The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is rolling out a significant upgrade to the registration process for transportation companies under its regulation. Motus, described as "the start of a safer journey with USDOT," represents a modernization effort designed to simplify, secure, and enhance the user experience for motor carriers, brokers, and other regulated entities.
What is Motus?
Motus is the USDOT's new registration system for FMCSA-regulated companies. The platform aims to streamline registration processes while strengthening fraud prevention measures and delivering an improved user experience. Rather than navigating multiple forms and outdated systems, companies will have access to a single platform for managing their registration needs.
The Motus Rollout Timeline
The FMCSA is taking a phased approach to implementing the new system.
Phase 1: Limited Access - Beginning December 2025
Companies that provide essential services to the transportation industry will be the first to gain access. These companies can begin creating user and business profiles in Motus, ensuring they're ready to assist the industry when the system is available to everyone.
Phase 2: Full Launch - 2026
All regulated companies, including both new applicants and existing registrants, will be able to access the system at an undetermined time in 2026. This phase will introduce enhanced registration tools and make comprehensive information available to all users.
Phase 3: Ongoing System Enhancement
The FMCSA plans to continue releasing new features and improvements based on user feedback and evolving industry needs.
FMCSA Motus Features and Improvements
Simplified FMCSA Registration Process
One of the most significant changes is the consolidation of multiple FMCSA forms into a single online system. Companies will be able to manage all their registration information through easily accessible account pages. The system introduces enhanced user roles, allowing organizations to assign appropriate access levels to different team members.
Streamlined Identification System
While all regulated entities will continue to use USDOT Numbers as their primary identifier, Motus introduces suffixes at the end of these numbers to indicate different types of registrations. It's worth noting that these suffixes are for administrative purposes only and won't be required on commercial vehicles.
Enhanced User Experience
The new platform incorporates modern tools designed to reduce errors and speed up processes. Features include auto-population of data fields, real-time validation to catch mistakes immediately, smart logic that guides users through forms, and automated notifications to keep companies informed about their registration status.
An especially welcome change is mobile compatibility. Users can view and update their registration information from smartphones and tablets, eliminating the need to wait for paper forms to be processed through the mail.
Improved Security and Verification
Motus includes new identity verification software and refined user roles to protect against unauthorized access. The system also features business verification tools and information checks to validate critical details like principal place of business addresses. These measures aim to reduce fraud while supporting secure electronic business transactions.
What's Not Changing (For Now)
In response to stakeholder concerns, the FMCSA has clarified that certain proposed changes will not be included in the initial launch. The new system will not immediately eliminate docket numbers (MC/FF/MX) or alter the BOC-3 form filing process. Additionally, the introduction of the Safety Registration has been postponed.
These proposed changes remain under consideration and will be subject to public comment through a formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking before any implementation.
Preparing for the Motus Transition
The FMCSA emphasizes its commitment to helping everyone successfully transition to Motus by providing advanced notice, creating educational resources, and maintaining open channels for stakeholder feedback.
For more information about Motus, visit the FMCSA Registration Resources Hub or stay tuned to the Foley blog for additional updates as they become available.
.png)