Since FMCSA’s new registration system, known as Motus, launched in May, many truckers have reported bumps in the road.
That’s why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration hit the pause button for carriers who need to complete a biennial update.
“As FMCSA continues supporting the transition to Motus, the USDOT Registration System, launched on May 19, and to help reduce disruption during this transition period, FMCSA has temporarily suspended the inactivation of USDOT numbers for entities that have not completed the required biennial update since June 1,” the agency wrote on its website.
Registrants will be given additional time to complete any required biennial updates and should not worry about inactivation resulting from Motus-related access or system issues, FMCSA said.
The agency called the suspension “temporary” but did not indicate how long the pause would last.
Launch of Motus
On the night of May 14, FMCSA’s legacy registration system went dark, and Motus was launched the following week. In preparation for the massive change, FMCSA sent about 2.2 million letters to inform motor carriers and other registered entities about steps they needed to take to ensure a smooth transition.
As you would imagine, some motor carriers reported encountering early roadblocks.
Crystal Minardi, of OOIDA’s Permits and Licensing Department, told Land Line that carriers were unable to claim their USDOT number in Motus on Tuesday, May 19. That means carriers weren’t able to complete any changes, including MCS-150 updates, address changes, reinstatements or any other updates in the system.
As FMCSA worked toward addressing those problems, reports of snags in the new system have persisted, prompting the agency’s decision.
Why was a new registration system needed?
Once the kinks are worked out, FMCSA believes that Motus will be more user-friendly and help motor carriers combat fraud.
For starters, Motus’ verification system will help determine that registered entities are “who they say they are” and that they are “legitimate, legal” businesses.
“Dangerous foreign drivers and the shell companies who employ them have been taking advantage of this lax, decrepit federal registration system for years,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. “The lack of accountability is disturbing, and it’s killed American families on our roads. Thanks to President Trump, we are delivering a new registration system that will stop fraud dead in its tracks and strengthen oversight on shady carriers. And for good, honest drivers who follow the rules – our new system will improve customer service, enhance reliability and cut down on red tape.”
According to FMCSA, Motus will improve service and oversight through:
- Enhanced fraud prevention and ID verification: Improved validation and verification tools aim to prevent bad actors from exploiting the registration process.
- Streamlined user experience: Motus will serve as a one-stop shop, allowing users to complete multiple registration activities.
- Improved data quality and system reliability: The modernized system promises to improve accuracy, consistency and accessibility of registration data.
- Better support for enforcement and safety oversight: Enhanced data tools aim to help FMCSA identify unsafe operators and strengthen oversight of high-risk carriers.
- Scalable, modern technology: The updated system positions the agency to adapt more effectively.
“FMCSA’s registration modernization effort represents a major advancement in how the agency oversees and supports the commercial motor vehicle industry,” FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs said. “This system improves efficiency for legitimate carriers while strengthening FMCSA’s ability to detect fraud, improve data quality and identify unsafe operators.”
To report an issue with Motus, go to FMCSA’s support page. LL
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