What You Need to Know About the URS: URS FAQs

Hello there, Trucking Nation! At TSNAmerica we pride ourselves on covering the hottest topics in trucking, and boy do we have a hot one for you today—URS! That’s right, we’re going to go through and answer some of the most commonly asked questions truckers have been asking us about the new system.

What is the URS?

URS stands for Unified Registration System and is a new electronic registration system put in place to streamline the FMCSA’s current process for registration. The system will also conveniently provide a database of information on all companies regulated by the FMCSA.

Does the URS apply to me?

Well, if you’re an interstate motor carrier, then yes, it absolutely does. All motor carriers that travel interstate, including freight forwarders, brokers, etc. must comply with the new guidelines set by the URS.

When do I have to comply with this new system?

There are several different implementation dates and rules for the new system:

• As of December 12, 2015, all new applicants applying for a USDOT number must use the new online application system.
• Starting September 30, 2016, both new and existing applicants must use the new online system to process new applications. The FMCSA has already stated that they will not be accepting paper forms or faxes! 
• Starting December 2016, all private and exempt carriers will officially be required to have BOC-3 filings and insurance in place. All new applicants applying for a USDOT number will have to begin providing that information on Sept. 30, 2016. 

What is the benefit of URS?

The ideal benefit of the new system will be the streamlined manual processes, as the system combines several forms that companies are required to submit into the same registration process. The FMCSA has even estimated that the trucking industry as a whole could see up to $9 million over a ten year period just from time and fees saved alone.

The FMCSA also stated that 16 percent of new registrations are currently submitted by paper. So please note that for those without internet access or that aren’t fans of using computers, the FMCSA recommends that you use a processing agency. And how convenient for you, because that’s exactly what we do!

Now we know it’s an entirely new system and it’s going to require some getting used to, but if you have any questions about it you know who to call! Just give us a ring at 803.386.0320 or email us at support@tsnamerica.com and we’ll be happy to answer any URS-related questions you can throw our way!

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USDOT Biennial Update

On October 2, 2013 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sent emails out to carriers encouraging them to update their information.  Under the new Unified Registration System (URS) regulation, carriers are required to update their information every 2 years.  This is required even if no information has changed, interstate operations has ceased since last update or you are no longer in business and have not notified the FMCSA.

If you are registered in a state participating the Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) program, you may be exempt from the biennial update requirements, provided that you file all the required information with the appropriate state office.

The compliance date was November 1, 2013 and failure to complete a Biennial Update may result in deactivation of your USDOT number and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, not to exceed $10,000.

Your Biennial Update filing date is determined by the last 2 digits of your USDOT number. If the second to last digit is odd, you are required to update every odd year; if it is even you are required to update every even year.  The last digit determines the month according to table below:

If Number Is:	Must File By Last Day Of:
1	January
2	February
3	March
4	April
5	May
6	June
7	July
8	August
9	September
0	October

Beginning November 1, 2013, FMCSA will issue a warning letter at least 30 days in advance of a biennial update deadline. Find answers to common URS Biennial Update FAQ’s here.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can update your DOT for you.  We even send out reminders when it’s time for the biennial update, so you will never incur penalties or deactivation of your USDOT. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way. Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com and fill out the Service Request Form, email us at support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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Biennial USDOT Update Notice from FMCSA

On October 2, 2013 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sent emails out to carriers encouraging them to update their information.  Under the new Unified Registration System (URS) regulation, carriers are required to update their information every 2 years.  This is required even if no information has changed, interstate operations has ceased since last update or you are no longer in business and have not notified the FMCSA.

Failure to complete a Biennial Update may result in deactivation of your USDOT number and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, not to exceed $10,000.

Your Biennial Update filing date is determined by the last 2 digits of your USDOT number. If the second to last digit is odd, you are required to update every odd year; if it is even you are required to update every even year.  The last digit determines the month according to table below:

If Number Is:	Must File By Last Day Of:
1	January
2	February
3	March
4	April
5	May
6	June
7	July
8	August
9	September
0	October

Find answers to common URS Biennial Update FAQ’s here.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can update your DOT for you.  We even send out reminders when it’s time for the biennial update, so you will never incur penalties or deactivation of your USDOT. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way. Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com and fill out the Service Request Form, email us at support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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