The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires trucking companies to keep certain records, including a Motor Carrier (MC) Number and Form MCS-90. The MCS-90 form is a required endorsement to the liability insurance policies of f trucking companies that operate in interstate commerce. An MCS-90 filing must always be on file with the FMCSA, in accordance with federal regulation under 49 CFR § 387.15 and mandated by Sections 29 and 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 (49 U.S.C. § 13906).
What is the MCS-90 form?
The MCS-90 form is required for trucking companies operating in interstate commerce. It confirms that the company has liability insurance coverage to help protect the public if there’s an accident involving a commercial vehicle. The FMCSA requires minimum liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage combined, with a minimum limit of $750,000 per accident for carriers transporting non-hazardous freight.
Who files the MCS-90 form?
The MCS-90 form is filed with the FMCSA by the trucking company’s insurance provider and must be renewed annually.
What does the MCS-90 form include?
The form includes the policy number, effective and expiration dates, both company and insurer names, and more. The MCS-90 form also states that the insurance company will notify the FMCSA if the policy is canceled or not renewed. Without this notification, a trucking company could possibly continue operating without valid insurance coverage.
What is the BMC-91X form?
In addition to the MCS-90 form, the FMCSA also requires trucking companies to file Form BMC-91X. The BMC-91X form certifies to FMCSA that the trucking company’s required insurance coverage has been issued. Like the MCS-90, the BMC-91X form is filed by the insurance company and renewed annually. Keeping both forms current and properly filed with the FMCSA is necessary. Failure to do so can result in fines and possible loss of operating authority.
Know the regulation.
According to FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 387.7, interstate, hazmat, and other applicable motor carriers and motor private carriers must maintain the required types and minimum levels of insurance while operating. For MCS-90 and BMC-91X questions, work with a transportation attorney or insurance professional to stay aligned with FMCSA regulations and avoid penalties or downtime. FleetDrive 360 from PrePass® is a fleet compliance solution that tracks renewals and keeps your driver records, vehicle files, and renewal dates organized for audits.
Make sure your MCS-90 is filed.
Though insurance companies actually file the MCS-90, the trucking company carries the consequences if it lapses. Confirm with your insurer that your form is current and confirm again for each renewal. If the form isn’t filed, the fleet can be fined and lose its operating authority.