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August 11, 2021

MCS 150 Solutions: Keep Your Fleet DOT Compliant

As an employer or independent owner-operator in the transportation industry, there are rules and regulations you need to comply with. For you to keep your vehicles on the road, you must judiciously follow the rules and regulations set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Failure to do so may lead to the deactivation of your USDOT number and also face penalties of up to thousands of dollars. Of all the things you need to do to stay compliant with FMCSA’s rules, the MCS 150 filing is one of the most important. Unfortunately, some motor carriers don’t have complete information about this filing.

 

In this article, we will cover everything you may not have known about the MCS 150 filing, to give you a clear picture of what’s all about.

 

What is the MCS 150 Form?

 

If you are operating in the transportation industry, it is expected that you have a USDOT number. Without this number, there is no way you can run a trucking business in the US.

 

After getting your USDOT number, there are other things you need to do from time to time to stay compliant with FMCSA. One of such is the MCS 150 filing.

 

MCS 150, also known as Motor Carrier Identification Report, is a filing that has to do with updating your USDOT number. Through this form, FMCSA will get clear information about your business.

 

This information could include the number of vehicles in your fleet, what your vehicle is designated for (whether passenger carrier or hazardous materials vehicle), and your mileage.

 

By filing this information, it makes it easy for FMSCA to authenticate whether the information connected with your USDOT number is accurate.

 

As long as you are a motor carrier and have a DOT number, you are required to file an MCS 150 update every two years. That is why it is called the biennial MCS 150 update.

 

You should file for an update regardless of whether there are changes or not. If you add more trucks to your fleet, change your business name, or whatever, you need to file an MSC 150 update and your information must be accurate.

 

Why You Must Ensure All The Information You Are Providing Is Accurate?

 

You must provide accurate information about your business because FMCSA uses the information to determine your safety scores. FMCSA has a new safety calculation system known as Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA).

 

With the information you provide, FMCSA can use the CSA measurement system to analyze your scores. Giving inaccurate data can have a negative impact on your safety performance score, which is something every employer or owner-operator must try to avoid.

 

For you to file for the update, you need to have your USDOT pin and USDOT number. However, if you don’t have it, the authorities can send it to you via mail within a week from the time of the request.

 

When Is The Right Time To File My MCS 150?

 

This is a common question most people ask. Not knowing when to file your MCS 150 can make you not being compliant with FMCSA rules and regulations. To know the deadline for the submission of the form, your USDOT number will help out. The two last digits on your USDOT number signifies the date for the deadline.

 

The last number tells you the month to file your information, while the number before the last tells you whether you will be filing every odd or even year. Let’s look at an example below for a clearer picture.

 

Assuming the last two digits of your USDOT are 63. The “3” signifies the month you need to file your information (in this case, it is March). You can only file from January to the last day of October. January is 1, February is 2, September is 9, and October is 0.

 

As for the next number which is 6, it is an even number. This means that all your filing will be done every even year.

 

What Happens If You Fail To File The Biennial MCS 150?

 

If you intend to run a successful business in the trucking industry, then failing to file the biennial MCS 150 update is never an option.

 

It doesn’t matter where you made any significant changes or not, you have to follow the rules of FMCSA to stay compliant and run a successful business.

 

If for any reason, you fail to file the biennial MCS 150 update, the consequences can cost you your business. The first is that your USDOT number might be deactivated. Secondly, you may be subjected to fines and penalties to the tune of ten thousand dollars.

 

Of course, no one wants to find himself in such a non-compliant state because it could be the end of your business.

 

Nevertheless, staying compliant with all the rules of FMCSA is never easy for employers and owner-operators in the trucking industry.

 

It takes a whole lot for business owners to run their day-to-day businesses and at the same time keep all the policies of FMCSA. This is where DOT Compliant Group comes as a bailout for trucking companies.

 

DOT Compliance Group Can Handle Your MCS 150 Filing

 

At DOT Compliance Group, we are committed to assisting employers and owner-operators in the trucking industry. We understand what it takes to stay compliant with FMCSA’s rules and regulations. Many trucking companies have ceased to exist because of their inability to stay up-to-date with the complex rules of USDOT.

 

To take away the frustration that comes with the biennial MCS 150 filing and other registrations in the transportation industry, DOT Compliance Group got you covered.

 

We have a team of experts that are always ready to help out with any registration. We have been in this business for quite a long time and understand what it takes to stay compliant all the time.

 

All you need is just to put a call through to us and we will be glad to handle all your worries in your trucking business.

 

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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