1.

How do the biennial update changes in the URS rule affect motor carriers, HMSP applicants/holders, and intermodal equipment providers?

Very little. Motor carriers, HMSP applicants/holders and intermodal equipment providers are already required to update their registration information every 24 months according to the schedule under 49 CFR 390.19. However, beginning November 1, 2013 these entities may be subject to new enforcement provisions intended to improve compliance with these updating requirements, including civil penalties and the deactivation of their USDOT Number.

2.

When will the URS’s biennial update compliance requirements take effect?

The compliance date for this requirement (49 CFR 390.19) will occur November 1, 2013.

Filing schedule: Each motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must file the appropriate form at the following times:

• Before it begins operations
• Every 24 months, according to the following schedule:

3.

Will entities be notified before a biennial update is due?

Yes. Beginning November 1, 2013, FMCSA will issue a warning letter at least 30 days in advance of a biennial update deadline.

4.

How do you complete the biennial update?

Biennial updates can be completed online, by mail, by phone, or by fax.

• Online: If your USDOT Number is active, you may update your registration online at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/online-registration/onlineregdescription.htm. Go to the “Register or Update Now without Help” section and click on “Online Registration without Help.”
• By mail: Once you have completed the MCS-150 form at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/print-forms/print-forms.htm you must print the completed form and mail it to the address indicated on the form.
• By phone: You can call 800-832-5660 to have a form mailed to you. Once you have completed the form, you can mail it to the address indicated on the form.
• By fax: you can fax your completed form to 703-280-4003.

5.

Can I go into my local FMCSA Division office to update my US DOT number?

No, MCS 150 updates must be done either online, fax or by mail:

• Online: If your USDOT number is active, you can begin the online update process at: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/online- registration/onlineregdescription.htm. Go to the “Register or Update Now without Help” section and click on “Online Registration without Help.” This process requires a credit card for identification purposes (there is no charge).
• By mail: Once you have completed the MCS-150 form at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/print-forms/print-forms.htm, you must print the completed form and mail it to the address indicated on the form.
• Request the form by phone: You can call 800-832-5660 to have a form mailed to you. Once you have completed the form, you can mail it to the address indicated on the form
• By fax: 703-280-4003.

6.

Is an entity required to file a biennial update if there is no change to its information?

Yes. All persons are required to file a biennial update every two years according to the prescribed schedule, by the last day of the month.

7.

What are the penalties for failure to submit the biennial updates?

Failure to complete biennial updates to FMCSA will subject the entities to civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day with a maximum penalty of $10,000. Certain for-hire carriers of passengers and freight, freight forwarders, and brokers may be subject to additional civil penalties as authorized by 49 U.S.C. 14901(a). FMCSA may also deactivate the USDOT Number for any entity that fails to comply with the updating requirements.