Is Your MCS 15 Up to Date?

This Friday's Idealease safety bulletin discusses how to properly mark your CMV, looking out for signs of a stroke, and IRS updates on commercial clean vehicle tax credits. Access the entire bulletin here. Remember to sign up for the weekly bulletin and receive it directly in your inbox! Stay informed on the latest safety news, tips, and information! Need a PDF version to download and share, download here! 

The FMCSA requires all interstate carriers tp file a MCS-150 or MCS-150B, when and if a safety permit is required. This needs to be filed every 24 months based on the last two digits of the US DOT number. The last digit of the US DOT number dictates the month and the second to last digit dictates the year. If the second to last digit is even you report in even number years, an odd digit, you report in odd number years.  Now if there has been a change to your operation, increase in units, change of address, etc. you can file at any time and is recommended.  You can file your MCS-150 online, fax or mail. A motor carrier that submits similar information to a State as part of its annual vehicle registration requirement under the Performance and Registration Information System (PRISM) complies if it files this information with the appropriate State commercial motor vehicle (CMV) registration office.  The Motor Carrier Identification Report, Form MCS-150, and the Combined Motor Carrier Identification Report and HM Permit Application, Form MCS-150B, with complete instructions, are available from the FMCSA website: (Keyword "MCS-150" or "MCS-150B"); from all FMCSA Service Centers and Division offices nationwide; or by calling 1-800-832-5660.   The report can be updated online at www.fmcsa.dot.gov or by faxing the form to the FMCSA at 703-280-4003.   

So, how do I determine when the last time my MCS-150 was updated?

One easy way is to go to the FMCSA safer website.

Enter your DOT # then look at your company snapshot.  You will see your “FMCSA Form Date” on the left side of the report.
If it is older than two years…. update your MCS-150 ASAP. You can update it right from the above snapshot by hovering your cursor over FMCSA Form Date and click on the link.

1. When am I required to file a biennial update?
2. The compliance date for this requirement (49 CFR 390.19) occurred November 1, 2013. Filing schedule:  Each motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must file the appropriate form at the... Date Updated: 06/23/2020
3. Is an entity required to file a biennial update if there is no change to its information?
4. Yes. All entities with a USDOT number are required to file a biennial update every two years according to the prescribed schedule, by the last day of the month. You can file a biennial update... Date Updated: 03/31/2020
5. Will entities be notified before a biennial update is due?Yes. Beginning November 1, 2013, FMCSA is issuing a warning letter by mail to the address on file at least 30 days in advance of a biennial update deadline.Date Updated: 09/24/2019
6. Can I go into my local FMCSA Division office to update my US DOT number?No, MCS 150 updates must be done either online, fax or by mail: Online: If your USDOT number is active, you can   begin the online update process. By email:  You can upload a signed... Date Updated: 01/25/2018
7. How do the biennial update changes in the URS rule affect motor carriers, HMSP applicants/holders, and intermodal equipment providers?Very little. Motor carriers, Hazardous Materials Safety Permit applicants/holders and intermodal equipment providers are already required to update their registration information every 24 months... Date Updated: 11/21/2017
8. How do you complete the biennial update? Biennial updates can be completed online, by email, by mail, or by fax. Online: If your USDOT Number is active, you may update your registration online. Detailed instructions are... Date Updated: 05/05/2017
9. What are the penalties for failure to submit the biennial updates?Failure to complete biennial updates to FMCSA will subject the entities to civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day with a maximum penalty of $10,000. Certain for-hire carriers of passengers and... https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/updating-your-registration#biennial-updates.

Frost Laws in 16 states and 9 Provinces

https://www.customtruck.com/blog/frost-laws-with-the-spring-thaw-comes-fresh-rules-for-specialized-trucks-heavy-commercial-vehicles

Spring weather often creates driving challenges. Specifically, the change in ground temperature can damage roads and vehicles and result in "roller coaster" rides from "wavy roads."

Consequently, motor carriers need to monitor the many state and provincial spring weight restrictions or risk damage to the road and/or the rig.

Be Ready for an Alternate Route

To preserve the integrity of the roadways, many states impose seasonal weight restrictions as early as late February and some lasting into May.

As drivers travel through regions that are experiencing spring thaws, they need to watch for posted signs indicating allowable weights. Signs may also indicate a reduced speed limit.

Trip planning may involve visiting some state websites to know if a specific highway is accessible to your vehicles. In addition, if a driver comes upon a weight restriction, he or she will need to find an alternative route, possibly contacting dispatch for assistance.

To ignore postings may result in more than just fines. It may result in damage to the roads, your vehicle, and/or cargo, and could result in an accident if the roadway is difficult to maneuver.  Click here to view the laws in states and provinces.

Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday, March 12th!

- Start now to make sure that all your drivers are aware of the change to daylight savings time in two weeks.  Caution route drivers especially that the amount of daylight will change according to their stops with the change. 
- Also, remember to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as well.
- Most sleep experts recommend a minimum of 7 hours of sleep a night. Many people sleep an average of 40 minutes less Sunday night, March 14th after Daylight Saving Time returns. Plan to avoid being sleepy. Sleep in Sunday morning and nap Sunday afternoon.

Registration is Now Open!

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will host safety seminars again in 2023.  This year's one-day seminar will focus on data available from trucks today about safety, basic safety and compliance, regulation changes, and CSA. The seminars will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers, and NPTC members at no charge.   The seminar provides essential information applicable to both novice and experienced transportation professionals.  Seminars currently available for registration have their venues secured.  If you cannot register for the seminar in your area, check back, as registration availability will be added as the venues are secured.  This information will be updated weekly in this bulletin.  To register for an upcoming seminar in 2023, click on the following link: 

http://www.idealease.com/safety-seminar-registration

FALL SEMINARS (Sept-Oct)

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body.