The process of deactivating a Department of Transportation (DOT) number involves officially removing it from active status within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) records. This action prevents further use of the identifier for commercial vehicle operations. An example would be when a trucking company ceases operations or is absorbed by another entity and no longer requires individual DOT registration.
The cessation of DOT number use provides several advantages. It ensures that the company is no longer subject to certain regulations and associated compliance requirements, such as safety audits. Historically, DOT number registration and deactivation have been integral parts of maintaining accurate records within the transportation industry, enabling regulators to monitor safety and compliance effectively.