Have questions about managing DOT compliance in your business? We can help! Click through the FAQ below for a list of some of the most common questions we get at FCCR. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us and one of our compliance specialists will be happy to assist you.
Biennial Update (MCS-150) FAQ
The biennial update is a requirement set by the FMCSA to update your MCS-150 Form (also called the Motor Carrier Identification Report) every two years, keep in mind some states actually require you to update it every year as part of renewing your truck/fleet registration. You are required to update the form even if no business information has changed.
If you don’t update your MCS-150 form, your USDOT number will be deactivated and you could be faced with a $1,000 fee per day up to $10,000.
The deadline to submit your updated MCS-150 varies based on the last two digits of your USDOT Number. The year you are required to update the form is based on the second to last number of your USDOT number.
- If the number is odd: You file your biennial update every odd-numbered year.
- If the number is even: You file your biennial update every even-numbered year.
For more information visit our Biennial Update Services page.
If you’re planning to update the form, you’ll need your:
- USDOT Number
- USDOT PIN Number
- EIN or SSN
- Company Official information
If you don’t have your PIN number, FCCR can get it for you.
BOC-3 (Form MCS-150) FAQ
BOC stands for (Blanket of Coverage). A Blanket of Coverage is a list of processing agents in every state that sends and receives legal documentation on behalf of the company or individual.
A BOC-3 is required to successfully complete your Motor Carrier Authority or Freight Forwarder filings.
To file your BOC-3, you need to choose your BOC-3 processing agents. In most cases, it’s going to be easiest for you to do this with a “Blanket Legal Entity,” which is essentially a company that can represent you in all 50 states, leaving you free to operate your business as you wish. This is also the most cost-effective way to move forward, as you don’t have to waste time finding different BOC-3 agents and paying their various fees.
Once the BOC-3 form has been properly completed and filed electronically with the FMCSA, they will issue operating authority and mail the document to you. Normally, operating authority documents are sent out within 3-4 business days. If 10 or more business days have passed since the grant date and you have not yet received the operating authority document, you can contact the FMCSA.
You may act as your own process agent within your base state only. You must have a physical address where services of process can be received during regular business hours.
You should refile your BOC-3 any time there is a name change, transfer of authority, or another change to the details you provided on your BOC-3.
California Authority FAQ
Any person or business entity that is paid to transport property in their motor vehicle regardless of vehicle size or weight. Those who transport property for pay are deemed a ‘For-Hire’ motor carrier.
Any person or business entity operating a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more, either for business or personal use. Persons operating such vehicles are deemed a ‘Private’ motor carrier.
The Carrier Identification number (CA#) (Also known as a California DOT Number) is issued exclusively by the California Highway Patrol as part of their Biennial Inspection of Terminals (BIT) Program and is used as the Motor Carrier Permit number. Not all motor carriers who require a motor carrier permit need to participate in the BIT Program.
No. The single point of contact for all matters related to the MCP program is the Registration Operations Division located at DMV Headquarters in Sacramento, California. The MCP Operations Unit is not open to the public.
However, there is a public drop box labeled “Motor Carrier Permit” at:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Building West Lobby
2570 24th Street
Sacramento, CA 95818
A Seasonal MCP, commonly referred to as a Seasonal Permit, can be issued to an intrastate motor carrier operating on a “For-Hire” basis for a period of no less than six months, but no more than 11 months in a 12 month term.
Seasonal carrier fees are based on the size of the fleet and are comprised of the Safety Fee plus one twelfth of the Uniform Business License Tax (UBLT) for each month the MCP is valid, along with the full Carrier Inspection Fee (CIF). Seasonal carriers will pay the CIF only once in their seasonal term. Extensions can be requested for a fee of $5 plus one-twelfth of the UBLT based on the fleet size per additional month of operation in the seasonal term. A seasonal MCP cannot be issued to an Interstate motor carrier.
Yes, all motor carriers are required to provide proof of compliance with California’s Workers’ Compensation laws. Submit one of the following or certify on the Application for Motor Carrier Permit (MC 706 M) that you are not subject to California workers’ compensation laws:
- A Certificate of Insurance (MC 65 M).
