop lettered. Send us a photo of both sides of the truck, along with your exact registered name and number.
Oracal 751 cut vinyl
DOT numbers are cut from Oracal 751, our primary vinyl, and we also work with 3M vinyl, in a color that contrasts with your paint. If your registration details change, we can remove the old vinyl lettering and update the marking.
Installed at your shop or job site
We offer mobile installation across Morris, Warren, Sussex, Hunterdon, Somerset, Passaic, Essex and Bergen counties, or you can drop your truck off with us in Budd Lake (Mount Olive). We’re open Mon-Fri 8-5, weekends by request. For fleets, we can letter DOT numbers on every truck that needs them.
What to send us
- Your legal or trade name and USDOT number, exactly as registered
- Photos of both sides of each vehicle
- Any other lettering you want, such as logo, phone or services
Then call or text (973) 664-7695 or use our quote form.
Frequently asked questions
What does a USDOT marking need to include?
Under FMCSA’s rule (49 CFR 390.21), the marking generally shows the carrier’s legal or single trade name and its USDOT number preceded by “USDOT,” on both sides of the vehicle, in sharply contrasting letters readable in daylight from 50 feet. This is a general summary, not legal advice.
Does my truck need a USDOT number?
It depends on factors like your vehicle’s weight rating and the type of operation. FMCSA decides that, not us, so check with FMCSA or your compliance advisor. Once you have your number, we can letter it.
Can you add a DOT number to my existing truck lettering?
Yes. We take DOT-number-only jobs, including on trucks another shop lettered. Send us photos of both sides of the truck and your exact registered name and USDOT number.
Do you come to us to letter DOT numbers?
Yes. We offer mobile installation at your shop or job site across Morris, Warren, Sussex, Hunterdon, Somerset, Passaic, Essex and Bergen counties, or you can drop your truck off with us in Budd Lake (Mount Olive).