When a Medical Examiner grants medical certification, he/she certifies the driver to perform any job duty required of a commercial driver, not just the driver's current job duties.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

Yes, the motor carrier (employer) is required to keep a copy of the medical card (certificate) on file and the driver is required to keep the medical certificate (and supporting documents as required) with him while driving.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

The FMCSRs do not address this issue.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

No.  If a carrier is identified for enhanced oversight, the Agency will monitor the carrier’s safety and compliance behaviors, and conduct an investigation when warranted.  If an investigation is conducted and the final safety rating is less than satisfactory, then the HMSP will be immediately suspended.  During the time a carrier has a proposed rating of less than satisfactory, the carrier may file a petition for a change in the safety rating based on corrective action in accordance with 49 CFR 385.17, or a petition for administrative review based on 49 CFR 385.15.

Last Updated : July 29, 2015

There are no planned changes to the registration fees associated with the initial release of the new system. Any adjustments to registration fees will be proposed during the publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the Unified Registration System Enhancements and Updates.

Section 391.41(b)(10) do not apply to a driver who was a participant in good standing on March 31, 1996, in a waiver study program concerning the operation of CMVs by drivers with visual impairment in one eye; provided: (1) The driver is physically examined every year, including examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist attesting to the fact that the driver: (i) Is otherwise qualified under 391.41; and (ii) Continues to measure at least 20/40 (Snellen) in the better eye. (2) The driver provides a copy of the ophthalmologist or optometrist report to the Medical Examiner at the time of the annual medical examination. (3) The driver provides a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver's qualification file and retains a copy of the certification on his/her person while driving for presentation to an authorized federal, state or local law enforcement official. The grandfathering provision is no longer available.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

Yes.  A job aid with step-by-step instructions for submitting filings is available. Please visit the Motus Supporting Company Job Aid and search the pages below for assistance with making filings.

For insurance filings, please refer to page 10.
For BOC-3 filings, please refer to page 19.

FMCSA will deny an application for provisional operating authority if a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier fails the PASA. If a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier fails the PASA, it may reapply for provisional operating authority after 30 days and must pay the required $300 non-refundable filing fee again.

Last Updated : June 30, 2015

Mexico-domiciled motor carriers who successfully pass a PASA must file required proof of financial responsibility (i.e. insurance) with FMCSA, (see 49 CFR Part 387.301) and may also be required to file an updated form BOC-3 – Designation of Agents-Motor Carriers, Brokers and Freight Forwarder s designating a person to accept service of process in each of the 48 contiguous States (if they were not already designated on the BOC-3 submitted with the OP-1(MX) application). This requirement is outlined in 49 CFR Part 366 – Designation of Process Agent. After FMCSA approves the carrier’s application, FMCSA will publish a summary of the application in the FMCSA Register to give notice to the public in case anyone wishes to oppose the application. If no one opposes the application, the provisional operating authority will become effective. Opposed applications will be handled in accordance with the protest procedures in 49 CFR Part 365, subparts A and B.

Last Updated : June 30, 2015

Once FMCSA confirms that the application is complete, it will conduct safety and security vetting of the company and complete a Pre-Authorization Safety Audit (PASA).

The PASA confirms that the applicant has safety management systems in place to be able to comply with the following Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations:

• 49 CFR Part 382 – Controlled Substances and Alcohol testing;
• 49 CFR Part 383 – Commercial Driver’s License Standards; Requirements and Penalties;
• 49 CFR Part 387 – Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers;
• 49 CFR Part 390 – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations – General;
• 49 CFR Part 391 – Qualifications of Drivers and Longer Combination Vehicle (LCV) Driver Instructors;
• 49 CFR Part 392 – Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles;
• 49 CFR Part 393 – Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operations;
• 49 CFR Part 395 – Hour of Service of Drivers;
• 49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection, Repair and Maintenance; and
• Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations (as applicable).

Last Updated : June 30, 2015

Yes, the terms and conditions for a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier granted operating authority DO NOT allow:

• Point-to-point transportation services, including express delivery services, within the United States for goods other than international cargo (International cargo means cargo transported from a foreign country to the United States or from the United States to a foreign country);
• Transportation of hazardous materials, as defined in 49 CFR 171.8, in any amount required to be placarded in accordance with 49 CFR 172 – Subpart F, beyond the U.S.-Mexico border commercial zones of the United States;
• Transportation of passengers in the United States; and
• Transportation by packaging and courier services.

