USDOT Lettering FAQ
What is the difference between a sticker and a decal?
Stickers are printed information or graphics on a multilayer surface usually coated in a flimsy plastic layer to “protect” that image. If sticker get wet, they tend to fall apart, allowing water to seep into the layers and ultimately degrading to mush. Decals on the other hand, are one single layer with industrial strength adhesive. Your design, or the information is cut from a large sheet with a wax coated backing. After the design is cut, it is weeded (the negative is removed) & a layer of transfer paper is placed on top until the decal is ready to be applied to a surface.
Decals are the standard for commercial vehicles. You can find examples on school buses, law enforcement, military vehicles, aircraft and on boats since this material is incredibly durable and weatherproof.
What are die-cut decals?
Die cutting refers to a process in which you use a machine to cut-out designs from a layer of material, in this example; vinyl.
That means once you design your custom decal, we will be able to replicate it, with the same dimensions every time you get a new vehicle insuring all of your fleets graphics and information match for years into the future.
How to create custom decals?
Creating a custom decal has never been easier. We have thousands of templates for every industry. Simply select a design that fits your companies’ needs and let us do the heavy lifting. If you need more lines added to a template, we will take care of the designing process, so you don’t have to worry about your design looking perfect. Each decal is cut from a single piece of vinyl and perfectly aligned so all you have to do is choose where to place it.
Commercial motor vehicle marking and identification requirements:
Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) must display regulation information on both sides of the commercial vehicle, including:
The legal name of the company operating the vehicle & the motor carrier identification number, issued by FMCSA. the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration USDOT# _______
* Regulation numbers must be displayed in contrasting colors and be a minimum of 2” in height; federal regulations require them to be legible from a distance of 50 feet.
We recommend these essential lines for compliance in all 50 States: Company Logo, Company Name, City & State of Operation, USDOT Number, GVWR, VIN (last 8 Characters) & State mandated Regulation Number if applicable.
USDOT number size?
Your USDOT number should be displayed at a minimum of 2 inches in height to be USDOT & FMCSA compliant. We recommend displaying it larger just to be safe. Also, you might want to check with your State or Local authorities since they might require a state number to be larger.
Can DOT numbers be magnetic?
Yes! US DOT numbers can also magnetic. Magnets are a great way for being DOT compliant, as long as the lettering is 2 inches in height. Magnets are mainly used for truckers who use their vehicles for both personal and business use.
USDOT decal requirements:
USDOT number sticker requirements are very straightforward. All carriers must display their company name or logo, city & state of their operation in addition to their USDOT number. The USDOT number displayed must match the one assigned to the company name on the vehicle. If there is more than one name on the vehicle, the vehicle’s decals need to include the words “operated by” followed by the (lessee) company name & USDOT #.
All commercial vehicles must display carrier information on both sides of the CMV in a contrasting color, and all information must be easily legible from a minimum of fifty feet away. We recommend a serif font in bold with a minimum height of 2” to meet this requirement. Additionally, the usdot number decal must be proceeded by the Characters USDOT #.
We recommend ordering a custom truck door decal template to suit your company’s and your state’s legal requirements. Many carriers also chose to display their VIN, GVWR, MC, KYU, TCP & state mandated regulation number under their company name and USDOT. Depending on your type of operation, you may even display a phone number or website address; this is a fantastic way to get new customers for your business without spending any additional money on advertising.
We offer thousands of combinations of templates, fonts and colors. So you’re sure to find exactly what you need. Our in-house graphic design team takes care of the design process from start to finish, and can even provide proofs for no additional charge.
Custom DOT stickers:
Our custom truck door decals are designed to display all required regulation numbers on your commercial vehicle, in perfect alignment, at an affordable price. All of our templates are USDOT compliant. You don’t have to worry about paying a graphic designer to design a logo, then finding a local sign shop to recreate the designs and adding your regulation numbers without any design experience. We offer thousands of combinations of templates, fonts and colors & our in-house graphic design team takes care of the design process for no additional charge.
Once you fill out the order form, you may select to receive a proof of your design for review before receiving your final product. Be sure to submit your order with a valid email address to avoid any delays. All of your company information will be stored to make ordering again a seamless process. Once your business grows, you can contact us to re-order, ensuring your fleets’ truck door decals match for years into the future.
USDOT number font requirements:
A USDOT number is issued by the FMCSA, they do not, however, issue physical decals or have specific font requirements. The only requirements for USDOT numbers are that they be easily legible from a minimum of 50 feet away, be in contrasting colors to the vehicle they’re placed on and be proceeded by the characters USDOT # so that they are easily identifiable on any commercial vehicle.
With over 50 font selections, you’re sure to find a custom decal template to meet your needs.