- A Certificate of Insurance electronically submitted by the State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF).
- A Certificate of Consent to Self-Insure issued by the by the director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) of the Office of Self-Insurance Plans (OSIP).
- A signed exemption statement, stating that in your operations as a motor carrier you do not employ any person in any manner so as to become subject to the workers’ compensation laws of California.
For additional information regarding Workers’ Compensation requirements and laws, go to Department of Industrial Relations or call them at 1-800-736-7401.
Under the BIT program, the CHP selects terminals for inspection based on the available carrier performance data or the commodity transported. Carriers must maintain and make available for inspection vehicles and records at the terminal(s) inspected as required by the California Vehicle Code (CVC) §§34501 and 34501.12.
Trailers are included in BIT inspections but are not considered when identifying vehicles for payment of MCP fees.
No. The transportation of U.S. Mail or freight containers, whether empty or loaded, has been deemed interstate commerce. If you are under contract with the United States Postal Service (USPS) and transport only U.S. mail or if you only transport freight containers, you are not subject to MCP requirements even if all your transportation is conducted in California.
Operating as a motor carrier of property without an MCP is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than three months, or both. CHP may also confiscate and impound your vehicles. Penalties may also be assessed when applying for an MCP (RTC §7236).
The DMV reviews all carrier records on an on-going basis.
Driver Qualification File FAQ
The Driver Qualification File is a 10-15 page document that is mandated by the FMCSA that contains the Motor Vehicle Report of each driver, previous employers, the experience of the driver and much much more.
The Driver Qualification File, or D.Q. File., is an FMCSA record-keeping requirement that trucking companies must meet for every employed driver. Even if you are your trucking company’s only driver, you will still need a D.Q. File for yourself.
There’s no way to erase these types of violations, so you may be cited if it’s caught by an auditor. To minimize the damage, show a good faith effort to comply. Don’t try to hide the violation as it’s considered falsification. You may want to document in the file that you know about the violation and have taken steps to correct it.
- At time of hire
- Annually
- For CDL drivers, within 15 days of every exam
- §391.23, §391.51
Our goal for each client is 100% compliance. Our compliance specialists will work with you to get your files into compliance in the best timeline for your company.
Owner-operators are responsible for employer as well as employee responsibilities since they are both the driver and the motor carrier. There are requirements that the “driver” needs to meet (e.g., have a current medical card, driver’s license, etc.), and other requirements that the employer must meet (e.g., document maintenance and random testing program participation, etc.).
Yes. Driver Qualification Files must be produced on demand. Producing Driver Qualification Files after the completion of the review does not negate a record keeping violation.
Driver Qualification Files relate to the class of vehicle, not the type of license. Per 49 CFR Part 391, Driver Qualification Files must be maintained for anyone who operates a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). In 49 CFR Part 390.5, a CMV is defined as a vehicle involved in commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, of 10,001 pounds or more, or that is designed to transport more than 8 people for hire or more than 15 people not for hire, or that transports hazardous materials in a quantity that requires placards.
Drug and alcohol information should be kept in a separate confidential file with limited access.
Drug and Alcohol Testing FAQ
A Drug and Alcohol Consortium is mandated by the FMCSA for anyone that has a CDL and includes an initial pre-employment drug and alcohol test. After the initial testing, the applicant is put into a consortium or pool of testing for applicants that are selected randomly 1-3 times yearly to ensure that they aren’t operating under the influence of any substances.
This is for safety-sensitive employees who operate commercial motor vehicles requiring a CDL, including mechanics who test-drive trucks that require a CDL to operate.
When are drug and alcohol tests required?
Tests are normally required under these four circumstances :
Pre-employment – When an employee is first hired and prior to operating a vehicle, you must have negative test results showing you tested the individual and that the results were negative.
Reasonable suspicion – Every company must have at least one supervisor who has been through a DOT approved training program that helps them recognize when someone may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When a person with the required training observes behavior or appearance that is characteristic of substance misuse, they can require that person to be tested prior to operating a vehicle.
