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Update on the Uniform Registration System

Bulletin – Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Uniform Registration System (URS) Updates and Timelines for Implementation

As the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) moves towards full implementation of the URS system, a final rulemaking was issued on October 21, 2015 detailing the new requirements and the timelines for implementation of the various stages.  These timelines and requirements are detailed below.

UNIFORM REGISTRATION SYSTEM - The FMCSA has published its new timeline for URS changes. October 23, 2015 was supposed to be the date a form MCSA-1 (which would combine the for-hire authority forms [OP-series] with the MCS-150 registration form) would be used; the requirement for all entities to update the FMCSA and their process agents of changes within 30 days; new insurance filing requirements for private hazardous material and exempt for-hire carriers; and new fees for new entrants. 

The updated timeline has three new implementation dates:

  • From December 12, 2015 to September 29, 2016:
    • All new entrants, whether for-hire, Mexico-based, private, or exempt for-hire, will need to use the new online MCSA-1 form.
  • On September 30, 2016 the majority of the changes occur, including:
    • All entities must use the MCSA-1;
    • The expectation that changes are communicated with the FMCSA and process agents within 30 days;
    • A new fee structure;
    • New entrant exempt for-hire and private hazardous material carriers will be required to file proof of financial responsibility; and
    • New entrant private and exempt for-hire carriers will be required to designate process agents.
  • Finally, by December 31, 2016:
    • All existing private and exempt for-hire carriers (existing as of September 30, 2016) must have designated process agents and all existing for-hire entities (including exempt) and private hazardous material carriers must have demonstrated financial responsibility.

Here is a link to the full and final rulemaking process -  http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/rulemaking/2015-26625

Compliance with the URS rule applies to all interstate motor carriers (private and for-hire motor carriers of passengers and freight), freight forwarders, brokers, intermodal equipment providers, hazardous materials safety permit applicants/holders, and cargo tank manufacturing and repair facilities under FMCSA jurisdiction.

We suggest you familiarize yourself with the new requirements so you can relay the information to your insureds.  For those new to the federal requirements, the FMCSA website is a helpful resource detailing who is required to obtain federal operating authority.

Please note, in addition to the federal requirements, this link also includes a listing of 33 states that require commercial motor vehicle registrants to obtain a US DOT number.  It is the responsibility of motor carrier operators and drivers to know and comply with all applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. 

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