TRUCKING INDUSTRY GUIDES:
MCS-150 Biennial Update
A Comprehensive Guide for the Trucking Industry
Table of Contents
MCS-150 Explained
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Before we try to understand what the MCS-150 is, let us tell you a little bit about what the USDOT number is.
Have you ever noticed a number at the side of most vehicles and trucks on the highway that are traveling interstate?
Well, that number is the United States Department of Transportation number (USDOT#), a unique identifier that is given to every single commercial vehicle. This number is given by the FMCSA and it helps to track and monitor important information like safety info, compliance reviews, and crash investigations if your truck had any.
You could think of the USDOT number as your digital footprint because it helps the authorities keep tabs on every single trucking company moving on the highway. Now you might be wondering, where does the MCS-150 come in this?
The MCS-150 is a specific form used for the biennial update (every two years) of the USDOT number registration. This update is a must-follow requirement for anyone who has a USDOT number, whether they are motor carriers, brokers, or freight forwarders. But why do we need to update the information every two years? This helps the regulators update all the information related to your USDOT number and make sure that it’s accurate. It covers critical details such as the number of vehicles operated, miles traveled, and the nature of the carrier’s operations.
What is the MCS-150 Form For?
When you fill out your MCS-150 form, you’re not just ticking boxes. It’s like a report card for your trucking business, and here’s why it matters:
The government uses the FMCSA to take all the information from your MCS-150 about your business and assign you a safety score. It’s part of their Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program. This score helps them see how safe your operations are.
They break it down into seven categories, known as BASICS(Behavior Analysis & Safety Improvement Categories), to figure out how you stack up against other trucking companies.
- They check if your drivers are behaving on the road – no speeding, texting, or reckless driving.
- Makes sure that your drivers are qualified by looking at their records, like licenses and medical certificates.
- Checks if you’re following the rules about how long drivers can be on the road. Overworked drivers can lead to more fatal accidents on the highway.
- Looks at how well you’re keeping your trucks in shape with inspections and maintenance records.
- Making sure no one’s driving under the influence, checking test results and compliance.
- Examines your history of accidents, using reports and data.
- If you deal with hazardous stuff, they want to be sure you’re following safety rules, checking records, and training.
Updating My MCS-150 Biennial Information
A U.S. DOT Number never expires, but the Department of Transportation requires filing an update in three specific cases:
- Before carrier operations begin.
- Within 30 days of any change in your company status (e.g.: number of drivers trucks or trailers, phone number, address)
- Once every two years on a month and year indicated by your U.S. DOT Number per schedule.
How Do I Know When My MCS-150 Is Due?
While most of the carriers know that they need to submit the MCS-150 report every two years, they don’t know the ‘WHEN’ to do it. That’s because there is no specific date set by the regulations, but they have set criteria to follow.
- Take a look at the DOT number of your fleet or carrier.
- Find the next-to-last digit of the number and check if it’s even or odd.
- If the next-to-last number of your DOT number is odd, then you will file your MCS-150 form in the years that end with odd numbers like 2013, 2017, 2023, and 2025.
- If the next-to-last number of your DOT number turns out to be even, then you will file the MCS-150 in even years like 2022, 2024, and 2026.
| The Last Digit of your USDOT Number | MCS-150 Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
|
1 |
January |
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2 |
February |
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3 |
March |
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4 |
April |
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5 |
May |
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6 |
June |
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7 |
July |
|
8 |
August |
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9 |
September |
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10 |
October |
What Happens If I Don’t Update My MCS-150?
As with any other requirement, if you don’t update your MCS-150 on time, you will be in hot water with the authorities. The worst that could end up happening is that the FMCSA will consider all your MCS-150 information as outdated and irrelevant. The result? Your business will now have the tag of “inactive” everywhere your fleet goes. The inactive status is the last thing you want on your business operations because this will only lead to more fines. Your operating authority might even be revoked, so always keep track of the MCS-150 information that you’re submitting.
As a last step, the FMCSA will deactivate your USDOT number and fine you with civil penalties that range from $1,000 per day to $10,000.
Who Needs to File a Biennial MCS-150?
- Trucking Companies:
- If you’re running a company that moves goods or people using big trucks across state lines, you’re on the list.
- Owner-Operators:
- If you’re a one-person show, driving your own truck for business across state lines, it’s time to fill out the MCS-150.
- Freight Brokers:
- Even if you don’t drive trucks yourself but play matchmaker, connecting shippers with carriers, you’re in the game.
- Freight Forwarders:
- If your business involves organizing shipments, even if you’re not the one physically moving the goods, the MCS-150 is for you.
- Private Carriers:
- Companies moving their own goods or people, but only within the borders of a single state, usually get a pass.
- Trucking Companies:
- If you’re running a company that moves goods or people using big trucks across state lines, you’re on the list.
- Owner-Operators:
- If you’re a one-person show, driving your own truck for business across state lines, it’s time to fill out the MCS-150.
- Freight Brokers:
- Even if you don’t drive trucks yourself but play matchmaker, connecting shippers with carriers, you’re in the game.
- Freight Forwarders:
- If your business involves organizing shipments, even if you’re not the one physically moving the goods, the MCS-150 is for you.
- Private Carriers:
- Companies moving their own goods or people, but only within the borders of a single state, usually get a pass.
How Often Do You Have to Renew Your MCS-150?
The biennial update that you see in the topic means that the report has to be renewed every two years. Make sure you keep track of when you have to update it because missing it could cost your business a lot.
What Does an MCS-150 Form Contain?
What does an MCS-150 form cover?
- Business Info: It starts with the basics – your company’s name, address, and contact details.
- USDOT Number Update: If you’ve got a special trucking ID, the USDOT number, this form keeps it current.
- Operation Details: Describe what you do – moving goods, people, or both? The form wants to know.
- Vehicle Count: How many trucks are in your fleet? The MCS-150 is curious about the size of your road team.
- Miles Traveled: Track how far your trucks have gone.
- Hazardous Materials: If you’re dealing with dangerous stuff, spill the beans. The form checks if you’re following safety rules.
- BASICS Update: Remember those BASICS we talked about? This form is your chance to tell the government how well you’re doing in categories like safety, driving, and maintenance.
- Compliance Check: The MCS-150 is all about making sure you’re following the rules. It’s like a safety check for your business.
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