Identity proofing and verification is the process to validate the identity of a customer making an online transaction. Technology has allowed agencies to adapt and change identity verification from an in-person process to a virtual process. Proofing focuses on the analysis of data and information to validate a person’s identity, while verification focuses on confirming the authenticity of the documents and information provided. 

Motus is USDOT’s new registration system for FMCSA customers. The new system will provide tools to support all parts of the registration lifecycle, streamline processes, enhance fraud prevention, and provide a more intuitive, user-friendly experience for supporting companies, motor carriers, brokers, and other registrants.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a method to verify your identity requiring two or more pieces of evidence (factors). These factors can be something you know (like a password), something you have (like an access card) or something you are (like facial recognition or fingerprint). 

In general, companies that do the following are required to have interstate operating authority (MC number) in addition to a DOT number:

• Operating as for-hire carriers (for a fee or other compensation)
• Transporting passengers, or arranging for their transport, in interstate commerce
• Transporting federally regulated commodities or arranging for their transport, in interstate commerce

As of December 12, 2015, all entities applying through the Unified Registration System will obtain a USDOT number.

Operating Authority means the registration required by 49 U.S.C. 13902, 49 CFR part 365, 49 CFR part 368, and 49 CFR 392.9a.

FMCSA operating authority is also referred to as an "MC," "FF," or "MX" number, depending on the type of authority that is granted. Unlike the USDOT Number application process, a company may need to obtain multiple operating authorities to support its planned business operations. Operating Authority dictates the type of operation a company may run and the cargo it may carry. Mexico-domiciled carriers may click here for information on registering with FMCSA.

New Applicants must register online via the Unified Registration System. They will be issued a USDOT number and an MC/MX/FF number. Existing entities that already have a USDOT number and/or MC/MX/FF number must apply via the OP-1 series forms, or online (click here), providing their existing USDOT number (and MC/MX/FF numbers, if they are applying for an additional authority.)

All of this also dictates the level of insurance/financial responsibilities a company must maintain. Carriers not required to have operating authority include:

• Private carriers (carriers that transport their own cargo)
• "For-hire" carriers that exclusively haul exempt commodities (cargo that is not federally regulated
• Carriers that operate exclusively within a federally designated "commercial zone" that is exempt from interstate authority rules. A commercial zone is, for example, a geographic territory that includes multiple states bordering on a major metropolitan city, such as Virginia/Maryland/Washington, DC

More information on motor carrier insurance requirements can be found on our web site.

Supplanting is an effort to take the place of or to serve as a substitute for something.

Last Updated : March 4, 2014

A person must be at least 21 years old to drive a CMV in interstate commerce.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

When the audiometric device is calibrated to the American National Standard (formerly the American Standard Association (ASA) Z24.5-11951. Since the prescribed standard under the FMCSRs is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), it may be necessary to convert the audiometric results from the ISO standard to the ANSI standard. Instructions are included on the Medical Examination Report form.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

FMCSA medical guidelines for hypertension are based on the Sixth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 6 - 1997). The prior cardiovascular guidelines were based on an earlier JNC report.
The medical standard (49 CFR 391.41 (b) (6) permits qualification of CMV drivers if the driver has no current clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure likely to interfere with his/her ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. FMCSA provides guidelines to assist the Medical Examiner in determining if a person is physically qualified to operate a motor vehicle.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

A broker or freight forwarder who knowingly engages in interstate brokerage or freight forwarding operations without the required operating authority is liable to the United States for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 and can be liable to any injured third party for all valid claims regardless of the amount (49 U.S.C. 14916(c)). The penalties and liability to injured parties apply jointly and severally to all corporations or partnerships involved in the transportation and individually to all officers, directors, and principals of these business forms (49 U.S.C. 14916(d)). Under 49 U.S.C. 14901(d)(3), a broker of household goods (HHG) who engages in interstate operations without the required operating authority is liable to the United States for a civil penalty of not less than $25,000 for each violation. Source: 78 FR 54720.

To report such a violation, click here to contact the National Consumer Complaint Database.

The cost for each individual Operating Authority is a one-time fee of $300. Separate filing fees must be submitted with the application at the time of processing for each Authority sought. For instance, requests for Passenger Authority and Household Goods Authority will require two $300 fees ($600). Payments can be combined. If both authorities are the same type (like common and contract carrier authorities for property), there is only one fee. FILING FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

There is a $14 charge for processing of a name change and an $80 fee for requesting reinstatement of an authority if it is revoked. For more information on operating authority fees, click here.

