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June 1, 2022

Guide to Securing Your MX Carrier Number Now

If you are a trucking company/carrier and want to understand the cross-border operating requirements for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers, you have come to the right place. The following section should be able to answer all your queries including how to get an MX number and what the requirements and process for MX number application are. Let’s begin:

What Is MX Number And What Is Its Importance?

The Form OP-1(MX) is used to apply for or register for the MX number. According to the FMCSA, it is mandatory for every Mexican carrier company to register for the relevant Motor Carrier Authority if they want to operate in the US and beyond its many municipalities and commercial zones. If you as a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier are in the process of applying to the FMCSA with a Form OP-1(MX), you must not have a conditional or unsatisfactory safety rating from the USDOT or your application will be rejected.

Who Needs A MX Number?

If you are a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier and want to enter the U.S. to do business, you must have an FMCSA-assigned MX number. This is a necessary document that the FMCSA issues. It is equivalent to a certificate of registration or you can consider it as an operating authority of sorts that allows you to operate in the US. You must also have a valid USDOT Number along with it.

How To Get A MX Number – In A Gist

Understanding Your MX Number And Your Certificate Of Registration Along With US DOT Number

It is going to take you a little bit of time to obtain your MX number or operating authority. It depends on the application that you have submitted. You can obtain your US DOT number online quite easily. You will have to submit a complete application form for the purpose. It will take around 4 weeks to get issued. There is also a thing called long-haul operating authority registration which is your OP-1 MX number (more on this later). Your application should take at least 4 to 6 weeks to get processed.

MX Number Requirements – A Brief Overview

If you are a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier, you will need an MX number in case you decide to cross the U.S. border.  If you don’t have this, you can apply for an FMCSA Certificate of Registration or an Operating Authority and also a USDOT Number.

MX Number Application Process – Things You Should Be Aware Of Before You Apply For It

  • As a carrier, you must submit to and pass a pre-authorization safety audit. When you have completed it successfully, you will be notified of the results. There will be a few requirements that you will have to fulfill while submitting proof of evidence to the federal motor carrier safety administration.
  • After this, the carrier information will be published in the FMCSA register. There is also a 10-day protest period that follows after this and at the end of this period, after your BOC 3 designation of process agent form submission; you will be issued a provisional authority.
  • Make sure that you submit a correctly filled out MX number application only. If it is not filled out correctly, it will be returned to you to make corrections. 

Operating Without Authority? Understand The Repercussions

If you are operating without your MX number or authority, you will be most likely put out of service. As a carrier company, you will be subject to certain fines and penalties as well.

Waiting For Your Certificate Of Registration For Commercial Zone Operations

Yes, you will have to wait for this certificate. If you are a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier, you will have to be there to receive your certificate of registration for commercial zone operations. This is also your provisional operating authority registration for all your long-haul operations. This authority is going to take you beyond your commercial zone. You can only operate in the United States when you have received this documentation from the federal motor carrier safety administration.

Changing The Type Of Authority You Have – For Mexico-Domiciled Carriers

After you obtain your MX number and your operating authority or certificate of registration, you are required to submit a new OP-1 (MX) form or an OP-2 form/application and also pay a fee to obtain a new or change your operating authority.

So these are a few requirements that you should take care of when applying for your Mexican carrier number.

FAQ

What Happens If You Fail a DOT Inspection?

If the vehicle or driver is deemed unsafe, they may be placed out of service, meaning the vehicle cannot operate until all violations are properly corrected.

Who decides which level of inspection to perform?

Both the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have a part in DOT inspection levels. The CVSA develops the criteria and sets the procedures for every inspection level. The FMCSA establishes overall regulations and determines which vehicles must be inspected.

How often do DOT inspections happen?

DOT inspections can happen at any time. They most commonly happen during roadside stops and weigh stations. Carriers with higher risk, poor safety records, or hazardous material may be inspected more frequently.

What documents are required during an inspection?

Documents required during an inspection include but may not be limited to:

  • State driver’s license or commercial driver’s license
  • Medical examiner’s certificate
  • Record of duty status
  • Vehicle registrations
  • Periodic inspections document for all vehicles being operated
  • Shipping papers or bills of lading
  • Information for hazardous materials being transported
  • Proof of insurance

What are common DOT inspection violations?

