EDITORS & CORRESPONDENTS:

FMCSA Announces New On-Line Feature To Register

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, (FMCSA) starting September 27, has initiated a new electronic, consumer- friendly process, that allows interstate motor carriers applying on-line for a USDOT number, to receive their individual number instantly. This latest registration feature in FMCSA e- government streamlines a process that previously took up to four weeks to complete. This new registration process complements an e-government function begun earlier this year that allows motor carriers to update their registration information on-line.

All motor carriers operating in interstate or foreign commerce are required to file the MCS- 150 before beginning operation. In addition, the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 requires that registration information be updated every two years. Carriers will need a valid Visa or MasterCard to act as a digital signature when applying for a USDOT number and updating electronically. The Visa or MasterCard is used only for digital signature purposes, and there is no charge for filling out the application on-line. Verification of the card will place the cardholder's name on the MCS-150 as the signature. Digital signatures are as legally binding as actual signatures. A notification letter will be mailed to the carrier confirming the USDOT number.

Users should click on http://www.safer.fmcsa.dot.gov to electronically register, add, or update company information. Under the heading, Public Business Services, click on the arrow, and then click on FMCSA Registration. Select the "online registration" that applies to your carrier operation and follow the instructions. It's that easy.

Sincerely,

Julie Anna Cirillo
Chief Safety Officer