Random – All safety-sensitive employees who are required to be drug tested must also be part of a random drug and alcohol testing pool. Personnel are randomly selected from that pool to be tested and must do so when selected.
Post accident – A driver is required to be tested for alcohol within 8 hours and for drugs within 32 hours after all accidents involving a fatality or any accident when the driver’s performance could have contributed to the accident.
Urine samples are tested for the following drugs:
- Marijuana (THC metabolite)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates (including heroine)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Monoacetyl (Morphine)
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
Motor carriers are required to maintain records showing compliance with the drug and alcohol regulations. The FMCSA conducts audits of motor carriers on a regular basis. If your company is part of a safety audit or a focused or comprehensive compliance review you will most likely be required to provide the auditor with that documentation.
The driver must immediately be removed from any responsibilities and can’t return to safety-sensitive duties until he or she has been evaluated by a substance abuse professional, as complied with recommended rehabilitation, and has a negative result on a return-to-duty drug test. The driver will also have to participate in the follow-up testing to ensure he or she continues to stay clean from drug or alcohol use.
If the driver has a legitimate prescription for the drugs and the use is within the parameters of the prescription, the driver will be fine. The driver will just need to provide proof of the prescription to the medical review officer who reviewed the test results. The testing can tell if the driver is using the drug at the prescribed level or if the drug use is higher than what was prescribed.
A DOT auditor will usually ask for some or all of the following:
- A copy of the contract if you are a member of a consortium.
- Documentation showing all safety-sensitive CDL drivers for the company are members of the random pool.
- The company Drug and Alcohol policy booklet.
- Driver information booklet.
- All pre-employment, random, post-accident and reasonable suspicion test results.
They occasionally will ask for a report from your consortium showing the percentage of random tests that were conducted for the previous year.
Each driver must receive a copy of your company’s drug and alcohol policy.
FMCSA Clearinghouse FAQ
The DOT Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will give safety-sensitive employers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs), and State law enforcement personnel real-time information about drug and alcohol violations for CDL/CLP drivers.
If you are one of the following parties, you must register for the Clearinghouse:
- Safety-sensitive employer Consortia/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA) Medical Review Officer (MRO) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
- CDL/CLP drivers will also need to create an account IF they want to check their Clearinghouse record for accuracy or if they need to consent to a full query. All other parties must have an account registered prior to the January 6, 2020 compliance deadline.
All safety sensitive drivers that are required to participate in a DOT drug and alcohol testing program will be impacted by the Clearinghouse – as will their employers.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Interstate and intrastate motor carriers, including passenger carriers School bus drivers
- Construction equipment operators
- Limousine drivers
- Municipal vehicle drivers (e.g., waste management vehicles)
- Federal and other organizations that employ drivers subject to FMCSA drug and alcohol testing regulations (e.g., Department of Defense, municipalities, school districts)
The Clearinghouse will be operational on January 6, 2020. All DOT drug and alcohol violations that occur once the Clearinghouse goes into effect will be reported to the Clearinghouse and entered on the driver’s record. Employers will also be required to run both a pre-employment Clearinghouse query on all new drivers prior to hiring them. They’ll also be required to run an annual query on all drivers throughout their employment.
Because of the sensitive nature of the information contained in the database, access is limited to those involved in the DOT drug and alcohol testing process.
The only parties that can (and will be required) to use the Clearinghouse are:
- Safety-sensitive employers
- CDL drivers Consortia/Third-Party Administrators
- Substance Abuse Professionals
- Medical Review Professionals
When you’re setting up your employer account, you’ll have the opportunity to search for (and designate) your TPA. If you can’t find yours when creating an account, you should give them a call to ask when they’ll be registered. Like employers, all TPAs will need to be registered before January 6, 2020.