You can file for the following operating authorities with the OP-1 Application For Motor Property Carrier and Broker Authority (definitions can be found in 49 CFR 390.5):

• Motor Common Carrier of Property except Household Goods
• Motor Contract Carrier of Property except Household Goods
• Motor Common Carrier of Household Goods
• Motor Contract Carrier of Household Goods
• Broker of Property except Household Goods
• United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo (except Household Goods)
• United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Household Goods
• United States-based Enterprise Owned or Controlled by Persons of Mexico Providing Truck Services for the Transportation of International Household Goods
• OP-1(FF) — Application for Freight Forwarder Authority
• OP-1(P) — Application for Motor Passenger Carrier Authority
• OP-1(MX) — Application to Register Mexico-based Carriers for Motor Authority to Operate Beyond U.S. Municipalities and Commercial Zones on the U.S.-Mexico Border
• OP-2 — Application for Mexican Certificate of Registration for Foreign Motor Carriers and Foreign Motor Private Carriers under 49 U.S.C. 1302

An authorized for-hire motor carrier transports passengers, regulated property or household goods owned by others for compensation. If you are a for-hire carrier, in addition to the USDOT number you will also need to obtain operating authority (MC number).

You can review the different types of authority by clicking here.

For information on how to apply for for-hire authority, click here.

The Federal Register notice (Vol. 80, No.118, p. 35253) issued on June 19^th, 2015, states that a proposed suspension or revocation of a carrier’s HMSP under 385.421(a)(5) may be based on “serious instances of non-compliance.”

The FMCSA has authority to address patterns of safety violations by motor carriers that (1) indicate an imminent hazard, or (2) show that the carrier is not willing or able to comply with the regulations.  The term “serious instances of non-compliance” means that an enforcement action has been initiated against the carrier demonstrating that:

• An imminent hazard exists based upon evidence that  the motor carrier has demonstrated a disregard for, or refusal to comply with, safety regulations which, if not discontinued immediately, will likely result in serious injury or death;
• An imminent hazard exists within the definition of imminent hazard under the HM regulations in Part 109; and/or
• The carrier’s performance demonstrates that it is not willing or able to operate safely.

When agency action results in proposed or immediate suspension or revocation of the carrier’s ability to operate, the Agency will provide separate notice concerning the impact of this action on the carrier’s HMSP, with an opportunity to respond with an explanation or corrective action plan prior to their HMSP being suspended or revoked.

The inclusion of the term “serious instances of non-compliance” in the HMSP Federal Register notice is meant to provide notice to HMSP holders that implementation of the new process for continuously monitoring HMSPs under SMS does not limit FMCSA’s ability to take appropriate actions against a motor carrier based on the Agency’s current authority to address imminent hazards and carriers that fail to demonstrate that they are fit and willing to comply with the regulations and operate safely. The focus on “enhanced oversight” in the Federal Register Notice does not limit or restrict the agency’s ability to utilize all of its present authority to address serious and continuing violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and/or the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations.

Last Updated : July 29, 2015

A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is defined as any motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport property or passengers when the vehicle:

• • Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more
  • Is single or combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or more than 15 passengers if not receiving compensation for the transportation.
  • Any size vehicle that transports hazardous materials that require federal placarding

On the other hand, a non-Commercial Motor Vehicle would not meet the above criteria. For example, consider a vehicle where either the power unit alone or when combined with a trailer does not meet the minimum weight threshold of 10,001 pounds. For instance, a pickup truck with a GVWR of 7,000 pounds and a trailer with a GVWR of 2,000 pounds would not qualify as a CMV.

Visit the vehicle configuration page to learn more about the different types of CMVs

When you're choosing a mover did you know that some companies are moving brokers?

What is a moving broker?

A moving broker is not a mover. A broker does not assume responsibility for, and is not authorized to transport, your household goods. Brokers do not have moving trucks or professional movers. Brokers for interstate moves are required to use only movers that are registered with FMCSA. Moving brokers are sales teams that book your move and sell it to an actual moving company.

Sometimes the broker is not able to sell the job for various reasons - low estimates, availability, resources and the list goes on - in this case you can get stuck without a mover on the day of your move. Many moving brokers operate from call centers located anywhere in the country.

When you book your move make sure to ask the company whether they are an actual moving company or broker. For example, ABC Moving is a local moving company with an office (and supervisors) close to you that can assist with any problems or concerns that may arise during the moving process. To ensure this, confirm that the company uses their own crews and trucks to pick up your shipment.

Moving Broker Checklist

A household goods broker arranges transportation by connecting people that need their shipment of household goods transported with movers that are capable and willing to transport their shipment for compensation. The broker does not operate the truck, or handle the shipment but does make all the arrangements for the truck and labor to load and unload the shipment. Brokers can provide estimates for service on behalf of motor carriers based on the rates in the motor carrier's tariff.

