What Is the USDOT Biennial Update?
The Biennial Update is completed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) using the MCS-150 filing.
The purpose of the update is to make sure the information associated with your USDOT number remains accurate.
This can include information such as:
- Company name and address
- Contact information
- Type of operation
- Cargo classifications
- Number of power units
- Driver information
- Mileage and operational details
Even if nothing has changed since your previous filing, the required update must still be submitted according to your filing schedule.
How Do You Know When Your Biennial Update Is Due?
Your filing schedule is determined by the last two digits of your USDOT number.
The last digit determines the month in which your update is due:
| Last Digit | Filing Month |
| 1 | January |
| 2 | February |
| 3 | March |
| 4 | April |
| 5 | May |
| 6 | June |
| 7 | July |
| 8 | August |
| 9 | September |
| 0 | October |
The second-to-last digit determines whether you file during an odd- or even-numbered calendar year.
If that digit is odd, your update is due during odd-numbered years.
If that digit is even, your update is due during even-numbered years.
An Example
Suppose your USDOT number ends in 28.
The final digit, 8, means your filing month is August.
The second-to-last digit, 2, is even, so the Biennial Update is due during an even-numbered year.
That means the carrier would file its Biennial Update in August of the applicable even-numbered year.
What If Nothing Has Changed?
This is one of the most important things for motor carriers to understand.
You are still required to file your Biennial Update even when all of the information associated with your USDOT number remains the same.
The filing confirms that your information has been reviewed and is still current.
What If Your Information Changes Before Your Filing Month?
You don’t have to wait until your normal Biennial Update period to update your USDOT information.
If important company or operational information changes, your carrier information should be updated as appropriate rather than waiting for the next two-year filing cycle.
Keeping your records accurate throughout the year can make it easier to manage future filings and other compliance responsibilities.
Why Staying Ahead of the Filing Matters
When you’re managing drivers, vehicles, loads, customers, maintenance, and everyday business operations, a filing that only comes around every two years can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
That’s why compliance works best when important dates and carrier records are monitored throughout the year—not only when a deadline is approaching.
Knowing your filing schedule, reviewing your company information, and addressing updates when needed can help keep your carrier records organized and current.
Need Help With Your USDOT Update?
You don’t have to keep track of every filing requirement on your own.
Royal Carrier Service helps motor carriers review their USDOT information, determine when updates are due, and complete required filings accurately.
Whether you’re approaching your Biennial Update or need to make changes to your existing carrier information, our team can help you understand what needs to be done.
Your compliance, our priority — Your business, our commitment.
Contact Royal Carrier Service today for assistance with your USDOT update and other motor carrier compliance needs.