Latest Updates on The FMCSA's URS

We published an article in late September entitled "Top Five Things to Know about the FMCSA's URS." The URS, if you're unfamiliar, is the FMCSA's new program that essentially phases out FF, MX, and MC numbers and uses brokers, carriers, and forwarders' USDOT numbers as the sole method of identification.

Several things have changed since the publishing of our original blog, so we wanted to take the time to update you on the latest URS developments:

The implementation date has been pushed back-- by almost a year.

The URS was scheduled to go into effect on October 23, 2015, but has now been pushed back to September 30, 2016. The FMCSA's reason for delaying the rollout of its new system? Technical difficulties in finishing the IT system required to make the program fully functional.

You'll be able to register online beginning on September 30th, 2016 (pending no more delays).

Once you register you'll need to remember to update your company's information every two years. Your registration deadline is actually contained in the last two digits of your USDOT number-- if the second to last digit in your USDOT number is odd, you'll register in odd-numbered years (and vice-versa for those with USDOT numbers whose second to last digit is an even number).

The final digit in your USDOT number determines in which month you'll need to register. If it ends in 3, you'll need to register in March, if it's 4 you'll register in April, etc. Carriers and brokers must also e-file their insurance and BOC-3 within the URS.

You'll need to visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov/urs to register; the FMCSA will send you a PIN code to submit to register.

MC numbers will be phased out.

New carriers and brokers who apply for their operating authority between now and September 30, 2016, will receive an MC number as well as a DOT number, but MC numbers will not have a legal purpose once the URS goes into effect. Companies are still free to use their MC numbers for marketing purposes and they don't have to be removed from trucks, but the FMCSA encourages carriers and brokers who are purchasing or repainting equipment to leave the MC number off.

URS registration is free for those who already have a DOT number.

New carriers or brokers will have to pay $300 for each needed operating authority and carriers and freight forwarders with vehicles) will be charged an additional $300 safety registration fee.

One last note: your company's authority is currently tied to your docket number but will be transferred to your DOT number (along with your safety data) when you register with the URS, so you need not worry about any loss of operating authority.

As always Logistec/TTS will keep you updated on any further developments regarding the FMCSA's new URS program.