FMCSA Reverses Plans to Discontinue MC Numbers
The trucking industry has been somewhat up-in-arms about the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) plan to eliminate the Motor Carrier (MC) number. However, the FMCSA has announced a change of course after receiving feedback from stakeholders.
The FMCSA's initial proposal to phase out this long-standing identifier in favor of a single USDOT number was set to bring about a monumental shift in how carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders operate. But now, the agency is tapping the brakes, stating the expected rollout for these changes is “TBD”.
Who Was Slated to Be Affected?
The planned elimination of the MC number was set to impact a wide range of stakeholders within the transportation sector, including:
For-Hire Motor Carriers: These carriers, who transport goods for compensation in interstate commerce, would have seen the most significant change. Their MC number, a key component of their operating authority, would have been retired, with all regulatory information consolidated under their USDOT number. This would have required updates to insurance filings, contracts, vehicle decals, etc.
Freight Forwarders: Companies that arrange for the transportation of goods would also have been affected. Their FF (Freight Forwarder) number was also on the chopping block, with the USDOT number set to become their sole identifier.
Brokers: Freight brokers, who connect shippers with carriers, would have needed to adapt their systems and processes to the new USDOT-only system for verifying carrier authority, in addition to updating their own agreements now that their broker authority would no longer be attached to an MC number.
How Does This Affect Your Operation?
With the FMCSA's decision to delay the phase-out, all of the above-mentioned stakeholders will continue to operate as usual. This means:
Your MC number remains a valid and essential part of your operating authority.
You should continue to use your MC number on all official documents, where appropriate.
Brokers and shippers will continue to use the MC number to verify a carrier's operating authority.
This pause in the transition provides the industry with valuable time to prepare for the shift to a single identifier system, when and if the FMCSA ever finalizes retiring the MC/MX/FF number system.
Why the Change of Plans?
The FMCSA's decision to delay the elimination of MC numbers comes after extensive feedback from industry stakeholders. During a series of listening sessions and presentations, concerns were raised about the need for more time to understand the proposed changes, assess their impact, and adjust systems and processes accordingly.
The three primary areas of concern were:
The introduction of Safety Registration
The elimination of MC and FF Docket Numbers
Changes to the BOC-3 filing process
In response to this feedback, the first release of the new registration system will not include these changes.
What's Next for Your Operating Authority?
As of right now - everything is business as usual. However, you should bear in mind that while the phase-out is delayed, it is not canceled. The FMCSA's apparent long-term goal remains to use the USDOT number as the sole identifier for all regulated entities.
The agency has stated that this change is still under consideration and will be made available for public comment in a future Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
Stay Informed
We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide you with updates as they become available. Our goal is to ensure you have the information you need to keep your business moving forward, without the surprises.
For more information regarding the proposed changes and this new announcement, please refer to the official FMCSA website.