How Do I Update My USDOT Information?

Since the trucking industry requires so much paperwork, you might struggle to keep up with the required updates and deadlines. Among the paperwork you must update is your USDOT details. If you only recently had to register for a USDOT number, you might feel surprised to learn that you must resubmit your information to maintain operating authority. 

When they realize they must regularly update their information, many carriers ask: “How do I update my USDOT information?” Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings outlines the process below. 

Why USDOT Numbers Are Necessary

Every digit of the USDOT number helps officials gauge the carrier’s safety and compliance. Almost all truckers must apply for and procure a USDOT number to identify themselves throughout operations. Even if a carrier aims to operate only within their home state, they may need a number in case a drive detours into a neighboring state or their state requires a DOT number. 

A carrier’s USDOT number permanently belongs to it. If you permanently halt operations, you’ll still have the number attached to your carrier name. Since these digits provide consistent information about the carrier’s status, they naturally need occasional updates to reflect any changes in carrier information. 

How Often Should I Update My Information?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that all carriers update their USDOT information every two years. These biennial updates should reflect:

• Changes to your business name and address
• Changes to your operating authority 
• Changes to your status as a carrier of hazardous materials
• Changes to your fleet size
• Any other changes (FMCA Filings agents can help determine if a change to your business requires an update)

You can also deactivate, reactivate, or reapply for your number during the submission time frame. 

What if you have no changes to report? Even if your business contact information or operations haven’t changed within the past two years, you still need to complete and submit the updated paperwork to avoid significant penalties that could severely limit your authority and ability to operate. 

How Do I Update My USDOT Information?

Updating your USDOT information involves submitting an MCS-150 form. The form you need to submit depends on your trucking company:

• MCS-150: For most motor carriers
• MCS-150B: For motor carriers with a hazardous materials permit
• MCS-150C: For intermodal equipment providers

Understanding which version of the form you need to fill out can be complicated, especially if you recently started your business. For expert help and guidance, contact FMCA Filings.

When you complete the biennial update and submit your MCS-150 form, you can update your information online through FMCA Filings using a streamlined user portal. With this easy-to-use online portal, you simply fill in the following information:

• USDOT number
• USDOT PIN
• EIN or SSN
• Information about your company and fleet

An agent helps you fill out the MCS-150 form and submit it to the FMCSA online.

When Is the Deadline To Submit the MCS-150 Form and Update USDOT Information?

You can determine the deadline to update your USDOT information by looking at your USDOT number. 

• Look at the second-to-last digit of the USDOT number: If it is odd, you need to update your information in years that end in an odd number (2025, 2027, etc.)
• Look at the last digit of the USDOT number: If it is 1, your deadline is January. If it is 2, your deadline is February. This continues for each month; the deadline for USDOT numbers ending in 0 is October. 

For example, if your USDOT number ends in -25, you must update your USDOT information every other May, on even-numbered years.

If you aren’t sure what your deadline is, contact FMCA Filings for help determining when you need to submit your updated USDOT information.

What Happens If I Fail to Update My Information on Time?

If you fail to submit your biennial updates on time, you could incur fines of up to $1,000 for each day you don’t submit. Once those penalties reach $10,000, the FMCSA may deactivate your USDOT number. Without a USDOT number, your trucking company must limit or cease operations until you correct the issue.

If updating your USDOT information sounds complex or you aren’t sure how to do it — or when the deadline is — FMCA Filings can help.

Update All Carrier Paperwork on Time Through FMCA Filings

“How do I update my USDOT information the easy way?”

Submit all your filings through FMCA Filings. Even if you have a USDOT number exemption, you can still reap the benefits of our digital compliance solutions and helpful staff when submitting a variety of other paperwork. We can answer your questions and help with the process to make staying compliant hassle-free so you can focus on your business. 

Contact FMCA Filings today to get started updating your USDOT information