The FMCSA’s Office of Registration is pleased to present a video, ”How To Register, FMCSA Registration Overview for Motor Carriers.”  This instructional video provides new motor carrier applicants, offices/agencies, and persons supporting applicants with clear, need-to-know information on how to complete the registration process with FMCSA using the online Unified Registration System (URS).  The video also refers carriers to additional resources to answer questions pertaining to their unique operation.

Continuing with the FMCSA’s Office of Registration “How To” Video Series, we would like to present ”How To Identify Entity Types”. On this video, we go through the different Entity Types regulated by FMCSA. The differences between Entity Types are determined by the type of operations conducted by your company. By watching this video, you will understand the differences in operations and be able to select the correct entity type(s) during the application process. The end goal is that you register correctly and avoid delays.

The FMCSA’s Office of Registration is pleased to unveil its newest resource: “HOW TO Know if You Need Operating Authority, an Overview for New Applicants”.  This is the latest video in the “HOW TO” series. Depending on the type of business you operate, what you transport, and if you receive payment for transporting property, passengers, or household goods, or arranging for the transportation of property or household goods, you may need to obtain interstate operating authority along with your USDOT number.  Through this video and future resources, we aim to simplify the process for applicants and prepare them to operate safely.

Continuing with the FMCSA’s Office of Registration “HOW TO” Video Series, we would like to present “HOW TO Define FMCSA Operating Authority Types for Motor Carriers”.  If you’re registering with FMCSA for the first time, or if you are expanding your operations to offer additional services, you need to understand the requirements for Operating Authority.  In this video, we cover three types of Operating Authority for motor carriers domiciled in the U.S. (Motor Carrier of Property (except Household Goods), Motor Carrier of Household Goods, and Motor Carrier of Passengers).  The video also explains the minimum levels of financial responsibility (or insurance) each type is required to maintain, as well as how to designate a Process Agent in each State that they operate.  Look out for a future video which describes operating authority for brokers and freight forwarders.  

This video explains the process that a new entrant motor carrier must follow to re-register after their registration is revoked and their operation is placed out-of-service by FMCSA. New entrant registration may be revoked for a number of reasons, such as failing a Safety Audit, failing to agree to a Safety Audit, or failing to respond when FMCSA contacts the carrier.

This video describes the process that new entrant motor carriers must take to submit a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to FMCSA. A CAP is a written document that addresses specific safety deficiencies identified during the Safety Audit process and the actions the motor carrier has taken to address these to ensure that they will not happen again.

Continuing with the FMCSA’s Office of Registration “HOW TO” Video Series, we would like to present “HOW TO Define FMCSA Operating Authority (OA) Types for Freight Forwarders and Brokers”.  If you’re registering with FMCSA for the first time, or if you are expanding your operations to offer additional services, you need to understand the requirements for Operating Authority (OA).  In this video, we cover the types of Operating Authority (OA) for Brokers and Freight Forwarders, as these are distinct and different from Motor Carrier of Property (except Household Goods), Motor Carrier of Household Goods, and Motor Carrier of Passengers.  The video summarizes regulatory guidance FMCSA issued on June 16, 2023, clarifying the definitions of “broker” and “bona fide agents”.  It also explains the minimum levels of financial responsibility in the form of either a surety bond or trust fund agreement for $75,000 that both brokers and freight forwarders must maintain, as well as the appropriate levels of bodily injury and property damage insurance freight forwarders must maintain if they operate commercial motor vehicles.  In addition, brokers and freight forwarders must designate a Process Agent in each State that they operate.