The Biennial MCS-150 Update: Are You in Compliance? (2024)

You must file your MCS-150 update on a regular basis to maintain your FMCSA compliance.

There are a variety of reasons why motor carriers are required to update their MCS-150 filing. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the update, why it’s important, and how to get it done fast.

What is MCS-150?

The MCS-150, or Motor Carrier Identification Report, is a form filed to obtain and update your USDOT number. Through this form, you provide specific information about your business to the FMCSA, including whether you’re designated as a passenger vehicle or hazardous materials carrier, your mileage, and the number of vehicles in your fleet. This allows the FMCSA to verify that the information associated with your DOT number is correct.

Any motor carrier with a DOT Number is required to file a biennial MCS-150 update. You should also file an update any time something about your business changes, for instance, if you have a new company name or add trucks to your fleet.

File Your MCS-150 Update Now

Why it’s Important to Provide Accurate Information on Your MCS-150

The FMCSA uses the information you file in the report to calculate safety scores according to its safety measurement system, Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA).

The data you provide is used to analyze your safety performance within CSA’s Behavior Analysis & Safety Improvement Categories, otherwise known as the BASICS. Inaccurate data can negatively impact your safety performance scores.

What Happens if You Don’t Update Your MCS-150?

The FMCSA takes this update seriously. Failure to file the update by the deadline could result in a deactivation of your DOT number, along with fines of up to $1,000 a day.

You’ll need to know your DOT number when determining when your update is due, as it is based on the last two digits of your DOT number:

• The second to last number in your DOT Number determines what year your biennial update needs to be filed. If it’s odd, you’re required to file your MCS-150 in every odd-numbered calendar year. If it’s even, then you file in even-numbered calendar years.
  

  For example: If your DOT Number is 5555515, you’re required to file in odd numbered years. If your DOT Number is 5555525, you’re required to file in even numbered years.

• The last number in your DOT number determines what month your biennial update needs to be filed. If your DOT number ends with the number one, you need to file in January. If your DOT number ends with the number two, you need to file in February, and so on.

Updates are due no later than the last day of the month in which it’s due.

How Do I Update My Biennial MCS-150?

If your biennial update is due, or you’ve made any changes to your business since your last filing, you must file your MCS-150 renewal.

At Foley, we make the process simple by filing all the paperwork for you. Click here to file your update quickly and accurately today.