MC authority is FMCSA operating authority that allows certain for-hire motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and passenger carriers to operate in regulated interstate commerce.

Not every company with a USDOT number needs MC authority, but many for-hire carriers do. The type of authority depends on what the company transports, whether it is for-hire, whether it crosses state lines, and whether it transports property, passengers, household goods, or regulated materials.

CNS helps carriers determine which authority may apply and supports the filing process.

An MCS-150 biennial update is the required FMCSA update used to keep a carrier’s USDOT number record current.

FMCSA requires entities under its jurisdiction to update their information every two years, even if the company’s information has not changed. Missing the biennial update can lead to USDOT number deactivation and civil penalties.

CNS helps carriers file MCS-150 updates and keep the renewal on schedule.

If a carrier misses the required MCS-150 biennial update, FMCSA can deactivate the USDOT number and may assess civil penalties. CNS helps carriers complete overdue updates and reduce the risk of operating with an inactive or out-of-date record.

Best for: Carriers with overdue MCS-150 filings, inactive USDOT numbers, or uncertainty about their next update deadline.

FMCSA requires regulated entities to update their information every two years, even if nothing has changed.

IFTA fuel tax filing is the process of reporting fuel use and distance traveled by qualified motor vehicles that operate in more than one IFTA jurisdiction.

Carriers often need to collect fuel receipts, fuel card reports, mileage data, GPS reports, trip sheets, and jurisdictional distance records to prepare accurate quarterly returns.

CNS helps carriers collect data, prepare IFTA returns, file reports, and maintain records for future audits.

IRP licensing is apportioned vehicle registration for qualified vehicles that travel in multiple jurisdictions. It allows carriers to register vehicles under a base jurisdiction while fees are distributed based on distance traveled in participating jurisdictions.

A vehicle generally qualifies for IRP if it has two axles and a gross or registered gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds, has three or more axles regardless of weight, or is used in a combination with a gross or registered gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds.

CNS helps carriers apply for IRP, renew apportioned registration, update fleets, and maintain supporting records.

Form 2290 is the IRS Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax return used for taxable highway motor vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.

Carriers use Form 2290 to report and pay HVUT and obtain a stamped Schedule 1, which is commonly needed as proof of payment for vehicle registration.

CNS helps carriers e-file Form 2290 and obtain Schedule 1 proof quickly.

A USDOT number identifies a motor carrier and is used to track safety information. MC authority is operating authority that certain for-hire carriers need to transport regulated commodities, passengers, or other covered transportation in interstate commerce.