1. How can your call make a difference?
2. What are some examples of safety violations?
3. What should I include in the complaint?
4. How does the complaint process work?
5. How do I file a safety violation complaint?
6. Where to go for non-safety problems?

1. How can your call make a difference?
2. What are some examples of motor carrier and broker complaints?
3. What should I include in the complaint?
4. How does the complaint process work?
5. How do I file a commerical complaint?

1. How do I request a login?
2. I forgot my PIN # (i.e. password). What should I do?

1. How can your call make a difference?  

• The Toll-Free DOT Safety Violation Hotline is your chance to help identify safety problems in your company.
• The Hotline is run by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and Agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• We review your complaint and it prompts us to open an investigation.

2. What are some examples of safety violations?  
   There are five primary types of complaints that are received on the hotline.

• Hours of Service Complaints - Drivers allege that they are being asked or forced to drive more hours than permitted by the regulation. Some drivers state that they record false entries in their logbooks to hide excessive driving.
• Unqualified Driver/Drugs and Alcohol - A person alleges that the drivers who are being used by Motor Carriers are not physically qualified, medically examined and certified, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Unsafe Equipment - A person alleges that a Motor Carrier's vehicles are in poor condition.
• Lumping - A driver states that he/she was required to pay people to unload the cargo from his/her truck.
• Motorists' Complaints - A person who has witnessed unsafe driving of a commercial truck or bus reports the incident.

3. What should I include in the complaint?   
   The following information should be included in your complaint.

• Your name, address, and telephone number.
• The specific dates the of the alleged violation.
• The names of the person who advises you.
• A maximum of three alleged violations.

4. How does the complaint process work?   

• Your complaint will be recorded and forwarded to DOT for handling.
• If the complaint meets certain standards, it will be investigated.
• An agency official may contact you for additional information.
• You should be notified within 90 days of how your complaint was handled.

5. How do I file a safety violation complaint?   

• File a complaint electronically using the ONLINE SAFETY VIOLATION COMPLAINT
• Dial TOLL FREE 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).
• The TOLL-FREE HOTLINE (1-888-DOT-SAFT) is a nationwide toll-free number where drivers can call and speak anonymously or confidentially with a service representative specifically trained to receive reports. Service representatives are on duty Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM eastern standard time.

6. Where to go for non-safety problems?   

• Our hotline concentrates on safety problems. If your problem is not safety related, we will help you by directing you to the right government agency that can help.
• The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-4USWAGE handles complaints concerning pay and compensation.
• The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety Health Administration at 1-800-321-OSHA handles terminations or employees fired for not violating the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Household Goods Complaint FAQs

1. How can your call make a difference?  

• The Toll-Free DOT Household Goods Consumer Complaint Hotline is your chance to help identify motor carriers and brokers who are reported to have engaged in violations of the commercial regulations.

2. What are some examples of motor carrier and broker complaints?  

• The HHG shipment is hostage for final payment in excess of 110% of non-binding estimate.
• A HHG carrier, broker or other regulated entity engaged in interstate operations without the required authority from the FMCSA (unauthorized operations).
• A HHG carrier, broker or other regulated entity engaged in interstate operations without the required insurance on file with the FMCSA (uninsured operations).
• The HHG carrier failed to acknowledge, process and settle your loss and damage within 120 days of receipt.
• The HHG does not belong to a dispute settlement to handle loss and damage claims.
• The HHG carrier or other regulated entity failed to honor agreed pick-up and/or delivery dates without giving proper notice.

3. What should I include in the complaint?   
   The following information should be included in your complaint.

• Your name, address, and telephone number.
• The name, address, and telephone number of the respondent (Motor Carrier / Broker).
• Origin and destination of the shipment.
• The DOT and MC numbers if available.
• Specific violation(s) alleged.

4. How does the complaint process work?   

• Your complaint will be entered into FMCSA's National Commercial Complaint Database and will be used for analytical and statistical purposes.
• Your complaint will be maintained in the carriers' file as part of its permanent record.
• If FMCSA decides to take enforcement action against the carrier/broker you may be contacted to provide additional information and documentation.

5. How do I file a commerical complaint?   

• File a complaint electronically using the Online Household Goods Consumer Complaint Form
• Dialing the TOLL FREE number at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238). The TOLL FREE HOTLINE is a nationwide toll-free number where shippers, brokers, and carriers can call between the hours of 9:00 am and 9:00 pm Monday through Friday Eastern Time.

General Questions

1. How do I request a login?  

• If you are a public user, you do not need to login to file a complaint in the National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB). You need only to click on the links on the NCCDB home page to file a safety violation complaint or a household goods complaint.
• If you are a FMCSA employee and wish to request a login, please contact James Dubose at (215) 656-7251 or James.Dubose@dot.gov for further instruction.
• If you are a Motor Carrier and wish to login, please enter your U.S. DOT # and Personal Identification Number (PIN) provided by FMCSA. If you do not know your PIN, go to http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/login/pinhelp.asp or call 1-800-832-5660 for assistance.

2. I forgot my PIN # (i.e. password). What should I do?  

• If you have forgotten your password, click on the “Forgot?” link, and enter the email address you used when registering for an account. Your password will be emailed to you at this address. If you have forgotten the email address you used, please contact James Dubose at (215) 656-7251 or James.Dubose@dot.gov for further assistance.