Did you know that all carriers under FMCSA jurisdiction must file their MCS-150 form every two years?
This crucial requirement isn’t just a formality – it’s a legal obligation with serious consequences for non-compliance.
Proper filing helps carriers maintain FMCSA safety compliance and ensures accurate information is reported on every biennial update.
When Do You Need to File?
Your filing schedule is determined by your DOT number:
- Year of Filing: Look at the second-to-last digit of your DOT number.
- Odd number: File in odd years
- Even number: File in even years
- Month of Filing: The last digit of your DOT number determines your filing month:
- 1: January
- 2: February
- 3: March
- 4: April
- 5: May
- 6: June
- 7: July
- 8: August
- 9: September
- 0: October
Note: There are no filings in November or December.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to complete your MCS-150 biennial update can result in:
- Deactivation of your DOT number
- Civil penalties up to $1,000 per day
- Delays in maintaining FMCSA MCS-150 compliance and insurance coverage
Incorrect or late filings can also cause issues with your Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores, insurance rates, and operating authority.
How to Stay Compliant
Stay on top of your paperwork and safety practices:
- Keep your business details updated on your MCS-150 form
- Follow truck driver safety best practices to avoid violations
- Regularly check your FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) score
Final Reminder
Don’t risk your business — mark your calendar and ensure timely filing of your MCS-150 update.
Remember, staying compliant keeps you on the road and your business moving forward.
For more help understanding FMCSA MCS-150 filing, authority renewals, and safety tips for semi-truck drivers, visit DriverAdvantage.com or reach out to our team today.