Last Updated : September 8, 2015

No, long-haul operating authority also allows a motor carrier to operate within the commercial zones. However, if you only want to operate in the commercial zones, there is a different application and process. You should follow the instructions and complete the Form – OP-2 –Application for Mexican Certificate of Registration for Foreign Motor Carriers and Foreign Motor Private Carriers under 49 U.S.C. 13902. You will also need to submit the Application for US DOT number – Form MCS-150 and Instructions – Motor Carrier Identification Report and Designation of Agents for Service of Process – Form BOC-3 – Designation of Agents-Motor Carriers, Brokers and Freight Forwarders.

Once you have completed the forms, you must print the completed forms, sign them, and mail them to the address indicated in the instructions for each form.

Last Updated : June 30, 2015

You will need to complete three forms:

1. Application for US DOT number – Form MCS-150 and Instructions–Motor Carrier Identification Report
2. Application for Long-Haul Operating Authority (English and Spanish) – Instruction and Form OP-1(MX) - Application to Register Mexican Carriers for Motor Carri er Authority To Operate Beyond U.S. Municipalities and Commercial Zones on the U.S.- Mexico Border
3. Designation of Agents for Service of Process – Form BOC-3 – Designation of Agents-Motor Carriers, Brokers and Freight Forwarders

To obtain copies:

• To download the forms go to:  http://www.fmcsa.dot .gov/mission/forms or,
• To request the forms by telephone: You can call 1-800-832-5660 to have a form(s) mailed to you.
• Once you have completed the MCS-150, OP-1 (MX) and BOC-3 forms, you must print the completed forms, sign them, and mail them to the address indicated in the instructions for each form.
• There is a $300 non-refundable fee for the requested long-haul operating authority. Payment instructions can be found on the OP-1(MX).

 

Last Updated : May 10, 2017

Yes, you must file an OP-1(MX) for motor passenger carrier authority beyond the commercial zone.  However, no authority will be issued for operations beyond the zone until the land transportation provisions of NAFTA are implemented.

Last Updated : September 8, 2015

The deadline to submit an OP-1(MX) to renew a current Operating Authority for operations beyond the commercial zone was November 4, 2003. The FMCSA may suspend or revoke the Operating Authority of any carrier that failed to meet this deadline.  Your current Operating Authority remains valid until the FMCSA acts on your OP-1(MX) application.

Mexico-domiciled carriers without current Provisional Operating Authority can obtain a copy of the application package: (1) Through the mail by calling FMCSA's Information Line: (001-800-832-5660 from Mexico or 1-800-832-5660 from the U.S. or Canada), (2) from any FMCSA Division office by requesting the OP-1(MX) application package, or (3) through the FMCSA web site.

Last Updated : September 10, 2015

Not all of the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have been implemented, so, no, a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier cannot simply send trucks across the border and travel anywhere in the U.S.   The Mexico-domiciled motor carriers must apply and receive the proper operating authority issued by FMCSA.  See the main International Programs page (under the Registration tab) for a link to the application information.

Last Updated : June 30, 2015

Provisional operating authority registration is the authority granted to Mexico-domiciled motor carriers for at least the first 18 months of operations and until a compliance review conducted in accordance with Appendix B to 49 CFR Part 385 results in a satisfactory safety rating.

Standard operating authority registration is granted after a motor carrier has operated for at least 18 months with provisional operating authority registration, has received a satisfactory safety rating from a compliance review, and has no pending enforcement or safety improvement actions.

Last Updated : June 30, 2015

Long-haul operating authority allows a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier to transport international cargo between Mexico and points in the United States beyond the U.S.-Mexico border commercial zones. International cargo means cargo transported from a foreign country to the United States or from the United States to a foreign country.

Last Updated : June 30, 2015

If an employer has more than one CDL driver/employee subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing, the employer may manage its random testing program.  Companies with only one CDL driver (e.g., owner-operators) who are not leased to another motor carrier, are required to place the driver in a consortium for random testing purposes. [§382.305, Question 11]

Last Updated : May 20, 2015

Surety bond and trust fund institutions should send their electronic notification of cancellation through the Licensing & Insurance System. Source: 78 FR 54720, Sept. 5, 2013.

Last Updated : May 9, 2014