FMCSA has strengthened consumer protections when you utilize a broker to arrange for the transportation of your Household Goods. All household goods brokers must:

• Be registered with FMCSA;
• Provide you with the FMCSA Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet and the Ready to Move brochure;
• Provide you with a list of the moving companies they use;
• Use only movers that are registered with FMCSA;
• Have a written agreement with movers they use;
• Base binding or non-binding estimates on the tariff of the mover that will transport your shipment;
• Reference in their advertisements their physical business location, MC number, and their status as a broker that does not transport household goods but arranges for this service; and
• Have the mover that is transporting your shipment perform a physical survey of your household goods if they are within a 50-mile radius of the mover or its agent's location, whichever is closer. It is your option to waive this requirement.

To check whether your broker or mover is registered with FMCSA and/or check its complaint history, use our search tool.

• Under Important Resources, select "Search Movers/Brokers & Complaint History"
• Complete the form "Search by Company"
• Enter either the broker/mover name, U.S. DOT number or MC number
• Press "Search"

The USDOT Number is a unique identifier that FMCSA uses to identify an employer or person’s operations. MAP-21 added a new requirement for safety registration for every employer or person operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. All distinct registrations or permits (e.g., operating authority registrations, safety registration, cargo tank facility registration, hazardous materials safety permits) held by one entity will eventually be associated with the USDOT Number. Safety registration is required for any employer or person operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. Safety registration is distinct from the USDOT Number. Before the Agency will issue safety registration, it must first determine that the applicant is willing and able to comply with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, is not affiliated with an unfit registrant or applicant, and has disclosed all relevant affiliations. In addition, MAP-21 requires every broker, freight forwarder, or motor carrier (whether operating commercial motor vehicles or not) to obtain a USDOT Number. FMCSA is modernizing its registration systems and process to eventually implement these MAP-21 requirements, however, safety registration will not be implemented with the first release of the new registration system.

There are two main types of grants: discretionary and mandatory. Discretionary grants permit the agency to exercise judgment in selecting recipients through a competitive grant process. Mandatory grants are required to be awarded if the recipients meet certain predetermined conditions.

Last Updated : March 4, 2014

If you perform trade, traffic, or transportation exclusively in your business’s domicile state, this is considered intrastate commerce.

If your trade, traffic, or transportation is one of the following, this is considered interstate commerce. Source: 49 CFR 390.5.:

• Between a place in a state and a place outside of such state (including a place outside of the United States)
• Between two places in a state through another state or a place outside of the United States
• Between two places in a state as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the state or the United States

Driver inspections:

The intermodal equipment provider (IEP) final rule (73 FR 76794) adds an inspection requirement for drivers. Drivers preparing to transport IME must make an inspection of the following components, and must be satisfied they are in good working order before the equipment is operated over the road. Drivers who operate the equipment over the road are deemed to have confirmed that the following components were in good working order when the driver accepted the equipment.

• § 390.42(b) requires drivers to advise the intermodal equipment provider (IEP) of any damage, defects, or deficiencies found during their pre-trip assessment:
  • Service brake components that are readily visible to a driver performing as thorough a visual inspection as possible without physically going under the vehicle, and trailer brake connections
  • Lighting devices and reflectors
  • Tires
  • Coupling devices
  • Rails or support frames
  • Tie-down bolsters
  • Locking pins, clevises, clamps, or hooks
  • Sliders or sliding frame lock

• § 390.40(i) requires the IEP to have procedures to repair the deficiencies that the driver reports
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) do not require a written pre-trip inspection report
• IEPs and motor carriers may use a written or electronic pre-trip inspection form that does not conflict with the FMCSRs

Last Updated : April 3, 2014

A driver with a diagnosis of hypertension on treatment should have at least an annual certification.

A CMV driver with a Blood pressure (BP) 140/90 may be certified for 2 years.
First time BP elevated:

• Stage 1 - BP 140-159/90-99 Certification Period 1 year
• Stage 2 - BP 160-179/100-109 Certification Period 3 months as one time certification. Within the 3 months, if the blood pressure is below 140/90, the driver may receive 1 year certification.
• Stage 3 - BP Reading >180/110 Disqualified. When the blood pressure is less than 140/90, the driver can be certified at 6 month intervals.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 created the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as a separate administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. The primary mission of FMCSA is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. FMCSA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and employs more than 1,000 individuals in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information, go to About Us section on the FMCSA Web site.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014