FMCSA Launches Motus System to Modernize Carrier Registration, Combat Fraud (MCS-150, BOC-3)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has launched Motus, a unified online registration platform, marking the first major overhaul of its systems since 1979. After decades of fragmented processes and rising fraud, the system went live for supporting companies in December 2025 and will expand to all carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders in 2026. Motus consolidates forms like MCS-150, OP-1, and BOC-3 into a single, mobile-friendly portal with real-time validation, auto-population, and enhanced identity verification. The move aims to combat "chameleon carriers" — fraudulent operators re-registering after shutdowns — which a 2012 GAO report linked to triple the crash risk. With over 55,000 new USDOT numbers issued in early 2025, outdated systems have failed to keep pace. Stakeholder feedback delayed inclusion of Safety Registration and changes to MC/FF/MX numbers; those may follow via rulemaking in March 2026. The $75,000 broker bond enforcement, effective January 16, 2026, depends on Motus functionality. Carriers are urged to verify FMCSA Portal access, ensure Company Official emails match Login.gov accounts, and avoid account deactivation due to inactivity.