Employers of CDL drivers are required to report the following information to the Clearinghouse:
- An alcohol confirmation test result with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater
- A CDL driver’s refusal to submit to a Department of Transportation (DOT) test for drug or alcohol use
- Actual knowledge, as defined in § 382.107
- The negative RTD test results
- The date the driver successfully completed all follow-up tests as ordered by the substance abuse professional (SAP)
DOT regulations require employers who have actual knowledge of a driver’s drug and/or alcohol use to report those violations to the Clearinghouse. Violations may also be reported by a C/TPA working on the employer’s behalf.
As defined in Regulation 382.107 an actual knowledge violation is, “based on the employer’s direct observation of the employee, information provided by the driver’s previous employer(s), a traffic citation for driving a CMV while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, or an employee’s admission of alcohol or controlled substances use.”
Yes. If you are an owner operator, you will not be allowed to report refusals to test to the Clearinghouse for yourself. All owner operators are required to work with a Third Party Administrator to report these violations on their behalf.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) FAQ
Anyone who registers a heavy highway motor vehicle in their name with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more must file Form 2290 and pay the tax. Typically, owners of vans, pickup trucks, panel trucks, etc., are not required to file or pay tax on these smaller trucks. Vehicles that are used for 5,000 miles or less (7,500 for farm vehicles) are required to file a return but are excluded from paying the tax.
Yes. You can claim a credit for the tax paid on the next Form 2290 you file in the same or next tax period. The credit may not be more than the tax you are reporting on Form 2290. Or, you can claim a refund of the tax paid on Form 8849, Schedule 6, Other Claims. The amount depends on when the vehicle was sold, destroyed or stolen. See the Form 2290 instructions on how to figure your credit.
Yes. If you already paid the tax on a vehicle you used for 5,000 miles or less, you can claim a credit on the first Form 2290 you file for the next tax period. Or, you can claim a refund on Form 8849, Schedule 6, Other Claims. However, a credit or claim for this refund cannot be filed until the next tax period.
A credit, lower tax, exemption or refund is not allowed for an occasional light or decreased load or a discontinued or changed use of a vehicle.
Gross weight is calculated by adding these three things:
- The unloaded weight of the vehicle fully equipped for service.
- The unloaded weight of any trailers that you use in combination with the vehicle, fully equipped for service.
- The weight of the maximum load customarily carried on the vehicle and on any trailers customarily used in combination with the vehicle.
The HVUT tax year runs from July 1 to June 30, and the tax is pre-paid for the coming year. For vehicles that are in use by July 1, the deadline to file and pay is August 31.
If the gross taxable weight is from 55,000 to 75,000 pounds, the tax is $100, plus $22 per 1,000 pounds over 55,000 pounds. For vehicles over 75,000 pounds, the tax is $550 per year.
We recommend keeping a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 on your vehicle, especially if you are crossing international borders (Canada / Mexico). Border patrol will check that you have a current stamped Schedule 1 before allowing you back into the United States.
Without this proof of payment, you will be unable to renew your tags at the DMV or renew your registration for IFTA, IRP, or UCR. Without it, you’ll be operating illegally, so your registration may be suspended.
Intrastate Authority FAQ
Operating authority is a term used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and other state transportation agencies to describe a grant of legal permission to engage in for-hire transportation by a motor vehicle.
A motor carrier is said to conduct interstate commerce if the vehicle, its passengers, or cargo cross a State boundary. Intrastate commerce is trade, traffic, or transportation within a single State.
Common authority is for carriers that provide for-hire transportation to the general public. Common carriers must file both liability insurance and cargo insurance. Contract authority is for carriers that provide for-hire transportation to specific individual shippers, based on contracts. Contract carriers are only required to file liability insurance. Broker authority is for a company who arranges for the transportation of cargo belonging to others for compensation utilizing for-hire carriers. Brokers are required to file a $10,000 surety bond.
IRP stands for International Registration Plan and consists of your apportioned tag / base plate and cab card. It is required for vehicles with a GVW (gross vehicle weight) of over 26,000 lbs that cross state lines. Registration is done through your base state and you must select the other states you plan to operate in.
IFTA stands for International Fuel Tax Agreement and is required for vehicles with a GVW (gross vehicle weight) of over 26,000 lbs that cross state lines.
