What is this DOT Biennial Update?
Basically speaking if you are a FMCSA regulated entity (private and for-hire motor carriers of passengers and freight, freight forwarders, brokers, intermodal equipment providers, hazardous materials safety permit applicants/holders, and cargo tank facilities) you have a DOT number issued by the FMCSA. When you applied for this number you filled out an MSC-150 or MSC-150B. This document provided details about your business. The FMCSA requires you to fill out an MSC-150 or MSC-150B every 24 months in order to update your information with the government.
Do you need to file a DOT Biennial Update?
If you hold a USDOT number then you do need to file your biennial update.
When do you need to file a DOT Biennial Update?
Generally speaking you are required to file a DOT Biennial Update every 24 months. The FMCSA has set out a schedule for filing based on your DOT number. The FMCSA uses the last two digits of your DOT number which will give you the year and month you are required to file by.
Examples of using the DOT Biennial schedule:
If your DOT number is 0000056
- The second to last digit is a 5 so you file every odd number year, for example 2013, 2015, 2017.
- The last digit is 6 so you have to file before the end of June every odd year.
If your DOT number is 0000068
- The second to last digit is a 6 so you file every even number year, for example 2012, 2014, 2016.
- The last digit is a 8 so you have to file before the end of August every even year.
I have been in business for years and never filled this out why all the fuss now?
While you may have been in business for years and never filled out your DOT Biennial update before you were required to. This has always been the law, it was just not enforced before. Recent changes to the law have now added fines, penalties and revocation of your DOT number for failure to file entities that did not exist before. These changes came into effect November 1, 2013.
What are the penalties for not filing your DOT Biennial Update:
According to the FMCSA you could be subject 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. In other words, you should be sure you are in compliance today!
Even if there are no changes to your business you still have to file!
How can you find out when you filed your last MSC-150 or MCS-150B?
You can go to this website enter your company name, USDOT or MC/MX number and you will see a snapshot of your operations. You will see a section MSC-150 Form Date which shows the last recorded filing. If you filed a MSC-150 or MSC-150B recently by mail or fax this may not be updated for a couple of months as the paperwork crawls through their systems.
How to file your DOT Biennial Update:
There are four ways to file:
- First and fastest way is online. You will need a PIN issued by the FMCSA. If you do not have a PIN you can request one. Canadian carriers be warned, mail coming from the US into Canada takes around 10 business days to get to you.
- You can download forms here and fill them out and mail them to the FMCSA.
- You can use the downloaded forms, fill them out and fax them to the FMCSA.
- Use a service provider such as PSTC. We are always happy to help! Contact us to see how we can help.
You can not go to your local FMCSA office.
Final thoughts:
Note about emails going around. There is a company that spams emails out to all DOT holders warning them about biennial updates and failure to comply notices. They look much like they are coming from the FMCSA or other government agency. They are not and should NOT be confused with real emails being sent out by the FMCSA. This company does offer services to update your DOT number at a cost. There are cheaper and free ways to file if you choose.
The FMCSA does email a warning letter to businesses that may face revocation. The email headings are:
From: usdotfmcsa@service.govdelivery.com
Subject: URGENT: Action Required for Your Biennial Update
The following image is on top of the email:
I hope I have answered most of your questions about filing your DOT Biennial Update. If you have any more please leave a comment below or click the link below to contact us.
For more information regarding this please visit these FMCSA websites:
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