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Is your MCS-150 up to date?

Mar. 10 2022 Safety By McCandless Idealease

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The March 10th edition of the weekly Idealsafe Safety Bulletin, "Is your MS-150 up to date", courtesy of Idealease, is here!

Follow below to read the entire current issue for important safety tips and reminders, and access past archives at: https://www.idealease.com/safety-compliance/safety-bulletins

You can also read the entire bulletin online at idealease.com or print or download a PDF version of this safety bulletin here.

In this issue:

  • DOT Proposes Use of Oral Fluids for Drug Testing
  • Frost Laws in 16 states and 9 Provinces!
  • CVSA Schedules Roadcheck for May 17th-19th

IS YOUR MCS-150 UP TO DATE?

  • Required by FMCSA by all interstate carriers -either MCS-150 or MCS-150B if a safety permit is required
  • Required every 24 months based on last 2 digits of US DOT number
    • Last digit dictates month, second to last dictates year
    • If second to last digit is even, you report in even number years; 
    • if odd, you would report in odd number years
  • Recommended you file if there has been a change in your operation (ie. increase in units, change of address)
  • Can file online, fax or mail

A motor carrier that submits similar information to a State as part of its annual vehicle registration requirement under the Performance and Registration Information System (PRISM) complies if it files this information with the appropriate State commercial motor vehicle (CMV) registration office.  

The Motor Carrier Identification Report, Form MCS-150, and the Combined Motor Carrier Identification Report and HM Permit Application, Form MCS-150B, with complete instructions, are available from the FMCSA Web site at:   http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov (Keyword "MCS-150" or "MCS-150B"); from all FMCSA Service Centers and Division offices nationwide; or by calling 1-800-832-5660.  

 The report can be updated online at www.fmcsa.dot.gov or by faxing the form to the FMCSA at 703-280-4003.


HOW DO I DETERMINE WHEN THE LAST TIME MY MCS-150 WAS UPDATED?

Visit the FMCSA Safer Website at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx

  • Enter your DOT# and view your company snapshot
  • FMCSA form date is listed on the left side of the report - if older than 2 years, update right away!
  • Update right from here by hovering over the "FMCSA Form Date" text and clicking on the link

When am I required to file a biennial update?

Is an entity required to file a biennial update if there is no change to its information?

  • Answer: YES. All entities with a USDOT number are required to file a biennial update every two years according to the prescribed schedule, by the last day of the month. 

Additional information:

  • Beginning November 1, 2013, FMCSA is issuing a warning letter by mail to the address on file at least 30 days in advance of a biennial update deadline.  
  • MCS 150 updates must be done either online, fax, or by mail 
  • Failure to complete biennial updates to FMCSA will subject the entities to civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day with a maximum penalty of $10,000.  
  • Visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/updating-your-registration#biennial-updates for more information


DOT PROPOSES USE OF ORAL FLUIDS FOR DRUG TESTING

The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a notice of proposed rulemaking to allow, but not require, the use of oral fluids as an alternative to urinalysis in the agency’s drug testing programs.  The proposal would include truck drivers under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s drug-testing program.

According to DOT’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy & Compliance, the proposal will give employers a choice that will help combat employee cheating on urine drug tests and provide a more economical, less intrusive means of achieving the safety goals of the program.  The proposal includes other provisions to update the Department’s regulation and to harmonize with the new Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Oral Fluid established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which publishes standards for drug and alcohol testing procedures, has concluded that oral fluids testing provides the same scientific and forensic supportability of drug test results as the federal drug testing programs using urine samples.

Additionally, testing of oral fluids might be preferable in situations where the collection of a urine sample might be difficult, such as in a post-accident setting.

DHHS authorized oral fluid testing for federal employee workplace testing beginning on January 1, 2020.


REMINDER - UPCOMING CVSA INTERNATIONAL ROADCHECK DATES SET


SPRING WEATHER REMINDERS:

  • Spring weather can create driving challenges - changing ground temperature an damage roads.
  • Motor carriers need to monitor states and provincial spring weight restrictions to minimize risk to roads and the rig. 

Be ready for an alternate route:

  • Seasonal weight restrictions can begin in late February and last through May. 
  • Watch for signs indicating allowable weights and/or reduced speed limits.
  • Contact dispatch for assistance if needed
  • Ignoring signs can result in more than just fines.  Damage to roads, cargo, the vehicle are all possible, not to mention it is an accident hazard if the roadway becomes difficult to maneuver. 

VIEW STATE LAWS: https://oversize.io/regulations/frost-laws-by-state


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The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.