Is Your Motor Carrier Number Going Away?

Motor Carrier Number. MX numbers. FF numbers. Soon, they'll go. Soon all interstate motor carriers will require a single identification number for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) registration procedure. Learn more about the reason for this change and who will be affected, how to keep compliance and when you should do something about it.

What is the reason for this change?

The current process of registration for carriers is complex, requiring various processes and numbers for various types of carriers -Many carriers continue to use paper forms to register their carriers. It can be tedious to monitor individual carriers that use different processes and the government is looking to end outdated paper forms.

The FMCSA's brand newly launched Unified Registration System (URS) simplifies and streamlines the process by combining multiple processes, numbers, and forms into one electronic online procedure. After it's launched it will allow all carriers to be identified by only the USDOT (Department of Transportation) number. This straightforward approach will make it simpler to get operation authorization and ensure compliance. Additionally, it will reduce the cost by an estimated $9.5 million to the FMCSA along with the transportation industry in the coming decade.

Who are the people affected?

All motor carriers operating in interstate commerce and freight forwarders, brokers IEPs HMSP holders/applicants, along with the repair and manufacturing of cargo tanks facilities that fall under FMCSA authority will have to comply.

What actions should I take and what time?

Carriers currently registered in the FMCSA: If you already have an MC USDOT and/or FF, then you do not need to make any changes until. The changes are so significant and extensive that the FMCSA is making it available in phases and registered companies aren't required to change their registration until September 30th, 2016. Keep using the current procedures and forms to request additional registration authority, complete administrative filings, and then update your registration.Specific Entity RequirementsIn the case of a private HAZMAT, or exempt for-hire provider You must show proof of financial accountability beginning December 31 in 2016. Additionally, you should be filing BOC-3 starting December 31 of 2016. New applicants will start providing this information on September 30th, 2016.New Carriers:New applicants to register are required to complete a URS online registration application earlier than December 12th, 2015. Since it will take time to switch between the previous system and the current and only applicants who are new will be able to access the online URS for the time being.

Where can I go to obtain my number?

Online. After the URS has been implemented the paper forms will not be accepted anymore. However, we aren't able to provide you with the URL yet as it's still not fully operational. The FMCSA recently announced an extension of their initial deadline for the website to launch, in light of the necessity to incorporate multiple provisions.

Remember the dates Updates every two years

After you have started using the URS Once you have started using the URS, you must refresh your information every year (every different year). How do you determine which month and year to update your information? The answer is inside your USDOT number. Here are the rules:

If the number next to the last on the number of your USDOT number is unusual and you need to update your information for the calendar year with odd numbers.If the number next to the last in the last digit of your USDOT numbers is odd, then update your information to reflect the even numberCalendar year with a number.To find out the month which you need to update take a look at the number that is the last in the last digit of your USDOT number."1" refers to January "2" refers to February "3" in March and it goes on. Also "0" in October. We've heard what you're thinking. What happens in November and December? Those are double-digit months. But don't worry about it that there won't be any updates during the months that are double-digit.Special exceptions If you alter your address, name, or business type it is required to change your details within 30 days from the date of the change.

It's an issue with the bumper. However, if you don't finish the regular update the USDOT identification number could be removed from the system.

The URS might be confusing, but when it's up and running it will be heading towards an easier, more efficient process. (To learn more about the URS, go to the FMCSA website.)

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