FMCSA’s New Registration System Aims to Combat Fraud in the Trucking Industry

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has laid out an ambitious plan to modernize its registration system and tackle rising fraud in the trucking industry.

These changes will be introduced in stages, with some already in effect and others pending a formal rulemaking process. Here’s what truck drivers and industry professionals need to know about these upcoming changes.

Current Initiatives and Immediate Changes

Ken Riddle, FMCSA’s director for the Office of Registration and Safety Information, highlighted the agency’s recent efforts during an online Registration Modernization Stakeholder meeting on May 29. The focus is on reducing fraud, which has reached unprecedented levels across all sectors of the commercial motor vehicle industry.

To date, the FMCSA has implemented several key measures:

• Suspended Online PIN Requests: To curb unauthorized access, the FMCSA has halted online PIN requests.
• Multi-Factor Authentication: This added layer of security helps protect user accounts.
• Business Verification: FMCSA now verifies the principal place of business for compliance.
• Driver’s License Checks: Paper applications require driver’s license verification.
• Registration Fraud Team: A dedicated team has been formed to address registration fraud.

Future Verification and System Overhaul

The next significant steps involve verifying the identities and business legitimacy of existing and new registrants. FMCSA aims to verify over 800,000 current registrants before applying the verification process to new applicants. This process will involve hiring a vendor to handle the identity proofing.

“We’re not waiting on the new registration system,” said Riddle. “We’re going to start as soon as we can. We want the ability to verify that the business is a legitimate business and really exists.”

Jay Grimes, the director of federal affairs for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), emphasized the importance of this overhaul.

“Ideally, if this works out, they’re probably going to weed out a whole bunch of potentially fraudulent carriers who are in business now and entities that have been out of business for years,” Grimes said. However, he also expressed concerns about the reliability and speed of the new IT systems.

Rulemaking Process for Additional Changes

Several potential changes to the FMCSA’s new registration system will require a formal rulemaking process, which can take a few years. These changes include:

• Eliminating MX/NNA Docket Numbers
• Eliminating Paper Applications
• Adjusting Transfer Processes
• Changing Fees
• Switching from Biennial to Annual Updates

The FMCSA plans to release a notice of proposed rulemaking later this year, with a final rule expected to take effect by 2025 or 2026.

Anti-Fraud Measures and System Enhancements

In April 2024, FMCSA outlined additional anti-fraud provisions that could be implemented immediately. These include:

• Mailing PIN Requests: To prevent exploitation, PIN requests are now mailed to the applicant’s address on file.
• Login.gov Requirement: Users must authenticate through login.gov to access FMCSA systems.
• Driver’s License Submission: Individuals requesting account changes must provide a copy of their driver’s license.
• Identity Proofing Services: FMCSA plans to contract with a vendor for identity proofing services.

Dan Horvath, senior vice president of regulatory affairs and safety policy for the American Trucking Associations, supports these enhancements. “We don’t want to make it so difficult that legitimate carriers have trouble getting a new registration or DOT number,” he said. “But we also want to ensure that carriers shut down for compliance or safety reasons can’t easily get a new DOT number and continue operating.”

FMCSA’s New Registration System Features

The FMCSA’s new registration system aims to replace the cumbersome Unified Registration System. It will consolidate all forms into a single online application, improving data quality and security. This streamlined system will be intuitive, fraud-resistant, and mobile-friendly.

Key features of FMCSA’s new registration system include:

• Pre-Registration Tool: Helps users determine if they need to register with FMCSA.
• Comprehensive Registration Process: Involves submitting profile information, undergoing identity verification, and providing business details.
• Service Provider Integration: Service providers can manage portions of the registration process, but final steps must be completed by the registrant.

Riddle shared mockups of the new system during a webinar on May 28, emphasizing that the design will be user-friendly and efficient.

Industry Response and Future Outlook

FMCSA has been seeking feedback from industry stakeholders to ensure the new system meets user needs. Public comments and virtual meetings have provided valuable insights.

As FMCSA continues these changes, the trucking industry can expect a more secure and efficient registration process. While there are concerns about the FMCSA’s new registration system rollout, the goal is to reduce fraud and enhance safety in the commercial motor vehicle industry.

By staying informed and prepared for these changes, truck drivers and industry professionals can navigate the transition smoothly and benefit from a better registration system.