How Often Should Trucking Companies Update Their MCS-150?
Maintaining accurate information with federal regulators is an important responsibility for every trucking company. One of the most commonly overlooked compliance requirements is updating the MCS-150 form, which keeps a carrier’s information current in the federal database.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all motor carriers with a USDOT number to periodically update their company information using the MCS-150 form, also known as the Motor Carrier Identification Report.
Failing to meet MCS150 update requirements can lead to serious consequences, including deactivation of your DOT number, which prevents your company from operating legally.
This guide explains when trucking companies must update their MCS-150, why it matters, and how to stay compliant.
What Is the MCS-150 Form?
The MCS-150 form is used to update a trucking company’s information in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database.
This form helps regulators maintain accurate records about motor carriers operating in the United States.
Information reported on the MCS-150 includes:
company name and address
contact information
number of drivers
number of vehicles
type of cargo transported
operating classification
mileage data
This information is used to monitor safety performance and determine which carriers may require additional oversight.
How Often Must Trucking Companies Update the MCS-150?
According to MCS150 update requirements, motor carriers must update their MCS-150 at least once every two years, even if no company information has changed.
This requirement applies to all motor carriers with an active DOT number.
This update is known as the biennial update.
Carriers must submit this update every 24 months based on the last digit of their DOT number.
How the MCS-150 Biennial Update Schedule Works
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration assigns a schedule for MCS-150 updates based on a company’s USDOT number.
Two factors determine the update deadline:
The last digit of the DOT number
Whether the second-to-last digit is odd or even
In general:
Odd second-to-last digit → update in odd-numbered years
Even second-to-last digit → update in even-numbered years
The last digit determines the specific month the update must be filed.
Last Digit of DOT Number 1 - Update Month January
Last Digit of DOT Number 2 - Update Month February
Last Digit of DOT Number 3 - Update Month March
Last Digit of DOT Number 4 - Update Month April
Last Digit of DOT Number 5 - Update Month May
Last Digit of DOT Number 6 - Update Month June
Last Digit of DOT Number 7 - Update Month July
Last Digit of DOT Number 8 - Update Month August
Last Digit of DOT Number 9 - Update Month September
Last Digit of DOT Number 0 - Update Month October
Understanding this schedule helps ensure your trucking company stays compliant with MCS150 update requirements.
When Else Must You Update the MCS-150?
In addition to the required biennial update, trucking companies must update their MCS-150 whenever certain company information changes.
Common situations requiring an update include:
change of company address
change in company name
increase or decrease in fleet size
change in number of drivers
change in type of cargo transported
change in operating authority or classification
Updating this information promptly ensures the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has accurate data about your operations.
What Happens If You Don’t Update Your MCS-150?
Failing to meet MCS150 update requirements can result in enforcement action.
If the biennial update is not submitted on time, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration may deactivate your USDOT number.
When a DOT number becomes inactive:
the carrier is not legally allowed to operate
roadside inspections may result in out-of-service orders
brokers and shippers may refuse to work with the carrier
Restoring an inactive DOT number can delay operations and cause unnecessary business disruptions.
How to Update Your MCS-150
The MCS-150 form can be updated through the FMCSA online portal or by submitting the form electronically.
Steps typically include:
Access the FMCSA registration system
Locate your company using the DOT number
Update company information
Submit the updated MCS-150 form
Once submitted, the updated information becomes part of the federal motor carrier database.
Tips for Staying Compliant with MCS-150 Update Requirements
Many trucking companies miss MCS-150 updates simply because they forget the deadline.
Here are a few ways to stay compliant:
Set calendar reminders
Track your next biennial update deadline.
Review company information annually
Ensure driver counts and vehicle counts remain accurate.
Maintain organized compliance records
This makes it easier to update information quickly.
Conduct routine compliance checks
Review regulatory obligations throughout the year.
Staying proactive helps avoid costly compliance problems.
Why Accurate MCS-150 Information Matters
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration uses MCS-150 data to calculate safety scores and prioritize compliance reviews.
Accurate information ensures regulators have the correct understanding of your company’s operations.
Maintaining up-to-date information can help trucking companies:
avoid compliance violations
maintain an active DOT number
reduce the risk of enforcement actions
operate without interruption
Final Thoughts
Meeting MCS150 update requirements is a simple but critical part of DOT compliance.
Trucking companies must update their MCS-150 every two years and anytime major company information changes.
Keeping this information current helps ensure your DOT number remains active and your business stays compliant with federal regulations.
Need Help Managing DOT Compliance?
Many trucking companies struggle to keep up with regulatory requirements like MCS-150 updates, driver qualification files, and safety audits.
A Plus Compliance Group helps trucking companies manage compliance requirements, including:
MCS-150 biennial updates
driver qualification file management
DOT drug and alcohol consortium enrollment
audit preparation and compliance monitoring
Working with a compliance partner can help ensure your trucking company remains compliant and focused on running your business.