FMCSA Eliminates MC Numbers: What the Change Means for Motor Carriers

As of October 1, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has officially discontinued the use of Motor Carrier (MC) numbers.  Moving forward, the USDOT number will serve as the sole identifier for motor carriers operating in interstate commerce — marking a major shift in how the agency tracks and regulates carriers across the nation.

Why the Change?

The FMCSA’s decision is part of a larger effort to streamline data systems and simplify compliance for carriers. Historically, carriers were issued both an MC number and a USDOT number — two identifiers that often caused confusion for new entrants and created redundancies in federal databases.

By eliminating MC numbers, the FMCSA aims to:

  • Reduce administrative burden on carriers and brokers,
  • Consolidate records under a single, unified identifier, and
  • Enhance accuracy within the FMCSA’s safety and registration systems.

What Carriers Need to Know

If you’re an existing carrier or broker with an MC number, you do not need to reapply or make immediate changes.  Your current operating authority remains valid, but all future FMCSA communications, filings, and updates will be tracked exclusively through your USDOT number.

Key points:

  • New applicants after October 1 will only receive a USDOT number.
  • Existing MC numbers will be retained in historical records but no longer used for active identification.
  • Systems like SAFER, FMCSA Registration, and Licensing & Insurance databases will be updated to reflect the transition.

How It Affects Brokers and Freight Forwarders

While carriers have long relied on both identifiers, brokers and freight forwarders are also impacted by this change.  Going forward, these entities will operate under their USDOT number only, and must ensure all insurance, surety bond, and contact information is current in FMCSA systems to avoid delays or compliance issues.

Industry Reactions

The move has been largely welcomed by industry professionals who have long advocated for a more efficient registration process.  Many see this as a step toward modernization, aligning FMCSA’s systems with today’s technology-driven transportation landscape.  However, some carriers have raised concerns about potential confusion during the transition period as various state and third-party databases catch up with the new format.

Preparing for a Smooth Transition

To stay compliant, carriers should:

  1. Verify their USDOT information is accurate and up to date in the FMCSA portal.
  2. Review insurance and operating authority details to ensure they align with the USDOT record.
  3. Communicate the change to customers and partners who may still reference MC numbers.

The Bottom Line

The end of MC numbers marks the start of a more streamlined era in FMCSA registration and oversight.  By consolidating carrier identification under the USDOT number, the agency aims to make compliance clearer, data more reliable, and safety oversight more efficient.

For carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders, this is the time to update internal systems, ensure accuracy in federal records, and embrace the simplicity of a single federal identifier moving forward.

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