Fast Trucking ComplianceCompliance FAQ
What happens if I miss my MCS-150 deadline?
Your USDOT number is deactivated and you cannot legally operate. FMCSA can also assess civil penalties of up to $1,584 per day (capped at $15,846 per violation) under 49 USC §14901 and 49 CFR part 386, Appendix B. Reinstating requires filing the overdue MCS-150 and an updated MCS-150B if you carry hazmat. Authority can be back to ACTIVE within 24 hours of corrected filing.
Why it matters
Deactivation is invisible until a roadside inspection or a broker's carrier-vetting check flags you. Brokers will not tender a load to a carrier in deactivated status, because their cargo policy will not cover a non-authorized hauler.
If you are deactivated and continue operating, you accumulate exposure on two fronts: the per-day civil penalty AND the lack of authority that voids your insurance coverage for any incident during the lapsed period.