Why Your Motor Company Should Do Biennial Update

Commercial truck and bus companies must update their information with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) every two years. This biennial update is a requirement for all motor carriers who operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. The purpose of the update is to keep FMCSA informed of any changes to your company’s information, including contact information, vehicle fleet, and driver information.

The biennial update is a simple process that can be completed online in just a few minutes. However, there are a few things you’ll need to have handy before you begin, including your DOT number and MC number (if applicable). You will also need to know the number of vehicles in your fleet and the number of drivers you have employed.

If you’re not sure how to complete the biennial update, or if you have any questions about the process, you can always contact FMCSA directly for assistance.

How to Do Your Biennial Update

To keep their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), companies need to do a Biennial update with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is an important process, as it allows companies to ensure that they comply with all regulations. Here we will outline the steps necessary to complete this process. 

  • The first step is to gather all of the required documentation. This includes the company’s USDOT number, a list of all drivers employed, and their Social Security numbers.
  • The next step is to fill out the Biennial Update form on the FMCSA website. This form requires basic information about the company, such as the name and address. Once this form is completed, the company must submit it to the FMCSA.
  • After the form is submitted, the FMCSA will review it and determine if the company complies with all regulations.
  • If there are any issues, the FMCSA will contact the company to resolve them. Once the issues are resolved, the company will be issued a Certificate of Compliance. This certificate is valid for two years and must be renewed at the end of that period.

The Biennial Update is a simple process that all companies must complete maintaining their CDL. By following these steps, companies can ensure that they comply with all regulations.

What is the Importance of Biennial Update

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial motor carriers (CMCs) to complete a Biennial Update. The update is a self-assessment of a CMC’s compliance with Federal safety regulations, and the update is also an opportunity for CMCs to identify potential safety concerns and improvements. It is required for all CMCs that:

  • Operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce, and
  • They are required to have a safety rating from FMCSA.

CMCs that do not have a current safety rating are not required to complete the update but are encouraged to do so.

 

The Biennial Update is a two-part process. Part one consists of the CMC updating its information in the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). The CMC must log in to MCMIS using their user name and password. If the CMC does not have a user name and password, they can create one by going to the FMCSA registration page.

Part two is the self-assessment questionnaire. An authorized representative of the CMC must complete the questionnaire, and the authorized representative is the company’s safety director or another designated employee. The self-assessment questionnaire is available on the FMCSA website.

Once the update is complete, the CMC will receive a confirmation notice from FMCSA. The confirmation notice will include the date the update was completed and the date that the next Biennial Update is due.

Wrap Up

The Biennial Update is an important process that all motor carriers must go through to maintain their authority to operate. The update helps ensure that companies meet safety requirements and keep up with any regulations changes. While the process can be time-consuming, it’s crucial for ensuring the safety of your drivers and other motorists on the road.