Compliance Requirements After Receiving Your MC Number
Receiving your MC number is just the beginning. Learn about insurance, MCS-150 updates, and DOT safety compliance. Call Affordable Trucker Help at (770) 800-8025 for support.
Securing your MC number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a big milestone for your trucking business. But receiving authority is only the beginning — staying compliant requires continuous attention to insurance, reporting obligations, and safety performance.
👉 For expert coverage, contact Zumach Insurance at www.zumachagency.com. Their transportation specialists understand FMCSA insurance requirements and help ensure you’re fully protected.
Many new carriers focus on getting their MC number but underestimate the ongoing compliance requirements that come after. Failing to meet these responsibilities can result in fines, suspension, or even permanent loss of authority.
Here are the key compliance requirements after receiving your MC number and how to stay ahead of them.
Maintaining Proper Insurance Coverage Levels
Your MC number comes with strict insurance requirements that you must maintain throughout your operation. The minimum liability coverage starts at $750,000 for most general freight carriers, but this can increase to $1 million or even $5 million, depending on cargo type. Hazardous materials carriers face the highest requirements, while household goods movers must also carry cargo insurance.
Your insurance company must file Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X with the FMCSA to prove compliance. If your policy lapses or is canceled, the FMCSA is automatically notified within 30 days, and your authority is immediately suspended.
🚨 Important reminder: Don’t assume your standard commercial auto policy covers everything. Interstate authority requires specific endorsements that many policies lack. Gaps in coverage could shut down your operation overnight.
Annual MCS-150 Update Obligations
Every two years, you must file an MCS-150 update to keep your MC number active. This is not optional — missing the deadline leads to automatic deactivation of your authority.
Your due date depends on the last digit of your USDOT number. The form requires:
- Total fleet size
- Mileage data (interstate and intrastate)
- Driver counts
- Safety management practices
Many carriers miss their deadline simply because they forget or don’t update their mailing address with the FMCSA. If notices go to the wrong address, you may never know you’re out of compliance until it’s too late.
✅ Pro tip: Mark your calendar and set reminders for your biennial update. Affordable Trucker Help can also assist in tracking and filing on time — call (770) 800-8025 to avoid deactivation risks.
DOT Safety Rating Responsibilities
The FMCSA continuously monitors your safety performance using the Safety Measurement System (SMS). This system scores carriers in seven categories:
- Unsafe driving
- Crash indicator
- Hours-of-service compliance
- Vehicle maintenance
- Controlled substances/alcohol
- Hazardous materials compliance
- Driver fitness
Violations from roadside inspections and DOT checks feed into your safety score. Poor performance leads to interventions ranging from warning letters to full compliance reviews. An Unsatisfactory rating can suspend your authority within 45 days if not corrected.
With Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) now mandatory, hours-of-service violations are automatically tracked. Drivers must be trained properly, and you must maintain supporting documentation for duty status changes.
🔧 Stay ahead by:
- Running proactive maintenance programs
- Offering regular driver training
- Using fleet management software to monitor SMS scores monthly
Carriers that actively manage their safety data experience fewer interventions and build stronger reputations with shippers and brokers.
Stay Compliant and Protect Your Authority
Receiving your MC number is just the first step in building a successful trucking business. To stay compliant, you must:
- Maintain the correct insurance coverage and ensure your BMC-91 filings are current.
- File your MCS-150 update every two years without fail.
- Monitor your safety performance to avoid FMCSA enforcement actions.
Don’t risk your authority by overlooking these obligations.
👉 Call Affordable Trucker Help at (770) 800-8025 or complete the contact form to get professional assistance with compliance services.
👉 For insurance protection tailored to trucking, visit Zumach Insurance today.