The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is preparing for one of its most
significant regulatory changes to streamline the trucking industry. Effective October 1, 2025, the
FMCSA will eliminate the use of Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, making the USDOT number
the sole federal identifier for all motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders.
This transition is part of the new Unified Registration System (URS), which aims to simplify
the registration process, enhance security, and improve overall efficiency.

Why the Change?

The shift to a single identifier is a response to long-standing industry challenges. For years, the
use of both USDOT and MC numbers has led to confusion, duplicate records, and increased
opportunities for fraud, such as “chameleon carriers” who evade safety records by simply
changing their MC number.

By consolidating to the USDOT number, the FMCSA seeks to:

 Reduce Fraud: A single, easily traceable identifier makes it more difficult for fraudulent
companies to operate. This also helps combat practices like double brokering.
 Simplify Compliance: Carriers and brokers will have fewer identifiers to manage,
simplifying administrative tasks, filings, and safety record tracking.
 Enhance Transparency: All regulatory and safety records will be tied to a single
number, providing a clearer, more reliable picture of a company’s history.

What This Means for Your Business

This change has significant implications for every entity involved in the transportation industry.
Here’s how you can prepare:
 Motor Carriers: You will no longer need an MC number for interstate operations. All of
your records—from safety scores to permits and insurance policies—will be linked
exclusively to your USDOT number. Ensure all your documentation is up to date and
reflects your USDOT number as the primary identifier.
 Brokers and Freight Forwarders: Under the new system, you will be assigned a
USDOT number instead of a separate MC or FF number. Your financial responsibility
filings (surety bonds) and process agent designations (BOC-3) must be updated to
reference your USDOT number.
 Shippers and Customers: You will need to adjust your vetting processes. Instead of
checking for an MC number, you will use the USDOT number to verify a company’s
authority status and safety records through FMCSA databases like SAFER.
To avoid any disruption to your operations, it’s crucial to begin preparing for this transition now.
For more information on how to navigate this change and ensure your compliance, please contact
us.
Contact Us
 Phone: 877-279-0995
 Email: [email protected]