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VMT Filing

Written by Nick Webster

Published on Dec. 11, 2023, 5:21 p.m.

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VMT filing refers to “Vehicle Miles Traveled.” It is a term used to describe the process of reporting the number of miles driven by commercial motor vehicles. Here are some bullet points that explain VMT filing in more detail:


  • VMT filing is required by the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), an agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces to simplify the reporting of fuel use by motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions. Read here about Starting a Trucking Company Correctly.
  • IFTA requires carriers to report the miles driven and the fuel consumed in each state or province where they operate.
  • The VMT report must be filed quarterly and is used to calculate the fuel tax owed to each jurisdiction. What is the DOT SAP Program?
  • To complete the VMT report, carriers must track the number of miles driven in each jurisdiction and the fuel consumed in each jurisdiction.
  • Carriers can track VMT manually or by using electronic logging devices (ELDs) or other tracking technology.
  • VMT filing is an important part of compliance for carriers that operate in multiple jurisdictions, as failure to file or inaccuracies in the report can result in fines and other penalties. How To Request the DOT PIN Number?
  • By accurately reporting VMT, carriers can ensure that they pay the correct amount of fuel tax to each jurisdiction, and contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the roads and infrastructure they use.
  • VMT filing is one of many regulatory requirements that carriers must meet to operate legally and safely in the trucking industry.




Why You Should Update Your VMT & PU Data






Your Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) and Power Unit (PU) metrics, reported on your Motor Carrier Registration form (MCS-150), are used to calculate the Unsafe Driving and Crash Indicator Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) percentiles that reflect your performance as a motor carrier. A higher percentile indicates better compliance with safety standards. These BASIC percentiles provide insight into how you're doing in terms of safe operations compared to other carriers. Taking proactive steps to reduce unsafe driving habits or crash incidents can help you improve these scores and demonstrate a commitment to safety. Must visit FMCSA Hours of Service Suspended topics.





Maintain Registration With the FMCSA Through a USDOT Biennial Update





Are you behind on your USDOT Biennial Updates? Our third-party organization can help get you back in compliance with FMCSA regulations. The FMCSA requires companies to update their USDOT information every two years. Failure to do so can result in fines or the loss of operating authority. Don't risk it! Let FMCSAregistration.com’s DOT compliance services division make sure you stay up-to-date. Visit the DOT Authority Package, Tips to prepare for 2022 DOT Week filings in minutes. How do you get an Oregon Trip And Fuel Permit?




What Are USDOT Biennial Updates?





Carriers and entities regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must keep their information current. Every two years, they must file a biennial update. That is the case even if there are no company information changes or they have stopped doing interstate operations since the last update. Also, take a look at the Drug and Alcohol Program policy.



This update includes key information about your company, such as its:

  • name
  • location of registration
  • operating procedures
  • fleet size




It also requires details regarding the number of vehicles and drivers in the organization's fleet. Other FMCSA-mandated requirements may be included in the biennial update filing. Keeping this information up to date is essential for businesses to remain compliant with federal regulations. By submitting an accurate and timely biennial update, companies can ensure they are in compliance with all applicable laws. Failure to submit a correct biennial update could result in penalties or restrictions on operations. Must visit Who Will Pay for the Roads?



Having a biennial update filed and maintained can be complicated for motor carriers. Our organization makes the process simple by collecting your necessary information and filing the update on your behalf. This allows you to relax, knowing that everything is handled without worrying about it. Let us take the load off so you can focus on what's important: running your business! What is DOT Clearinghouse Enforcement?




Do I Have To Update My DOT Number Information?





Outdated VMT notifications are like "stop" signs for trucking businesses. Companies must update the information associated with their DOT numbers every two years or risk facing major fines and penalties. Not to mention, there is also the possibility of losing your authority. To complete the biennial registration process with the FMCSA, all trucks and motor carriers must have an assigned DOT number displayed. Non-compliance can be very costly, so ensure your business is up-to-date! Importance of The FMCSA 30-Minute Break Rule.





What If My Carrier Is Going Out of Business?





If you are discontinuing your motor carrier operations, the correct way to deactivate your U.S. DOT Number is by filling out an up-to-date MCS-150 form and checking the box marked "out of business.” You must send this information to the FMCSA via mail or fax. Unfortunately, it cannot be done online. Ensure that all the necessary details are filled in correctly and accurately before submitting it. This will ensure a quick and efficient process. What is Unified Carrier Registration?




Is Filing the Biennial Update Simple?





Yes, absolutely! To get started, you will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN). If you are a sole proprietor, you'll require a U.S. DOT Number for your business. Be sure to also have your company's official name and mailing address on hand in addition to your Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can request a PIN from the FMCSA website, and all other instructions will be presented as you move through the steps. Once you're ready, it's time to hit the open roads! Read about Texas DOT Numbers and USDOT Numbers. Learn here How to Prepare for a Compliance DOT Audit.





How Do I File the MCS-150 Form?





It's essential to determine the due date for filing your MCS-150 form. How do you know when to submit it? Look at the last two digits of your U.S. DOT Number—they will tell you! If your number ends in an odd digit, file your form during odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025, 2027, 2029...). On the other hand, if it concludes with an even digit, that means you should submit your MCS-150 in even-numbered years (e.g., 2024, 2026, 2028...). Knowing when to file is a crucial part of the process. Plan accordingly and stay on top of those deadlines! You will need driver qualification files filed out by all employees who drive for you working. Also, take a look at What Is IRP or Apportioned Registration.




Your U.S. DOT Number's very last digit will determine the month for filing this form. For instance, if it ends in 1, you must submit your paperwork on or before the last day of January; a two at the end means that you'll need to file by February's final day; and so on until 12, when it needs to be done by December's last day.





Summary: What Is VMT Filing?



  • VMT stands for Vehicle Miles Traveled and is a form of reporting used to measure trucker mileage.
  • This system is designed to help track how much time and money truckers spend on the road, making it easier for them to be aware of their expenses.
  • It requires drivers to submit monthly reports documenting their total miles traveled and any extra services they may have provided, such as hauling goods or delivering packages.
  • The data collected from these reports helps the government, businesses, and industry leaders understand trends in the transportation industry. This allows them to make better decisions regarding regulation, taxation, and other policies.
  • This tracking system also enables companies to ensure compliance with FMCSA and DOT regulations.
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