Is UCR Filed Through Motus Now? Here’s the Clear Answer
New systems have a way of making old requirements feel confusing again. That’s been the case since FMCSA rolled out Motus, its new USDOT Registration System. Carriers who are already sorting through Login.gov email mismatches, identity verification steps, and trouble claiming their USDOT number have started wondering whether Motus also changes the Unified Carrier Registration […]
Why an Unrated Safety Record Just Became a Business Risk
A few weeks ago, the Supreme Court ruled that freight brokers can face liability for negligently hiring an unsafe carrier. Now the broker community is asking FMCSA for a faster, clearer way to identify carriers that may be too risky to hire. The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) has petitioned FMCSA to establish a federal Motor […]
Having Trouble With Motus? Four Common Setup Problems Explained
Even when a new technology is designed to make life easier, it usually comes with a few early hiccups. That has been the case with Motus since its launch last month. The system was built to streamline FMCSA’s registration process and improve security, but for many motor carriers, just getting in the door has been […]
Preparing for Operation Safe Driver Week 2026
Operation Safe Driver Week is less than a month away. From July 12-18, 2026, law enforcement personnel across North America will be watching commercial and passenger vehicle drivers more closely than usual, looking for the unsafe behaviors that contribute to preventable crashes. During last year’s campaign, officers in Canada and the United States pulled over […]
Did You Accidentally Create a New USDOT Number in Motus? Here’s What to Do
If you logged into Motus, tried to get set up, and walked away with a USDOT number you didn’t have before (and didn’t really need), you’re in good company. This issue is one of the more common mistakes carriers are making in the new system, and it usually traces back to a single wrong turn […]
Why More Carriers Are Turning to Help With Motus
Motus is live, and every active motor carrier with a USDOT number now has to use the new system to manage FMCSA registration actions tied to that record. Creating an account may sound like a simple first step, but for many carriers, it’s been anything but. Some carriers are logging into Motus for the first […]
Marijuana Reclassification Does Not Change the Rules for CDL Drivers
Marijuana may have a new classification at the federal level, but that doesn’t give CDL holders new permission to use it. Recent federal action moved certain medical marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III, creating plenty of headlines and even more confusion. For CDL holders and motor carriers, though, the practical answer is still […]
How to Start a Trucking Company Part 2: Compliance Programs, Driver Files, and Audit Readiness
Most new carriers are eager to hit the road once their authority becomes active. The USDOT number is issued, the MC number is live, the insurance is on file, and it feels like the only thing left to do is start hauling and start making money. Not quite. The filings covered in Part 1 get […]
What the Supreme Court’s Broker Liability Decision Means for Small Carriers
When was the last time you looked closely at your company’s safety and compliance record? After last week’s unanimous Supreme Court ruling on freight broker liability, carriers have a new reason to pay attention. The decision makes it clear that brokers can face negligent-hiring claims when they are accused of selecting unsafe carriers, which means […]
FMCSA’s Security Push Is Bigger Than Motus
Today is the last day motor carriers can use FMCSA’s current registration tools to make updates before the agency transitions to Motus. After 8:00 PM ET, current registration functionality will be retired, and carriers that still need to update account access, clean up company information, or make registration changes will have to wait until Motus […]