Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you about to hit the brakes on your trucking business? Maybe you’re scaling back, switching gears, or just plain calling it a day. But hold on! Before you pack up the office supplies, there’s one crucial step you need to take: detaching your MC number from your US DOT number.
Think of your US DOT number as your passport to the world of commercial trucking. It’s a unique identifier that says you’re a player in the game, subject to important safety regulations. Now, the MC number is like your trucker’s license within that DOT registration. It lets everyone know you’re qualified to haul goods across state lines.
But what if that’s no longer your scene? What if you’re strictly cruising within your home state or ditching the hauling business altogether? That’s where MC number detachment comes in. It’s like severing the tie between your trucker badge (MC number) and your general DOT registration, basically saying, “Thanks, but I’m good from here.”
How To Detach Your Mc Number
1. Why Detach Your MC Number?
2. Verify Your Current Status
3. Fill Out Form OCE-46
4. Complete Form MCS-150 or MCS-150B
5. Update Your USDOT (Optional)
6. Submit Your Forms
Recap
1. Why Detach Your MC Number?
To detach your MC number, understand why it is necessary to do so in the first place. Here’s why detaching your MC number is a smart move:
Compliance
No more scrambling to meet FMCSA regulations. Detaching your MC number removes you from the system, keeping things clean and simple.
Reduced Liability
Active MC numbers come with the responsibility of safety inspections and record keeping. Detaching it means you can ditch those burdens if you’re no longer hauling across state lines.
Prevents Misuse
A detached MC number is like a deactivated credit card – it’s out of circulation and can’t be misused by anyone. This protects you and the entire FMCSA system from fishy activity.
In simpler terms, detaching the MC number is like closing an account you no longer use. It ensures the system reflects reality, removes unnecessary obligations, and safeguards against misuse.
>>>MORE: MC Number Reinstatement
2. Verify Your Current Status
To separate your MC number, confirm your present standing. Understanding your current registration status helps you determine the exact steps you need. Are you an active interstate carrier or have you transitioned to intrastate operations? This knowledge ensures you’re taking the right route towards detachment.
If you’ve already scaled back to intrastate trucking, you might not need to detach your MC number altogether. Verifying your status upfront can save you time and effort.
Simply head to the FMCSA website and use their search tool to confirm your OA (Operating Authority) and DOT registration details. With this information in hand, you’ll be ready to smoothly detach your MC number when needed.
3. Fill Out Form OCE-46
To disconnect your MC number, fill out Form OCE-46. In some cases, such as critical safety violations, finances jeopardizing safety, crimes linked to your business, or repeated rule-breaking, completely revoking your operating authority might be necessary. If verifying your status reveals you still have active interstate authority (MC number), you need to fill out Form OCE-46. Here’s what you need to do:
Grab Form OCE-46
Head to the FMCSA website and download Form OCE-46, titled “Request for Revocation of Operating Authority.”
Fill it Out Completely
Carefully fill out all sections of the form, ensuring you include your MC/MX/FF number, complete business name, and address.
FMCSA Witness
An important step; you need to sign the form in the presence of a staff member from the FMCSA. This step verifies the legitimacy of your request.
4. Complete Form MCS-150 or MCS-150B
To disengage your MC number, complete Form MCS-150 or MCS-150B. Now that you’ve confirmed your registration status, it’s time to grab the right form. In most cases, you’ll be using Form MCS-150. This form is for detaching your MC number and inactivating your USDOT number if you’re no longer operating as a motor carrier.
Here's what you need to do with Form MCS-150:
Download and Complete
Head to the FMCSA website and download the latest version of Form MCS-150. Fill out all sections thoroughly, including your existing MC and DOT numbers, company information, and the signed certification statement.
Reason for Filing
In the “Reason for Filing” section, check the box labeled “Out of Business Notification” even if your company continues operation for other purposes.
Focus on Specific Items
Ensure you complete all required information, particularly items 1-16 and 30-31 on the form.
Verification with Driver's License
Attach a photocopy of the driver’s license used to sign the certification statement on the form (Item #31). This verifies the legitimacy of the submission.
For Hazmat Carriers
If you previously transported hazardous materials (hazmat), you’ll need to use Form MCS-150B instead. The process remains similar – download the form, complete it thoroughly, check the “Out of Business Notification” box, and attach the required driver’s license copy.
>>>GET SMARTER: USDOT and MC Number Application: Checklist to Follow
5. Update Your USDOT (Optional)
To unlink your MC number, update your USDOT if you’re planning to keep your US DOT number active even though you’re detaching your MC number. This might be the case if your business still operates in some capacity but no longer involves interstate trucking.
To efficiently update your information with the FMCSA, you have two convenient options available. Firstly, you can utilize the online method, which requires you to obtain your USDOT PIN if you haven’t already. Once you have your PIN, simply log in to the FMCSA website and navigate to the update section.
From there, you can easily make any necessary changes using the online form, ensuring to select “Biennial Update or Changes” as the reason for filing. Carefully review and update all relevant information, and don’t forget to attach a photocopy of the driver’s license used for verification if you haven’t already submitted one.
Alternatively, if you prefer the traditional paper-based route, you can achieve the same outcome by following a few simple steps. Begin by downloading the appropriate form from the FMCSA website based on whether you’re a hazmat or non-hazmat carrier. Complete the form thoroughly, ensuring to check the “Biennial Update or Changes” box and update all relevant details.
Don’t overlook attaching a photocopy of the driver’s license used to sign the certification statement on the form. Follow the provided mailing instructions to submit your updated information to the FMCSA. Whether you choose the online or paper-based method, both options offer a straightforward way to keep your information current and compliant.
6. Submit Your Forms
To dissociate your MC number successfully, submit your Forms. There are three ways for you to submit your completed and signed forms. The fastest option is to submit a ticket. This gets you a confirmation number sent directly to your email. Alternatively, you can fax your forms to 202-366-3477.
Finally, you can mail them to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Office of Registration and Safety Information (MC-RS) at 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Room W65-206 Washington, D.C. 20590. Feel free to choose the method that works best for you!
Recap
To recap, detaching your MC number from your US DOT registration is a crucial step if you’re winding down your trucking business or transitioning to intrastate operations. This process involves verifying your current registration status through the FMCSA website to determine if you need to fill out Form OCE-46 to revoke your operating authority.
Then, you’ll complete Form MCS-150 or MCS-150B depending on whether you’re a hazmat carrier or not, ensuring to check the “Out of Business Notification” box and attaching the required driver’s license copy. Optionally, you can update your USDOT information online or via mail using your USDOT PIN.
Finally, submit your completed forms through a ticket submission, fax, or mail to the FMCSA office. This comprehensive approach ensures compliance, reduces liability, and prevents misuse of your MC number, effectively closing this chapter of your trucking journey.
