The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) require that you define your business operation and are in compliance with all safety regulations during the USDOT number application process. After you get your DOT number activated, display it on your vehicles, and start using it commercially, you must maintain your associated USDOT number record. You maintain this record using the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150 form).

Reasons for Updating Your MCS-150 Motor Carrier Identification Report

Because it’s mandated. It’s also good for your business. You must submit an MCS-150 form biennially, if not sooner. That means every two years, but any time there is a change to your business operation, you need to submit an MCS-150 form. 

The following are the primary reasons for submitting the MCS-150 form:

• Changes to your business operations
• Out of business notification
• Reapplication after the revocation/deactivation of a USDOT number

What Kind of Business Operation Changes Require and Updated MCS-150 Form?

All business operation changes must be reported, including the following:

• Legal Business Name 
• Doing Business As Name
• Principal Place of Business 
• Mailing Address
• Principal Business Phone Number
• Primary/Principal Contact Cell Phone Number
• Principal Business Fax Number
• Dun & Bradstreet Number
• IRS/Tax ID Number
• E-Mail Address 
• Carrier Mileage (to the nearest 10,000 miles for the previous 12 months)
• Company Operations (type of Motor Carrier or Hazardous Materials Shipper)
• Operation Classifications
• Cargo Classifications
• Hazardous Materials (Carrier or Shipper)
• Number of Vehicles to Operate in the U.S.
• Driver Information
• If the company’s USDOT Number and registration are currently revoked by FMCSA 
• Compliance Certification
• Name(s) of the sole proprietor(s), officers, or partners and their titles
• Certification Statement

Accurate USDOT Number Records Are Essential

The FMCSA uses the information you submit to analyze and calculate your safety performance scores. This data is provided online through their Safety Measurement System (SMS) database for all to find. Out-of-date or otherwise inaccurate data can negatively impact your safety scores (CSA scores) and harm your business.

Check Your Current USDOT Number Record

Using the USDOT PIN number that you were provided, you can look up your Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) here. If you cannot locate your PIN you can request a new one here.

Biennial MCS-150 Form Updates are Required

If you’re a USDOT number holder, you must update your information every two years. You are required to provide this update even if:

• your company has not changed information
• has ceased interstate operations since the last update
• is no longer in business and you did not notify FMCSA

Avoid costly penalties! Don’t ignore or forget to submit your update on time.

Penalties for Failing to Submit an MCS-150 Biennial Update

The MCS-150 form update requirement is no joke. Failure to complete your Biennial Update results in the deactivation of your USDOT number, and it can cost you civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day (not to exceed $10,000.)

Biennial Update Schedule

Your filing schedule is determined by your USDOT number. The next-to-last number indicates a recurring even or odd calendar year filing requirement according to the number. (For example, 5 is an odd year filing and 8 is an even year filing.) The last number of your USDOT number indicates the month. You have until the last day of the assigned month to file your MCS-150 form to avoid penalties.

The following last USDOT numbers map to the following corresponding month:

• 1 = January
• 2 = February
• 3 = March
• 4 = April
• 5 = May
• 6 = June
• 7 = July
• 8 = August
• 9 = September
• 0 = October

Let Transportation Compliance Service Help With Your MCS-150 Form and Updates

Working with our Compliance Specialists, you’ll have access to a vast amount of experience and knowledge to help navigate your filings and updates, keeping your trucking business compliant and operating successfully. Let us help you with your MCS-150 Form Biennial Update today!