Washington, D.C.–The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all motor carriers to update the information on file with the agency once every two years. This is basic contact information, description of your operation, mileage, etc. – basically the information contained in the SAFER System’s Company Snapshot.
Failure to update your profile will result in your status being changed from “active” to “inactive,” something you probably do not want discovered during a roadside inspection. Also, the civil penalties are steep of up to $1,000 per day (not to exceed $10,000).
There is no charge to update your profile.
Apparently, there are some telemarketers or “robo-call” automated telephone solicitations attempting to compel you to file the biennial (ultimately through their company) for a fee, conveniently paid when you supply them your credit card information. In order to do that, you will need to provide them with the same information you would ordinarily provide FMCSA directly for free. This is likely a waste of money and time, and since they are not affiliated with FMCSA, there is no guarantee they will even file your information.
For more information and to make sure you know when and how to file your biennial update, head to this web page: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/updating-your-registration#biennial-updates.
As an additional reminder, there are no fees associated with filing and paying your Unified Carrier Registration fees either. Ignore the solicitations and visit https://plan.ucr.gov/.
If you would like to report a fraudulent request for information to DOT, please contact the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline via https://www.oig.dot.gov/hotline or by calling (800) 424–9071.
