Why Do FMCSA Biennial Updates Matter?

What is DOT Compliance?

DOT compliance involves adhering to the regulations set by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the federal authority overseeing the operation of commercial motor vehicles. Failure to comply results in violating these regulations, leading to penalties such as fines, fleet suspension, or even legal repercussions. To be compliant, a company must meet the standards established across different areas of DOT oversight. This includes ensuring that vehicles display DOT numbers, indicating registration with the agency, and adhering to regulations governing aspects of the industry, such as transporting hazardous materials, vehicle weight ratings, and passenger capacities. Here at United DOT Compliance Group, LLC, we have all the help you need. We are located in Richland Hills, TX. Contact us today at the (877) 417-0002.

Old Truck — Richland Hills, TX — United DOT Compliance Group

While the Department of Transportation oversees various transportation modes, DOT compliance discussions typically focus on the FMCSA's regulations, specifically those pertaining to commercial motor carriers.


Ensuring DOT compliance is vital for the safe transportation of goods and materials. Companies must prioritize compliance among drivers and staff, as inspections can occur. The DOT's mission includes safeguarding public safety within the transportation system, with compliance achieved by meeting or surpassing standards related to drug and alcohol use prevention, vehicle inspection and maintenance, driver qualifications, hazardous material transport, and general safety protocols.

Confident Truck Driver — Richland Hills, TX — United DOT Compliance Group

Biennial Updates: Do They Matter? 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that all entities within its jurisdiction must update their information biennially. Even if your company's information remains unchanged, has ceased interstate operations, or is no longer operational without notifying FMCSA, you are still obligated to provide this update every two years.

Failure to complete the Biennial Update will lead to deactivation of your USDOT number and may incur civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, with a maximum of $10,000.

Filing Schedule:

Each motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must submit the appropriate form:

  • Before commencing operations.
  • Whenever there is a change in information such as address, telephone number, email, number of power units, etc.

If your USDOT number ends in: Must file by last day of:

1 : January

2 : February

3 : March

4 : April

5 : May

6 : June

7 : July

8 : August

9 : September

0 : October

If the second-to-last digit of its USDOT Number is odd, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider is required to file its update in every odd-numbered calendar year. Conversely, if the second-to-last digit of the USDOT Number is even, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must file its update in every even-numbered calendar year.


You have the option to submit a biennial update before the scheduled due date. FMCSA considers any update of an MCS-150 or MCS-150C completed by a motor carrier, Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP), or carrier holding a Hazardous Materials Safety Permit (HMSP) within the 12 months immediately preceding the biennial update due date to fulfill the biennial update requirement.

Driver and his Truck — Richland Hills, TX — United DOT Compliance Group

Why wait any longer? Get in contact with us at (877) 417-0002.

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