New York, New Mexico, Oregon, and Kentucky all have special permits they require for certain types of motor carriers. Depending on your type of vehicle and operations, you may be required to obtain these permits.
If you already have a DOT Number and are hauling loads in one state, going from intrastate commerce to interstate commerce is relatively easy! You can use your DOT Number and apply for your interstate operating authority and pay the appropriate filing fee.
Motor Carrier Authority FAQ
Anyone who operates (Interstate) from state to state with anyone else’s property other than their own are required to have a Motor Carrier Authority. If you carry passengers across state lines, you’re also required to have a Motor Carrier Authority.
After filing for your Motor Carrier Authority, you’ll be required to attach a BOC-3 and your insurance agent will attach your required insurance coverage.
If both of these steps are taken within 21 days, your application will go into review and will typically be accepted within 3 business days after the initial 21 day waiting period.
After your MC# is accepted, you will receive a Certificate of Authority in the mail within 7-10 business days and at which point you’ll be able to operate under your new MC#.
Sometimes, in addition to a USDOT Number, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that a trucking company has an MC Number, which is a type of operating authority as well.
If you are a new applicant and do not have a USDOT Number yet, you will be registered through Unified Registration System (URS). In this case, you will need to wait for 20 – 25 business days to get your operating authority. If you are already registered and have a USDOT Number and just want to add operating authority, the process takes longer.
This is another type of operating authority that is required for Mexico – domiciled motor carriers. If you are crossing the U.S. border, it is a must to have a valid FMCSA authorized MX Number and a FMCSA Certificate of Registration for commercial – zone operations. The time it takes to obtain an MX Number differs, depending on the application submitted and the means by which the application is submitted.
When you register for an MC Number, the FMCSA is going to require you to choose a type of Motor Carrier (MC) authority. These include:
Motor Carrier of Property (Property Motor Carrier) – An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier transports regulated commodities (except household goods) for the general public in exchange for compensation.
Motor Carrier of Household Goods (Moving Companies) – An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier transports only household goods for the general public in exchange for compensation. Household goods are personal items that will be used in a home.
Motor Passenger Carrier Authority (Passenger Carrier) – An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier transports people by bus, van or limousine for compensation.
Property Broker (Freight Broker) – A person or company who arranges other people’s property transportation (excluding household goods) for compensation by using a motor carrier.
Household Goods Broker (Household Goods Broker) – A person or company who arranges other people’s household goods transportation for compensation by using a motor carrier.
All motor carriers and freight brokers providing interstate commerce will have a “MC” label prefixed to their operating authority.
No. You cannot transport regulated commodities in interstate commerce until you have obtained your MC Number (FMCSA Authority) certificate/permit and received your appropriate state registrations. Simply applying for your MC Number is not enough. You must wait for the FMCSA to issue your MC Number certificate and/or permit.
Motor carriers seeking operating authority (MC Number) must obtain insurance policy with an MCS-90 endorsement from their insurance provider. This endorsement allows for federal filings of insurance, such as BMC-91/91X (liability) and BMC-34 (cargo).
New Business Entity FAQ
LLCs are a simple and inexpensive way to protect your personal assets and save money on taxes.
You should form an LLC when there’s any risk involved in your business and/or when your business could benefit from tax options and increased credibility.
By starting an LLC for your trucking company, you can:
- Protect your savings, car, and house with limited liability protection
- Have more tax benefits and options
- Increase your business’s credibility
Choosing the right business structure depends on your business’s unique circumstances and needs. However, unless your business is very low risk (like a hobby), an LLC is likely the better option.
The cost of an LLC depends on which state you form your LLC in. The primary cost of forming an LLC for your trucking company is the state filing fee. This fee ranges from $40 to $500 depending on your state.
How LLC owners pay themselves depends on how the LLC is taxed, the number of members, and any agreements regarding profit sharing and sweat equity.
Limited liability protection is one of the benefits of an LLC. It means that the owner’s personal assets are protected if the company is sued or goes into debt.
