What Is the MCS-150 Form?

Truck drivers' registration and load booking processes frequently include the term “MCS-150” or the “MCS-150 form.” This form isn’t just another piece of paperwork: It ensures that legal procedures are followed while companies maintain adherence to federal regulations. Drivers who aim to expand their trucking operations will benefit substantially from understanding the requirements and management of the MCS-150. The article explains the fundamental aspects of the MCS-150 and why it is crucial for operations.

Defining the MCS-150 Form

The FMCSA requires the Motor Carrier Identification Report, or MCS-150 form, to obtain or renew your USDOT number. This document functions as a registration mechanism that supplies essential operational information about motor carriers to the agency. 

Once you submit the MCS-150, the FMCSA uses your business information to calculate a safety score via its Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) program. The FMCSA collects information from state-reported crashes, roadside inspections, and investigation results. It then connects the information to a USDOT number, which is a distinctive identifier for each commercial carrier.¹

The report is the fundamental document allowing FMCSA to oversee safety data and enforce industry regulations. All commercial vehicle operators engaged in interstate commerce must complete this process.

Why Is an MCS-150 Form Needed?

The MCS-150 is a legal document. Anyone who operates a commercial vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds or drives across state borders is required to have an active USDOT number is required, and this form is needed to obtain or renew it.¹ Not filing or updating it on time can cause a business to incur penalties, like fines, or even lose its operating authority. 

How to Submit an MCS-150 Form 

The MCS-150 can be filed in two ways: online and on paper. Most carriers opt to use the FMCSA website since it is faster and more convenient. The procedures are as follows: 

1. Collect Required Data: This includes, but is not limited to, the USDOT number (if it has already been assigned), business information, and details on trucks and drivers. 
2. Complete the Form: The form requests information like annual mileage and whether hazardous material is being transported (this usually doesn’t apply to car haulers).
3. Submit: Online filing involves a few clicks, while paper submissions require mailing the form to the FMCSA’s Washington, DC office.

New carriers use the MCS-150 to obtain their initial USDOT number while existing carriers must update it biennially (every two years) or whenever significant operational changes occur, like adding vehicles to the fleet.¹ Neglecting these updates can lead to an inactive USDOT number, stopping operations until it gets corrected.

MCS-150 Updates and Requirements

The FMCSA mandates biennial MCS-150 updates based on the last two digits of a carrier’s USDOT number.³  For example, DOT numbers ending in 1 require updates by January 31st of odd years, while DOT numbers ending in 2 are due by February 28th, and so forth. Missing this deadline risks deactivation of the USDOT number, which can stall business activities.

Updates to the MCS-150 are required outside the biennial cycle if major changes occur, such as relocating the business or expanding the fleet.² Staying on top of these updates ensures uninterrupted operations and compliance and will prevent delays during inspections or load bookings.

Broader Implications for Truck Drivers

The MCS-150 can impact a carrier’s reputation and safety standing. Gpros Law, a firm that specializes in trucking regulations, writes that the data submitted affects an operator’s CSA score.³ Shippers and brokers use this score as benchmark when selecting carriers, so a well-maintained MCS-150 establishes trust and opens doors to better opportunities.

The form also supports industry-wide safety efforts. The FMCSA uses MCS-150 data to identify trends and address risks, such as recurring violations among car haulers, leading to safer roads for all operators.

The MCS-150 ensures legal compliance and operational credibility. Staying on top of filings keeps carriers on the right side of regulations and competitive in the market. 

Work With ACV Transportation 

Once you have your documentation—like the MC150—in order, it’s time to get on the road and move some loads. 

If you are an auto hauler, ACV Transportation can easily fill your schedule with solid loads locally, regionally, or nationwide. Our Free Loadboard lists thousands of jobs daily.  Even better, ACV Transportation haulers get paid quickly (normally within 5 days of submitting a BOL and even faster if you use the Carrier by ACV app). Our dispatch team is there to serve, available 8am–8pm EST weekdays and Saturdays from 8am–5pm EST.  If you’re ready to grow your car transport business, consider partnering with ACV Transportation. 

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Sources:

1.  FMCSA, “Form MCS-150 and Instructions – Motor Carrier Identification Report” (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/form-mcs-150-and-instructions-motor-carrier-identification-report)
2. DAT, “All About MCS-150” (https://www.dat.com/resources/all-about-mcs-150)
3. Gpros Law, “What Is MCS-150?” (https://gproslaw.com/what-is-mcs-150/)