MCS-150 biennial update: what brokers should know

The MCS-150 is the registration form that keeps a carrier's FMCSA census record current: legal name, address, phone, fleet size, mileage and operation type.

How often it must be updated

Carriers must update the MCS-150 at least every 24 months. FMCSA assigns the filing month by the last digit of the USDOT number (1 = January … 9 = September, 0 = October) and the year by the next-to-last digit (odd digit = odd-numbered years, even digit = even-numbered years). Carriers that don't update can have their USDOT number deactivated.

Why it matters to you

An outdated MCS-150 means the contact details and fleet size you see may not be current. Combine an old update with recent changes to phone or email and you have a pattern worth a call-back verification.

Always confirm current rules in 49 CFR 390.19 — this is a summary, not legal advice.