Using a dedicated business banking account for your trucking company is essential for personal asset protection. When you mix your personal and business accounts, your personal assets (e.g., your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
The corporate veil describes the limited liability protection (sometimes referred to as personal asset protection) provided by corporations and LLCs. If the corporate veil isn’t properly maintained, the corporation or LLC might lose its limited liability protection.
No. A single-member LLC is a type of limited liability company, which is different from a sole proprietorship. Unlike sole proprietorships, a single-member LLC is formed by filing organization documents with your state government office. Single-member LLCs are legal business structures that offer liability protection, branding, credibility, and privacy that a sole proprietorship doesn’t.
New Employee Identification Number (EIN) FAQ
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, identifies a business with a series of 9 digits. It helps the IRS track and file taxes for a business entity. It functions very similarly to a Social Security number, but instead of an individual, it applies to a company. When you file for an EIN, you’ll need to supply the IRS with your SSN. This connects you to the business and marks you as the responsible party. Responsible parties are usually the owner. The responsible party oversees the business in all its movement of funds and assets.
You need a Tax ID (EIN) Number for your trucking business for a variety of reasons. The first and biggest reason you need the Tax ID (EIN) Number is so you can report and pay all your appropriate taxes. All your business income needs tracking and the IRS uses your number to determine where you have had business activity, what revenue you take in, etc.
You also need to have a Tax ID (EIN) Number when you have employees, to process and pay appropriate payroll taxes. The Internal Revenue Service Tax ID (EIN) Number is important for payroll taxes, and also important to do pretty much any other type of business. If you need to open a business checking account, for example, you will need the Tax ID (EIN) Number.
You can get a Tax ID (EIN) Number for your trucking business using the standard methods we detail above. The online application process is the easiest mechanism to use to get the Tax ID (EIN) Number. You can also use the standard mail and fax platforms to have the processing done and number generation complete. The other options which the Internal Revenue Service allows are the phone application method.
The length of time it takes to get a Tax ID (EIN) Number will depend on how you do the application. When you apply over the Internet you can expect to have the Tax ID (EIN) Number in-hand in a matter of minutes. When you apply via fax, expect it to take a few days. Applying via the mail will likely take a few weeks. The way in which you apply will largely dictate how long it takes to get the number.
Compliance with the Internal Revenue Service is a must for every business owner. You want to take time to be sure you are doing everything you need for the IRS, meeting their expectations. One of their requirements, obtaining the Tax ID (EIN) Number for tax reporting purposes, is integral. Take your time to get your business up and running proper rather than falling behind. Your nine-digit, unique Tax ID (EIN) Number will help pave the way for an IRS compliant and successful business path forward.
An EIN benefits sole proprietors, or independent contractors, in a few ways. First, it adds a professional touch to your business. If you use your SSN for business, you force clients to deal with your taxes. When you cross a certain threshold, a client may have to withhold taxes. However, an EIN ensures only you deal with your taxes. Potential clients prefer less hassle.
Second, an EIN protects your personal SSN from potential identity theft and fraud. As an independent contractor, your clients require a tax ID number. An EIN keeps your SSN secure by minimizing its use. Identity thieves target social security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns and receive a tax refund in your name. An employer identification number limits the exposure of your SSN.
Texas Authority FAQ
The TxDOT number refers to having an official Texas Department of Transportation number. This is a number that gets issued for almost all commercial vehicles across Texas. Any operator that receives a new TxDOT number gets required by law to display it. Operators display their DOT numbers in easy-to-see locations on any registered vehicle. The Texas DMV will tell you where to place your new DOT number on a vehicle.
Remember that a USDOT number and TxDOT number are separate operating authority numbers.
Along with having a USDOT number, everyone who picks up loads in Texas and delivers the same load in Texas has to register for a TXDOT number. There’s some paperwork that needs to be done in order to get your TXDOT number that we would be happy to help you with!
Some people complain that the Texas DOT number registration process can feel stressful. But our firm’s mission is to prevent that from happening to you. That’s why we have created the following TxDOT step-by-step registration guide. It will walk you through how to get either a Texas DOT or Texas DMV number.
