What is a biennial update, and why must I file?
This information is directly from and in accordance with the FMCSA website:
Biennial Updates – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all entities under its jurisdiction to update their information every two years. You are required to provide this update every two years even if your company has not changed its information or has ceased interstate operations since the last update.
What this means is every company, organization, or entity that has filed for and acquired a USDOT number at any time is required to update their pertinent company information once every two years. Failure to comply with this federal requirement can result in fines of $1,000.00 per day up to $10,000.00 maximum and or loose of operating authority. Even if you are no longer in operation or have gone out of business, you are required to file your biennial update one last time to deactivate your USDOT number.
Why do I have to file my Biennial Update if I just made changes or updated a few months ago?
The due date for your Biennial Update is based off of your DOT number. If you updated a few months ago, then you could have either been late on your last update or changing something like mileage or carrier information. You will still need to do your official Biennial Update within the month it is due to be considered compliant with the FMCSA.
Why should I have the 24Hour FMCSA Compliance Center file the Biennial Update on our company’s behalf?
Navigating the MCS-150 form can be and has been proven to be a daunting task for many DOT number holders. Even the smallest of mistakes such as entering information in the wrong field, not utilizing the correct terminology, or filing at the correct time can result in the biennial update /MCS-150 form being rejected. In these instances, owners and or drivers are under the assumption that they are in compliance because they have submitted the form; however they are not because of the reasons above.
Now they have a bullseye over their cab, and they do not know it. When you are audited, inspected, or randomly stopped by a state trooper and/or USDOT officer, you are liable for fines of $1,000 a day up to $10,000 and/or being but OUT OF SERVICE right there on the spot.
Let’s face it, you can call into the FMCSA for advice on completing and filing your biennial update / MCS-150 ten times and get ten different answers. They are not predictably responsive or proactive.
This is what we do day in and day out, and we can absolutely guarantee that it will be done correctly. As well as give you the peace of mind to focus on your business and not worry about annoying and time-consuming government forms and filing requirements.
What is the cost of the Biennial Update Service?
The investment for our professional biennial update consulting and filing service is a flat rate of $185.00 to make sure it is filled out correctly and filed quickly.
How long does it take to receive confirmation that my Biennial Update has been processed with the FMCSA?
In most cases it takes two to three business days; however, during heavy volume periods it can take up to three to five business days.
Why do I still have to file a Biennial Update if I am no longer in business?
The FMCSA requires you to file your biennial update one last time to deactivateyour USDOT number. If it is not completed, you still stand the chance of being audited and fined for not being in compliance. The requirements for completing the form under these circumstances differs greatly from a regular biennial update filing. Our compliance processing agents are experts in this area and will ensure it is done correctly and your USDOT number is deactivated.