As a result of so many vendors and email scams that inundate our Industry, MMTA has received several calls asking if the MOTUS emails are legitimate or another scam. MMTA encourages members to look at the source and if not from a “.gov” email address such as FMCSA, the email is coming from a vendor and not the government. FMCSA and DOT never text, so almost all texts are from a vendor seeking you to hire them to perform functions that are often free. As always, if you are not sure, feel free to contact MMTA and we will share with you what we know and what we see.
The MOTUS effort is a legitimate effort of FMCSA to enhance the security of the registration system. The goal of FMCSA is to introduce a single, secure, and mobile friendly online dashboard for registration actions. The new system, known as MOTUS, will provide enhanced security for users. FMCSA is asking motor carriers to prepare for the rollout of MOTUS in 2026 by logging into their FMCSA Portal to confirm that all carrier information is current. This can be accomplished by performing a biennial update of the MCS-150 in the registration section of their FMCSA Portal. If motor carriers do not currently have an FMCSA Portal, they should create one. Having an FMCSA Portal is necessary for motor carriers to perform biennial updates and to administer the FMCSA Clearinghouse functions as well as other FMCSA related actions.
Here are steps for updating the Portal:
Ensure Your FMCSA Portal Account is Active
- Log in to your Portal account at https://portal.fmcsa.dot.gov to confirm it is active.
- If you don’t have an account, create one now.
Verify Your Portal Company Official
- Ensure the correct Company Official is listed in your FMCSA Portal account. This will allow you to claim your USDOT Number in Motus and automatically populate your new Motus account with existing records, streamlining your set-up in the new system.
- The Portal Company Official should be the company owner or individual authorized to sign documents on behalf of the company.
- To claim a USDOT Number in Motus when the system launches for registrants, the Company Official must use the same Login.gov email to log into the FMCSA Portal and Motus.
Update Your Company Information
- For a smooth transition into Motus, easily submit an online Biennial Update (MCS-150) in the Portal “Registration” tab to ensure that the most up-
FMCSA has provided a two-page overview of the MOTUS rollout and instructions for preparing your FMCSA Portal for the rollout. You can access the information HERE or as always feel free to contact MMTA for assistance.