The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed a revised and greatly simplified registration system that would apply to all “private or for-hire motor carriers transporting property or passengers in interstate commerce,” as well as freight forwarders and brokers.

The only exception would be carriers domiciled in Mexico and operating between Mexico and points in the U.S. beyond the commercial zones along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The agency published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for its “Unified Registration System” in the May 19, 2005, Federal Register. (Docket No. FMCSA-97-2349.)

According to FMCSA, the system would simplify the registration process by requiring that carriers complete only one form, which would be known as the MCSA-1 — FMCSA Registration Form.

Under the new system, only one identification number would be needed — the USDOT number. MC, MX and FF numbers would no longer be issued, and current MC, MX, and FF numbers would be phased out within two years of a Final Rule's effective date.

Carriers would be required to provide updated information every two years. Electronic filing, while not mandated at this point, would be strongly encouraged.

The deadline for submitting comments is Aug. 17, 2005. Any of the following methods may be used:

  • Online at www.regulations.gov or dms.dot.gov

  • Fax: 1-202-493-2251

  • Mail: Docket Management Facility, DOT, 400 Seventh St. SW, Nassif Bldg. Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001

  • Hand delivery, address above



Be sure to include docket number on all comments.