MCS-150 & It's Importance
What is the MCS-150 Form?
The Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) contains a company’s information that the FMCSA uses and needs throughout the lifetime of the company. It contains information such as company contact information, what type of carrier you are (intrastate or interstate), what type of goods hauled, mileage for a year along with the number of drivers and power units.
MCS-150 Form Affects
A utilization score is on a scale of 0 to 1.5, with 0 being the worst and 1.5 being the best. This score bases itself on the miles (VMT) reported per power unit (tractor). Anything over 199,999 miles per power unit gives the carrier a 0 utilization. As a result, this makes their Unsafe Driving and Crash scores negatively skewed. Anything under 85,000 miles gives the carrier a less than optimal score. Overall, the miles reported in your MCS-150 affect the Unsafe Driving and Crash BASICs.
Fines
The FMCSA requires an MCS-150 update on a biannual basis (every two years). If the MCS-150 is not updated every two years, the carrier can be fined $1,000 per day, not to exceed $10,000. Therefore, the FMCSA could deactivate your company’s USDOT number. Even if no information changes, one must still update the MCS-150.
When should I Update my MCS-150?
According to the FMCSA filing schedule, “each motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must file the appropriate form at the following times:
- Before it begins operations; and
- Every 24 months according to the following schedule:"
| USDOT number ending in: | Must file by last day of: |
|---|---|
1 | January |
2 | February |
3 | March |
4 | April |
5 | May |
6 | June |
7 | July |
8 | August |
9 | September |
0 | October |
Furthermore, it states that “If the next-to-last digit of its USDOT Number is odd, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider shall file its update in every odd-numbered calendar year. If the next-to-last digit of the USDOT Number is even, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider shall file its update in every even-numbered calendar year.”
For example, what if your USDOT number ends in 12. The one (an odd number) indicates the form’s dues date is every odd year, while the two indicates the carrier is due in the month of February. Therefore, you should file your MCS-150 form in February of 2021, 2023, and so on.
How to Update my MCS-150?
Having a professional look at your Motor Carrier Identification Report filing regularly allows you to maximize your Unsafe Driving and Crash BASICS. Also, it prevents any shutdowns and fines. Although the FMCSA recommends filing online, other options include:
- Scan and upload a completed, printed and signed MCS-150 to our web form
- Filling out, printing and signing a copy and mailing it to the FMCSA
- Faxing a signed copy to: 202-366-3477
If you require professional assistance with filing the Motor Carrier Identification Report, contact Marquee Insurance Group’s incredible partner, CDL Consultant (888-224-2019).