Securing new Texas DOT numbers applies to certain carriers. These are carriers that operate intrastate commercial vehicles within Texas. If your company features this type of vehicle, you must register a valid TxDOT number. It is crucial that every carrier register. The vehicle application process is simple and easy. But keep in mind that any carrier must pay a registration fee.
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) FAQ
A Unified Carrier Registration is an interstate (State to State) road tax. A UCR is required for anyone that crosses state lines, even farmers are required to file a Unified Carrier Registration if they cross state lines.
A “commercial motor vehicle” is defined as a self-propelled vehicle (power units only), used on the highways in commerce principally to transport passengers or cargo, if the vehicle: has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds, whichever is greater; is designed to transport more than 10 passengers, including the driver; or is used in transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding.
The UCR application and payment of fees is required annually. The filing notifications are sent to the mailing address shown in the Federal database for your USDOT number.
Three filing years are available at any given time. The current year filing and two previous years will be verified by Motor Carrier Services prior to releasing any registration credential. As a general rule, the upcoming year filing becomes available on October 1.
All participating UCR states are required to allocate the UCR revenue toward safety enforcement efforts. In Idaho, the revenue is transferred to the Idaho State Police, Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement office to fund roadside safety efforts.
The enforcement date is usually January 1.
The data from your UCR filing (done online or through our office) will transmit to the FMCSA Web site, www.safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Under the FMCSA Searches column, click on Unified Carrier Registration, then enter the USDOT number. Each year in which a filing has been completed will be listed.
No credential is issued for UCR. Safety enforcement personnel will verify through the Federal database that you have met the requirement. If you utilize the National UCR online system, you have the ability to print a receipt after the payment has processed. If you mail your application for us to process, you may go to the UCR website and select View Your UCR Information.
The mailing address for your USDOT number may not be current or the notification was lost in the mail. Your USDOT number could also be classified as “intrastate.” Failure to receive a notification does not exclude you from meeting this requirement.
Three calendar years are always active for UCR filings. This is usually the current year and two previous years, however beginning October 1, this will be the previous year, current year and upcoming year.
You are only required to file for the correct number of vehicles at the time the filing is done. If your overall vehicle count changes during the year, you are not required to amend the current-year filing.
Go to www.ucr.in.gov and select the UCR FAQ link.
USDOT Registration FAQ
The USDOT Number is a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company’s safety information acquired during compliance reviews, audits, inspections, and crash investigations. The USDOT Number is a unique number for your business used to access your company’s safety information. Also, commercial, intrastate, and unsafe material carriers who haul types and quantities requiring a safety permit, must register for a USDOT Number.
Companies or individuals that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate or intrastate commerce, must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number. Additionally, commercial vehicles operating in intrastate “within your state” over 10,001 lbs GVW and hazardous materials carriers who haul types and quantities requiring a safety permit must register for a USDOT Number. Also, each state has different possible requirements, check with your local DMV for further clarification.
Once a USDOT number is obtained, information pertaining to the operations conducted under the USDOT number must be updated at least once a year if interstate operations are involved or at least once every two years if only intrastate operations are involved.
USDOT registration is processed immediately, and USDOT numbers are issued instantly (unless rejected). By-mail USDOT applications take four to six weeks processing time. By-mail applications that are unreadable, incomplete or unsigned will be rejected and returned without the issuance of a USDOT number.
All Mexico-based carriers are required to obtain specific operating authority, regardless of what they transport. For this reason, online USDOT registration is not possible. Mexico-based carriers will need to download and file a MCS-150 and an OP1-(MX) form. Forms will be sent to the FMCSA.
You can also apply over the phone by calling the FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660.
This depends on your state and the cargo you carry. In many states, the answer is yes. In other states, depending on your cargo, you may only need a state identification number. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your home state to determine what kind of identification you will need.
Yes, leasing your services is allowed. You must comply with FMCSR Section 376.11 of the law.
