Does the owner of the freight being transported need dot numbers

by Devin
(Carlisle pa)

I was pulled over two day ago by a PA state police officer who ran the plates of the trailer I was towing. The owner of that trailer has revoked dot numbers. I am my own company with my own dot and mc numbers and the officer is telling me that I cannot tow his trailer.

I have a 2003 Silverado and the trailer is a small enclosed dual axle 7k trailer. The officer is telling me that even if I were to put this trailer on a flat bed to move it with a bill of lading that I would still be illegal because the owner of the 7k trailer has revoked dot numbers.

Having my own business and numbers, why would the owner of the 7k trailer need to have and maintain dot numbers?