FMCSA’s Unified Registration System Delayed
posted in Alerts, Blog, Uncategorized by Brian Gray
FMCSA’s Unified Registration System Delayed
Dave Gray, President Glostone Trucking Solutions
The FMCSA’s long awaited Unified Registration System (URS) was scheduled for an October 2015, implementation but has been delayed. The new scheduled launch will be a phased process with the first phase implemented December 12, 2015 and the final phase implemented on September 30, 2016.
The key changes under the URS system will be that the US DOT Number will become the sole identifier for all motor carriers and brokers. The Motor Carrier (MC) number and Freight Forwarder (FF) number will be discontinued. All new applications for registration will cost $300 per registration requested. Those registering as a “for hire” will pay the initial $300 application fee plus a $300 “for hire” authority registration fee for a total of $600. Carriers seeking “for hire” authority and broker authority will pay the application fee plus “for hire” authority fee plus broker fee for a total of $900.
Other changes will require all new and existing private HazMat and exempt-for-hire carriers to have proof of insurance on file with the FMCSA. In addition, all new and existing private and exempt-for-hire carriers will need to have proof of Process Agents on file with the FMCSA. Both of these requirements remain mandatory for all “for hire” carriers.
The new URS program is designed to streamline the registration process by requiring electronic filings only, reducing paperwork and increasing efficiency. The FMCSA states that using a single online registration system will improve accountability, clean up FMCSA census data and allow all applications to be automatically screened to assess safety risk, including carriers attempting to reincarnate. Even with new efficiencies, the entire process could lengthen the timeframe for the FMCSA to issue an active status for a new US DOT number.
The new URS program also includes new and enhanced enforcement penalties for failing to complete the US DOT Number Biennial Update requirement as well has prohibits interstate transportation with an inactive US DOT number or with no US DOT number.
The December 12, 2015, phase I launch will include only new registration applicants. All other aspects of the URS regulation, including new fee structure, will roll out during a later phases with the entire program becoming effective on September 30, 2016.
