Frequently asked questions

Does the federal rule set a letter height?

No. 49 CFR 390.21 sets a legibility standard — readable from 50 feet in daylight while stationary — not a size. Two inches is our recommendation for meeting it on a truck door. Most sellers in this category state it as law. They are wrong.

What has to be on the door?

For an interstate carrier: your legal name or a single trade name, and your USDOT number preceded by the letters USDOT. Both sides of the power unit, contrasting sharply with the background, and maintained so they stay legible.

Does the name have to match exactly?

Yes — it has to match your FMCSA record, not your DBA or the name on your invoices. Name mismatch is the most common marking violation there is, and it is entirely avoidable by checking your record before ordering.

Do I need to display my MC number?

Probably not. FMCSA no longer requires most carriers to display an MC number under the federal marking rule. Some shippers, brokers, contracts and state rules still ask for it. If none of those apply to you, you do not need it.

Do I need a state number as well?

It depends on the state. California, Texas and Kentucky issue their own numbers. Most states issue nothing extra and your USDOT marking covers you. A state number never replaces your USDOT number — where both apply, both go on the door.

Why do you sell pairs?

A truck has two doors and the rule says both sides. Selling one decal and letting you work out you need two is how the rest of this category operates. One order, one price, both sides cut from the same file so they match.

Can I order a single?

Yes, on most products. It costs more than half a pair because setup and cutting are per job rather than per decal. If you are marking one door because the other is already done, that is the option.

How long does it take?

Production is one business day for standard orders. Transit is separate and depends on the service you choose at checkout. We state them separately because conflating them is how a two-day build becomes a "late delivery".

What if the letters will not fit?

We will tell you before we cut. Long names need a wider panel, not smaller letters — letter height is the part the standard cares about, so we will not quietly shrink it to make something fit.

Is this legal advice?

No. We read the regulations, cite them, and link to the primary source so you can check. Requirements change and vary by operation. Confirm with FMCSA or your state agency before relying on anything here.