Motor Carrier Checklist: Reviewing Your FMCSA Information in Motus

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has replaced several legacy registration tools with a new platform, Motus, changing how motor carriers submit information, update records and maintain compliance.
  
While the new system is intended to improve data accuracy and streamline registration, we've identified some issues following recent system updates that motor carriers should be aware of. Inaccurate information or selections within Motus may affect insurance filing requirements, underwriting reviews and operating authority.
  
Motor carriers should review their FMCSA information as soon as possible to ensure records are accurate and address any potential discrepancies. Use the checklist below as a starting point.

Your Motus Review Checklist

1. Verify your company and registration information: Confirm that your FMCSA registration records are accurate and up to date.

• Verify your USDOT number and company information.
• Confirm your legal business name and company addresses.
• Review your operating status and authority.
• Check for any suspended or inactive operating authority that may require attention.
• Confirm that required biennial updates have been completed.

Why it matters: Inaccurate or outdated registration information can create compliance issues, complicate underwriting reviews and cause discrepancies during roadside inspections.

2. Review your operations and commodity classifications: 

• Pay close attention to how your operations and transported commodities are identified in Motus.
• Confirm that your operation classifications accurately reflect your business.
• Review the commodities you have selected and ensure they reflect what you actually transport.
• Verify whether your business is appropriately identified as a hazardous materials (hazmat) carrier.
• Review cargo classifications and any other applicable indicators.

Why it matters: Certain selections related to operations, commodities and hazmat transportation appear to be triggering higher insurance filing requirements for some carriers. For example, some carriers have seen their required insurance filing increase from $750,000 to $1 million following the system update. Incorrect classifications could result in filing requirements that do not accurately reflect your operations.

3. Verify your insurance filings: Make sure your FMCSA registration information aligns with your applicable insurance requirements and current coverage.

• Review the insurance filings associated with your USDOT number.
• Confirm that the required coverage aligns with your actual operations and applicable FMCSA requirements.
• If your filing requirements have changed, contact your insurance agent to review the discrepancy.
• If you are identified as a hazmat carrier, verify the applicable insurance requirements and ensure the required coverage is in place.

Why it matters: If your registration identifies you as a hazmat carrier or otherwise triggers a higher financial responsibility requirement, you may be subject to that filing requirement. A mismatch between your registration, required coverage and insurance filings could create compliance issues, including potential violations or out-of-service orders.

4. Review and certify your information carefully: Motus requires carriers to review and certify their registration information. Take time to verify each selection before submitting your certification.

• Review all information for accuracy before certifying.
• Confirm that your selections accurately represent your company's operations.
• Correct any inaccurate or outdated information before submitting.
• Save confirmation of any updates or changes made.

Why it matters: Certifying inaccurate information can create compliance and insurance complications. Ultimately, motor carriers are responsible for ensuring their registration information and operating authority are accurate and up to date.

Stay Informed and Proactive
The FMCSA has not issued formal guidance addressing the issues identified following the Motus updates. As the system evolves, motor carriers should remain attentive to their registration information and any changes to their filing requirements.
 
If you identify discrepancies or have questions about your insurance filings, contact your insurance agent for assistance.
  
Don't assume your information is correct simply because it was previously certified. Take the time to review it now.
 
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