THE UNIFIED REGISTRATION SYSTEM
BY : BMB
The Unified Registration System
“ How Am I Affected ?”
Before we can describe how the Unified Registration System ( URS ) will affect the fleet transportation industry and our BMB clients , let ’ s first define what exactly the URS is .
The URS is a new online registration system created by the FMCSA ( Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ) to simplify and streamline the registration and updating process for entities regulated by that agency . The URS will combine multiple registration processes , information technology systems , and forms into a single electronic online registration process .
Historically , carriers were able to obtain an MC number for the purposes of collecting and storing information . However , the new URS will eliminate all of these miscellaneous numbers and replace them with a single , unchanging USDOT number .
URS will assist the government with enforcing new federal laws that will mandate all interstate carriers have a Process Agent Designation ( BOC3 ) and insurance filing listed under their USDOT registration number .
WHY The URS , when fully implemented , raises the safety bar while improving efficiency in the following ways :
1 . Simplifying processes and eliminating the need for multiple forms
2 . Reducing the amount of paperwork , thus reducing the possibility of errors
3 . Electronic screening of all applications to identify high-risk carriers and reincarnated carriers
The URS will also improve FMCSA ’ s ability to locate small and medium-sized private and exempt for-hire carriers for enforcement action because investigators will be able to work with designated process agents to locate or serve documents , or both , on hardto-find carriers .
WHO IS AFFECTED The URS rule applies to the following entities :
• Interstate motor carriers ( private , forhire passenger and property carriers )
• Freight forwarders
• Brokers
• Intermodal Equipment Providers ( IEPs )
• Hazardous Materials Safety Permit ( HMSP ) applicants and holders
• Cargo tank manufacturing and repair facilities under FMCSA ’ s jurisdiction
As stated before , ALL companies involved in interstate commerce must show proof of Process Agent Designation ( BOC3 ) and proof of liability insurance . Under the old system , only for-hire carriers were required to do this .
WHAT IS A PROCESS AGENT DESIGNATION ( BOC3 )? FMCSA requires all companies that are involved in interstate commerce to have an agent in each state that they operate in , or hold contracts in , who will accept legal documents on their behalf . If the carrier is served outside of its home state , it is the process agent ’ s responsibility to accept and insure documents are delivered to the carrier in a timely manner . FMCSA will deactivate USDOT numbers for carriers that fail to designate a process agent .
EFFECTIVE DATES New applicants that never had a USDOT number are required to use the new online application process , which started on December 12 , 2015 .
Beginning January 14 , 2017 , all entities must process new applications and updates to existing records using the new online process . After this date , FMCSA will not accept paper forms or faxes and will discontinue the use of MC and FF numbers , or any combination of them . Note : This date was extended from the original effective date of September 30 , 2016 .
On April 14 , 2017 , all existing private and exempt carriers must provide evidence of financial responsibility ( insurance filings , and surety bonds and trusts ) and Process Agent Designation ( BOC3 ) will take effect . New applicants will begin providing this information on January 14 , 2017 . +
8 | FALL 2016