FMSCA System Update and Form Changes - July 2023

Many road users and motor carriers keen on following federal regulations have expressed some concern about the recent developments within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. As the federal agency announced the FMCSA System Update in July 2023, there was mention of several new changes in the way they handle and process information. This specifically pertains to MCS-150 and MCSA-5889 forms, but before your stress levels rise about the possibility of having to change your company's operations, read on.

The federal agency has yet to clarify all relevant details in these changes, and FMCA Filings is here to help. Our experts can leverage their many years of experience to help everyone navigate these confusing changes, just as we’ve assisted countless companies nationwide in understanding how to stay on the right side of the law.

Below, we share how this crucial update could look once the FMCSA implements the changes.

What Is the MCS-150 Form?

The MCS-150 form stands for Motor Carrier Identification Report, and the form plays a critical role in regulating interstate logistical operations within the United States. The FMCSA system update hasn't affected this crucial form's basic purpose — at least not yet.

The MCS-150 form still contains vital information about a company, including owner information, fleet details, and location data. The FMCSA requests these details in order to track company operations more easily. Additionally, the Department of Transportation will use it to distribute penalties for safety infractions.

What Are the Changes to the MCS-150 Filing Process?

The FMCSA’s most recent system update does not seem to have eliminated the need for the MCS-150 form. It is prioritizing online form submissions, but you may still be able to file a paper MCS-150 form for a while if you offer a sufficient reason.

However, both the online and paper form contain noticeable revisions, such as:

• Distinguishes between physical and mailing addresses for clarity in the payment section
• Supports Canadian zip codes

These small quality-of-life improvements may be a preview of some larger, positive form-based changes to come.

How Do You Fill Out an MCS-150 Form?

Filing the MCS-150 form is still required for all motor carriers. How do you complete this form on time? All motor carriers need to file or renew their MCS-150 on a biennial basis.

Determining when to file your new MCS-150 form is the same as it was before the update. 

• Check the final digit of your USDOT number. 
• If it begins with 1, you must file in January, and this pattern continues—2 for February, 3 for March, and so on—before returning to the digit 0, which denotes October. 
• Even-numbered final digits correspond to even-numbered years.
• Odd-numbered final digits refer to odd-numbered years.

So, consider “USDOT1627059.” The company in question would need to file its MCS-150 form in September 2023 and again in September 2025.

Do You Need a Driver's License to File MCS-150 Form?

Prior to the FMCSA System Update July 2023, you did not need a driver's license to file the MCS-150 form. However, all applicants, both new and returning, must now furnish a driver's license. The license must also correspond to the company official on the form.

This change aims to help prevent crashes and other safety incidents on the road.

Are There Other Changes Within the FMSCA System?

The July 2023 update has seen the FMSCA completely revamp its internal systems. However, to accommodate this change, they temporarily suspended their PIN resets. There are also other important changes relating to the MCSA-5889 form (this is the official Motor Carrier Records Change Form).

In the meantime, the FMCSA has also announced changes to how they handle filings but have not yet revealed how these changes could affect the public. They may or may not upend major aspects of the filing process.