Trucking companies and contractors are required to have a Department of Transportation (DOT) number affixed to the sides of their trucks. Trucks must have these numbers before they can begin transporting materials, and any new company or carrier has to apply for one before it can send motor vehicles out on the road.
Every two years, or biennially, the information associated with this number must be updated. That’s done by filing an updated MCS-150 form. This form gives the government the most current information on your fleet and your company. It ensures that the data available is current and accurate.
What is an MCS-150 form?
The MCS-150 functions as an update to your DOT number. It’s essential that trucking companies fill out their MCS-150 forms correctly to ensure the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has the right information to tally safety scores based on its compliance, safety, accountability measurement system.
Why is Accuracy So Important?
If you do not turn in the right information, this can negatively impact your score. Every company or carrier should file biennially. You should also file a new updated MCS-150 if you:
- Add new trucks to your fleet
- Change the name of your business
- Make any other major changes to your business
When To File MCS-150 Form
Based on your Department of Transportation (DOT) number, you'll need to file your MCS form every 2 years.
- Look at your DOT Number
- Identify the second to last digit of your DOT number
- If the second to last digit of your DOT number is odd- you'll file your MCS form in the odd years. (i.e. 2019, 2021, 2023...)
- If the second to last digit of your DOT number is even- you'll file your MCS form in the even years. (i.e. 2020, 2022, 2024...)
- Identify the last digit of your DOT number: This number represents the month that your biennial DOT number update needs to be filed.
| USDOT Number Ends in: | File By Last Day of: |
|---|---|
| 1 | January |
| 2 | February |
| 3 | March |
| 4 | April |
| 5 | May |
| 6 | June |
| 7 | July |
| 8 | August |
| 9 | September |
| 0 | October |
What Happens If You Don’t Update Your Department of Transportation (DOT) Number With the MCS-150?
If you fail to update your MCS-150 in a timely and accurate fashion, you face a fine of up to $1,000 per day. Additionally, your DOT number may be deactivated, which could cause disaster for your company, possibly shutting down operations.
Where to File Your MCS-150 DOT Biennial Update
You'll need to complete the registration renewal online by requesting a pin from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). From there you can complete the vehicle registration online through the FMCSA registration website.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Biennial Update Assistance From American Carrier Services
Are you having trouble filing your MCS-150 form? Are you worried about getting the form completed correctly and turned in on time? We can help. As a busy manager or owner, you don’t have the time to worry about filling out these forms and you can easily lose track when something like a two-year deadline has passed. Allow American Carrier Services to track these things for you.
We will get your forms finished correctly, and on time so you will not face fines or suspension of your DOT number. We have the experience and knowledge to answer any questions you may have about the forms and what you need to complete them, too. Take this time-consuming task off your plate by contacting our experts for more information.
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