Biennial Update (MCS-150)
Every motor carrier is required to update their details with FMCSA every two years.
Biennial Update (also know as BU or MCS-150 update)
Are you filing the update as mandated?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires private, exempt for-hire, and forhire motor carriers of passengers or cargo to update their information every two years based on the last two digits of their USDOT Number. Even if your business has had no significant changes in the past, ceased interstate operations since the last update, or is no longer in business, you must file this update.
However, 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.
What are the Fines And Penalties For Non-Compliance?
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
When Are Biennial Updates Due?
Edits
VMT Outdated
Edit Update
Reactivation
Filing Your Biennial Update CAN Be Simple!
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:
The following are things you need to be aware of:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I just got my USDOT number a few months ago. Why am I getting calls, emails, and letters telling me I am out of compliance and need to file my biennial update?
In other words, the biennial update is not due based on the anniversary date of when a carrier received the USDOT number but is due every two years as determined by the last two digits of their USDOT number. The last digit tells you what month it is due in (8=, the month of August,) and the Next to the last digit tells you if you file in an odd or even year (5= an odd number, so you would file in August of odd-numbered years.)
Why am I getting calls, emails, and letters telling me I am out of compliance and need to file my biennial update? I've only had my USDOT number for a few months, and I know I don't have to file my update until I've had my USDOT Number for two years.
In other words, the biennial update is not due based on the anniversary date of when a carrier received the USDOT number but is due every two years as determined by the last two digits of their USDOT number. The last digit tells you what month it is due in (8=, the month of August,) and the Next to the last digit tells you if you file in an odd or even year (5= an odd number, so you would file in August of odd-numbered years.)