Generally, purely intrastate carriers do not need to file the federal MCS-150 Motor Carrier Identification Report, unless specific conditions apply. The MCS-150 form is primarily a requirement for motor carriers operating in interstate commerce or those intrastate carriers who transport certain types of hazardous materials that fall under federal regulations.
The MCS-150 form is designed to gather comprehensive information about a company's operations, including whether it operates intrastate or interstate. It also collects details like contact information, the types of goods handled, the number of power units, the number of drivers, and annual mileage. For companies that are required to file this form, it is an ongoing requirement as long as the company operates.
When Intrastate Carriers Might Need MCS-150
While the direct federal requirement for the MCS-150 typically applies to interstate carriers, an intrastate carrier may need to file it under certain circumstances:
- Hazardous Materials Transportation: If they transport specific types or quantities of hazardous materials that necessitate a federal safety permit, even when operating exclusively within a single state.
- Transition to Interstate Operations: Should the carrier begin to operate across state lines, even infrequently or for specific trips, they would then fall under interstate regulations.
- State-Specific Mandates: Some states have adopted federal regulations or established their own intrastate registration requirements that necessitate obtaining a USDOT number (which then requires filing the MCS-150) for intrastate carriers meeting certain criteria.
- Vehicle Weight Thresholds: If their vehicles meet particular weight thresholds (e.g., a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more) and their operations are subject to federal oversight due to the nature of their cargo or routes.
Understanding the MCS-150 Form
The MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report) is a critical tool used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to identify and monitor motor carriers operating in the United States. Its primary purpose is to ensure compliance with federal safety regulations and to maintain an accurate database of regulated entities.
This form captures essential business and operational data, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the carrier's activities.
Key Information Collected by MCS-150
The form requests detailed information that helps regulatory bodies understand a carrier's scope and scale:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Operational Scope | Indicates whether a company operates primarily intrastate or interstate commerce. |
| Company Details | Includes contact information, operational status, and general business specifics. |
| Cargo Information | Specifies the types of goods transported, highlighting if hazardous materials are involved. |
| Fleet & Personnel | Provides data on the number of power units (e.g., trucks) and active drivers. |
| Activity Level | Reports the annual mileage for the company's transportation operations. |
By providing these details, the MCS-150 helps the FMCSA maintain an accurate registry, assess safety performance, and enforce regulations effectively across the motor carrier industry.
