Glossary · updated October 31, 2026
Next-to-Last-Digit Year Rule
Also known as: Even/Odd Year Rule, Second-to-Last Digit Rule
By Korey Sharp-Paar · Reviewed by the Fast Trucking Compliance team
Definition
The next-to-last-digit year rule sets the year a carrier’s MCS-150 biennial update is due, from the next-to-last digit of the USDOT number. If that digit is odd, the carrier files in odd-numbered years; if it is even, including 0, the carrier files in even-numbered years (49 CFR 390.19T). Combined with the last-digit month rule, the last two digits of the USDOT number fix the filing month and year on the 24-month cycle. For example, USDOT 12345 has 4 as its next-to-last digit, so it files in even-numbered years.
Authoritative source
Read more
MCS-150 Filing Schedule: When Is Your Biennial Update Due?Your MCS-150 due month and year are set by your USDOT number. Learn the exact FMCSA schedule so you never miss a biennial update deadline.
Related terms
- Last-Digit Filing-Month Rule(Last Digit Month Rule)
- Biennial Update(MCS-150 Biennial Update)
- MCS-150(Motor Carrier Identification Report)