According to the FMCSA, the 5 most cited roadside violations are:

  1. False Report of Driver’s Record of Duty Status: log falsification providing inaccurate or intentionally altered duty-status information.
  2. No Record of Duty Status (ELD Required): using a commercial vehicle without the required electronic logging device or valid time records.
  3. Inoperable Required Lamp: crucial lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.) are not functioning properly.
  4. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  5. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without Proof of a Periodic Inspection: failure to meet FMCSA the maintenance standards of a required annual inspection.

Why is updating VMT important for compliance?

VMT is tracked to determine fuel tax obligations (Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax) used for road maintenance and improvements. Trucking companies must keep accurate records of VMT to ensure they pay the correct amount of taxes.

How often should VMT be updated?

For motor carriers VMT must be updated every two years along with the MCS-150 form for the Biennial Update.

Can VMT be tracked automatically with technology?

Yes, Electronic Legging Devices (ELDs), Fleet Management Apps, and Mileage Tracking Software are all technological advancements that can simplify the process of VMT tracking.

How does VMT affect taxes and fuel reporting?

Accurate VMT records help document mileage for business-related tax deductions, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. It also supports fuel tax reporting by tracking the miles each vehicle travels in different jurisdictions, which is essential for state and federal fuel tax calculations. Proper tracking reduces errors, prevents penalties, and provides a clear record of operational costs.

How do I know when my Biennial Update is due?

  • Your filing schedule depends on the last two digits of your USDOT number. The last digit corresponds with what month the form needs to be filed in. January is 1, February is 2, March is 3, etc. The next to last digit determines the year (odd-numbered year or even numbered year). For example, DOT number 1234567 files their biennial update in July (7) of every even year (6). Contact us today to see if you’re due.

Does the Biennial Update cost money to file?

While you can file your Biennial Update yourself for no cost through FMCSA. The process can often be confusing and time-consuming. Our team can handle your filing for you, simplifying the process for you.

Do intrastate carriers need to file the update?

Yes, even if carriers stay within state lines, a biennial update is still needed for their USDOT number.

What happens if I miss my filing deadline?

  • Failure to complete biennial update to FMCSA can be subject to fines with a maximum penalty of $10,000. If your update is past due, you can still file it to restore your compliance status. Contact us today to file your form! https://dotcompliancegroup.com/bu-update/ 

What are the new FMCSA rules in 2025?

  1. Civil Penalty Amount Increases
  2. Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Becomes Exclusive Source for checking driver history.
  3. ELD Technology Required
  4. SMS (Safety Measurement System) Modernization
  5. Crash Preventability Determination Program Expanded

When do the 2025 FMCSA regulations take effect?

The confirmed dates these regulations take effect is May 30, June 23, October 1, 2025.

How can trucking companies prepare for these changes?

Regularly reviewing your Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores and maintaining personal checklists for inspections, driver qualification files, and drug and alcohol testing helps catch issues before they affect audits. Partnering with DOT Compliance Group streamlines filings, reporting, and ongoing monitoring, taking the guesswork out of FMCSA regulations and keeping your operation audit-ready year-round.

What Triggers a DOT Compliance Review?

A DOT compliance review is triggered when FMCSA wants to ensure a carrier is following safety regulations. Common triggers include high SMS safety scores, a history of crashes or violations, and previous noncompliance. Staying proactive with accurate records, driver files, and regular internal audits helps reduce the likelihood of a review.

Where can I get help with FMCSA filings?

DOT Compliance Group can assist with any help or questions you may have about FMCSA filings. Call 972-476-9962.

How long are violations kept on record?

According to the Clearinghouse rules, drug and alcohol violations remain in the FMCSA Clearinghouse for five years, provided all requirements (such as completing the return‑to‑duty process) have been met before that period ends.

What if an employer makes a mistake in reporting?

In practice, correcting an employer reporting error typically involves identifying the mistake in the database and then submitting a request for correction through the Clearinghouse portal or FMCSA procedures, so the record reflects accurate information. 

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

FMCSA rules allow civil penalties for non‑compliance, and separate authorities note that employers who fail to meet Clearinghouse requirements may face civil fines or criminal penalties under federal regulations.

Do trucking companies check the Clearinghouse?

Yes — trucking companies check the Clearinghouse as part of their hiring and compliance process. The FMCSA Clearinghouse is designed so employers can search a driver’s drug and alcohol violation records before permitting them to operate a commercial vehicle. Employers are required to conduct these queries for both prospective and current drivers as part of compliance.

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