Biennial Update
(also know as BU or MCS-150 update)
Once you complete your application an agent will be assigned to complete your application. The agent will review your application and verify the information is correctly submitted. Please note that the agent may reach out to you via phone or email to verify information about your business so please make sure you provide us with contact information that is most accessible to you.
What are the Fines And Penalties For Non-Compliance?
- You risk being fined $1,000 per day up to a maximum of $10,000.
- The FMCSA can deactivate your USDOT number.
Are You Going Out of Business or No Longer Using Your USDOT number?
Shutting Down Operations
You should file “Out of Business” within 30 days of going out of business or if you are still in business but no longer using your USDOT number. The only way to deactivate your number is by filing an MCS-150 form. You cannot just call the FMCSA and tell them you are no longer using it.
Need to know
Update Every Two Years
A carrier must provide this update every two years - even if the company has not changed its information, has ceased Interstate operations since the last update, or is no longer in business, and you did not notify the FMCSA
When Are Biennial Updates Due?
If the next-to-last digit of your USDOT number is odd, you file in odd-numbered years. If it is even, you file in even-numbered years. The last digit tells you the month it is due; 1: January, 2: February, 0: October.
UPDATES
Any changes/updates that occur outside your required biennial update month and year, such as adding or removing drivers or vehicles, are considered an “Update.” You should file an Update within 30 days of the change happening.
VMT Outdated
This can easily be overlooked when filing your biennial update.
If you fail to update your “Vehicle Miles Traveled,” you will be flagged as “VMT outdated” in the FMCSA’s database. Accurately reflecting your mileage is extremely important because it is used to calculate Crash Indicator Behavior Analysis and Unsafe Driving and Safety Improvement Categories or “BASICs” percentiles. Incorrect information can negatively affect your Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores, which could negatively impact your insurance premiums.
Reactivation
If you previously filed “Out of Business” or were deactivated by the FMCSA and want to start using your number again you will need to file an MCS-150 form to “Reactivate” your USDOT number.
Edit Update
Any time information changes regarding your business operation, such as the business address, phone number, business name, or other details, you should promptly update your USDOT with FMCSA by filing an Edit.
Filing Your Biennial Update
Can Be Simple!
- The last two digits of your USDOT number determine your renewal date.
- Have all the necessary information required to complete the form. Including the combined estimated mileage on ALL CMVs from the previous 12 months.
- Remember, the biennial update is the MINIMUM requirement if nothing changes with your operation. Still, you must file an Edit if anything changes between your biennial filings.
Am I Exempt From Filing A Biennial Update?
For private, exempt for-hire, and for-hire motor carriers of passengers or cargo, there are currently NO exemptions from filing a biennial update (this includes Ag-exempt farmers). If you have a USDOT number, you must keep it up-to-date OR file an “Out of Business” if you are no longer using it. Even if you find out you don’t NEED a USDOT number, if it’s active in the FMCSA database, you must update or deactivate it.
Brokers and freight forwarders are NOT required to file the biennial update every two years. If you have any changes, such as a name or address change, you must file a 5889 form.
Need to know
Biennial updates are not due based on the “anniversary” date of when you received your USDOT number but are due every two years as determined by the last two digits of your number. That means it is possible to get your USDOT number and have to file your BU a few months later.
Even if nothing has changed with your business since your last filing, you must still file your BU when it is due.
The FMCSA requires that they be notified within 30 days of ANY change of operation between filing dates (e.g., address, phone number, driver or vehicle changes, or operation changes).
Failure to notify the FMCSA of any changes may subject you to fines and deactivation of your USDOT number.
Have You Checked For Inaccuracies?
Inaccurate Information Can Cost Big Money!
If any information filled out by you on the form is incorrect or you leave out any information, it can negatively impact your business. In the following situations, you will need to submit a new updated MCS-150 form.
- Whenever you add a new truck or vehicle to your fleet
- Whenever you change the name of your company
- When you make other significant changes in your organization or structure
FAQs
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is an agency in the United States Department of Transportation that regulates the trucking industry in United States.
You do not need to keep your DOT Number Active but need to notify FMCSA if you go out of business.
Yes! FMCSA is required to update their information every two years under its jurisdiction.
Yes! After deactivation of your DOT number, you can reactivate if your TAX ID for your business has NOT Changed.
If you, a) Transport federally regulated commodities owned by others or arranging for their transport, (for a fee or other compensation, in interstate commerce. b) Transport passengers in interstate commerce (for a fee or other compensation, either direct or indirect.
In these circumstances, you are required to have an interstate Operating Authority also known as MC NUMBER in addition to a DOT NUMBER.
FMCSA also operating authority is often identified as an MC, FF and/or MX number, depending on the type of authority granted. Unlike the USDOT Number process, a company may need to have multiple operating authorities to support its business operations.
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requires ALL entities in its jurisdiction to update information every 2 years. Even if NO information has been changed, has stopped interstate operations since the last update, or NO longer in Business and you have not informed FMCSA.
Yes! FMCSA states it’s a must to participate in random drug and alcohol testing.
Everyone with a Commercial Driver License also short for CDL who operates a vehicle that is over 26,000 lbs. or passenger vehicle with a 16 or more capacity.
a) Follow up required of random testing after the employee returns to duty.
b) If returned to duty after previous positive test
c) If there is reasonable suspicion determined by supervisor
d) If no previous negative drug test on file
e) Required after any fatality, moving violation citation with disabled vehicle and/or moving violation citation and medical treatment from previous existing accident.
Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005, it replaces the former system for registering and collecting fees from the operators of vehicles engaged in interstate travel.