goodbye MC Number—are You Ready for FMCSA’s USDOT number-Only Era?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is phasing out the Motor Carrier (MC) numbers effective October 1, 2025. From this date moving forward, all motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders will be required to use their USDOT numbers as the only acceptable federal identifier for regulatory purposes.
Why the Change?
The shift stems from FMCSA’s 2013 Unified Registration System (URS) Final Rule and related mandates under the MAP-21. FMCSA intends the change to simplify registration, enhance regulatory oversight, and prevent identity fraud (e.g., "chameleon carriers" that evade safety records by changing MC numbers).
Key Changes by Business Type:
Motor Carriers:
You will no longer receive or use an MC number.
Continue using your existing USDOT number as your primary identifier.
Update all documentation (contracts, marketing, websites) to reflect your USDOT number.
Vehicle markings remain unchanged, using only the USDOT number.
Compliance filings like insurance (BMC-91X), process agents (BOC-3), biennial updates (MCS-150), and annual UCR fees must all reference your USDOT number.
Brokers:
MC numbers will no longer be issued or used; brokers must have a valid USDOT number.
Your $75,000 surety bond (BMC-84/BMC-85) must be filed referencing your USDOT number.
Update contracts, advertising, and broker agreements to list your USDOT number instead of the MC number.
Maintain biennial updates and active bonds to ensure continuous broker authority.
Freight Forwarders:
Replace any use of your FF number with your USDOT number.
Financial responsibility filings (surety bonds, cargo insurance) and process agent designations (BOC-3) should reflect your USDOT number.
Ensure your USDOT number is clearly listed in your customer and carrier documentation.
Action Steps for All Entities:
Verify your current USDOT registration details on the FMCSA SAFER website.
Ensure your insurance, surety bonds, and BOC-3 filings are updated and correctly linked to your USDOT number.
Communicate clearly with your business partners about this transition to avoid disruptions.
Benefits of the USDOT-Only System:
Simplifies your registration and compliance requirements.
Enhances transparency and makes it easier to track safety and authority records.
Reduces fraud by preventing unsafe carriers from repeatedly switching MC numbers to conceal their true identities.
For more information or assistance, visit FMCSA’s URS webpage.
Stay informed and prepared as we approach this important regulatory update.
Disclaimer
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