MCS-150 Biennial Update: What It Is, When to File It, and What Happens If You Miss It
If you operate a trucking company, your USDOT number is one of the most important parts of staying compliant with FMCSA regulations.
However, one requirement that often gets overlooked is the MCS-150 Biennial Update. Unfortunately, missing it can lead to your USDOT number being deactivated, preventing you from legally operating.
So, here’s what you need to know.
What Is the MCS-150?
The MCS-150, officially called the Motor Carrier Identification Report, is the form used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to maintain and update information tied to your USDOT number.
Essentially, think of it as your company’s profile with the federal government.
The form includes information such as:
- Company name and address
- Number of trucks (power units)
- Number of drivers
- Miles driven during the previous year
- Types of cargo hauled
- Operating classification (interstate, intrastate, for-hire, private, etc.)
As a result, the FMCSA uses this information to track motor carriers and maintain accurate safety records.
Why Is It Called a Biennial Update?
Simply put, “biennial” means every two years.
Even if nothing about your operation has changed, the FMCSA still requires you to verify your information on a regular schedule.
Nevertheless, many trucking companies assume they only need to file when something changes, such as:
- Adding trucks
- Hiring drivers
- Moving to a new location
- Changing business names
While updates are required when changes occur, you must still complete your biennial filing every two years regardless of whether anything has changed.
When Is Your MCS-150 Due?
Fortunately, determining your filing schedule is fairly straightforward.
Your filing schedule is determined by the last two digits of your USDOT number.
Step 1: Determine the Filing Year
First, look at the last digit of your USDOT number. This digit tells you which years you must file.
| Last Digit | Filing Year |
|---|---|
| Odd Number | Odd-numbered years |
| Even Number | Even-numbered years |
For example, USDOT #1234567 ends in 7, so the carrier files during odd-numbered years.
Step 2: Determine the Filing Month
Next, look at the second-to-last digit. This number determines the filing month.
| Second-to-Last Digit | Filing Month |
| 1 | January |
| 2 | February |
| 3 | March |
| 4 | April |
| 5 | May |
| 6 | June |
| 7 | July |
| 8 | August |
| 9 | September |
| 0 | October |
Examples
For instance:
USDOT Number Ends in 47
- Second-to-last digit = 4 → April
- Last digit = 7 → Odd-numbered years
- Due: April of every odd-numbered year
Similarly:
USDOT Number Ends in 30
- Second-to-last digit = 3 → March
- Last digit = 0 → Even-numbered years
- Due: March of every even-numbered year
When Else Do You Need to File?
In addition to your biennial deadline, you should update your MCS-150 whenever your business information changes.
For example:
- New business address
- New phone number
- Increase or decrease in trucks
- Increase or decrease in drivers
- Changes to operating authority
- Changes to the types of cargo you haul
- Changes in operating status
By keeping your information current, you can avoid compliance issues and inaccurate safety data.
How Do You File the MCS-150?
The easiest method is filing online through the FMCSA website.
Before you begin, you’ll need:
- Your USDOT number
- Your FMCSA PIN
If you’ve lost your PIN, request a replacement from the FMCSA as soon as possible. Since PINs are typically mailed, waiting until the deadline can create unnecessary delays.
Although filing by mail or fax is still possible, online filing is generally the fastest and most convenient option.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Unfortunately, ignoring your MCS-150 can create serious problems.
1. Your USDOT Number Can Be Deactivated
Most importantly, the FMCSA may place your USDOT number into an inactive status if you fail to complete the required update.
Consequently, an inactive USDOT number can prevent you from legally operating and may result in enforcement action if you continue hauling freight.
2. You May Face Fines
In addition, federal regulations allow penalties for failing to file required updates or providing inaccurate information.
Civil penalties can reach:
- Up to $1,000 per day
- Maximum penalties up to $10,000
3. Brokers and Shippers May Stop Working With You
Furthermore, many brokers and shippers verify carrier information before assigning loads.
As a result, an inactive USDOT number can:
- Delay load approvals
- Trigger compliance concerns
- Cause lost business opportunities
- Impact relationships with customers
4. Insurance Issues Can Arise
Likewise, insurance companies often monitor carrier compliance.
Therefore, a deactivated USDOT number may raise questions during renewals, audits, or underwriting reviews.
How Do You Reactivate a Deactivated USDOT Number?
Fortunately, reactivation is usually straightforward.
In most cases, you simply submit the overdue MCS-150 update and correct any missing information.
Once processed, the FMCSA typically restores your active status.
Even so, it’s much easier to stay compliant than to deal with operational interruptions after a deactivation.
Quick Compliance Tips
To avoid missing your next deadline:
✅ Check the last two digits of your USDOT number
✅ Mark your filing month on your calendar
✅ Set reminders several weeks in advance
✅ Keep your FMCSA PIN in a secure location
✅ Update your MCS-150 anytime business information changes
✅ Verify truck counts, driver counts, and mileage before submitting
Bottom Line
Ultimately, the MCS-150 Biennial Update is a simple filing requirement, but overlooking it can lead to USDOT deactivation, fines, lost loads, and unnecessary headaches.
Therefore, know your filing month, update your information whenever changes occur, and complete your biennial filing on time to keep your trucking operation running smoothly.
Finally, if you have questions about trucking compliance or trucking insurance, our team is here to help keep your business protected and on the road.
