FMCSA gives no date yet for a full Motus fix
FreightWaves reports FMCSA Deputy Administrator Jesse Elison gave no date on Oct. 26 for fully repairing Motus and advised registrants without urgent needs to stay out of the system for now.
What happened
FMCSA Deputy Administrator Jesse Elison spoke Oct. 26 at FreightWaves' Broker Compliance Symposium in Chattanooga. FreightWaves reports he gave no date for fully repairing Motus, FMCSA's new registration system, and said stabilizing it would take "weeks and not months." He said the system still keeps out "more people than just the bad actors we intended it for." His advice to registrants, per FreightWaves: "If you don't need to go in, don't go in yet." Registrants with urgent needs should contact FMCSA directly, he said.
Why it matters
Motus is where carriers apply for a USDOT number and operating authority, and FMCSA's Motus page lists insurance filers among the companies that complete filings there for carriers. FMCSA has temporarily suspended enforcement of biennial updates, and registrants whose update was due on or after June 1, 2026 will not have their USDOT number inactivated for missing it. FreightWaves also reports Elison called stronger rules for new entrants a priority. FreightWaves cites FMCSA's regulatory agenda, which says the agency is considering a proficiency exam as part of its new entrant process.
What to consider
If an application or filing is stuck, FMCSA asks registrants to submit one ticket through its Registration Customer Service Center (1-800-832-5660) and follow up on it rather than opening duplicates. Carriers can also check their own record with Motus public search. FMCSA Motus help and biennial update notice · Move into Motus · FMCSA registration now runs through Motus
Sources
- FreightWaves (Oct. 26, 2026)
- FMCSA biennial update notice (last updated Sept. 10, 2026)
- FMCSA, Move into Motus (last updated May 18, 2026)
Reporting and records credited to the sources above, Oct. 26, 2026. We link to the original and add what it means for carriers.
This item is general information, not legal advice or an offer of insurance. Rules and programs change, so check the sources above. Helm Partners is a trucking-only insurance agency being formed in Michigan. Our Michigan license is pending. We do not quote or sell insurance until licensed. How we pick, source and correct Wire items · More from The Wire