Trucking is an industry that runs on trust. That’s been a bit harder to come by lately. Rates and demand are down in the past two years, while fraud surged. What hasn’t changed is the relationships this industry is built on, and leaning into those is one way we can start to put the trust back in trucking.
Those relationships start by knowing who you’re working with, and we’ve always been here to help make the right introductions.
Recently there’s been a new wrinkle to this dynamic: FMCSA is requiring all brokers and carriers that have a PO box or virtual address listed on their registration to update that information. PO boxes and virtual addresses are no longer allowed and using them from now on risks putting a broker or carrier out of service (this has been DAT’s policy for a long time).
While this is meant to reduce fraud, it’s not uncommon for trucking companies to use a PO box in order to avoid making changes to their FMCSA registration if they change offices. Some brokers have policies that flag carriers whenever there’s a change to their profiles.
Facilitating these updates may require changes in those internal policies – at least temporarily. While brokers and shippers need to know the carriers they’re hiring are safe and reliable, carriers also need transparency from brokers and shippers. For a trucking company, making these updates is a way to prove they’re trustworthy and easy to work with.
Not only does keeping this data updated help facilitate trusted business partnerships, but it also helps protect everyone against would-be fraudsters. An all-too-common scam is for someone to use old company info to pretend to be someone they’re not. Making sure all your info matches in places like the FMCSA and SAFER databases, along with the free DAT Directory, will go a long way to showing how you run a reliable operation.
Seven reasons to keep your FMCSA info up to date:
- Avoid penalties
FMCSA regulations require current info and no longer allow PO boxes or virtual addresses. Not updating can lead to fines and out-of-service orders. - Win business
Up-to-date makes it easier for future business partners to vet you as a safe, reliable carrier. - Fight fraud
Fraudsters often use outdated info to pretend to be someone they’re not. Protect your business. - Stay in the know
Make sure your contact info is accurate for notifications about audits, inspections, regulations, and compliance reviews. - Insurance requirements
Insurers look here to determine risk and set premiums. Shippers and brokers look here before awarding freight. Need help with setting up insurance? Our partners can help. - Avoid disruptions
Outdated info can lead to delays and complications, both when onboarding and booking loads and during inspections and interactions with law enforcement. - Safety monitoring
FMCSA uses carrier info to monitor and ensure safety compliance. Accurate info means you get credit for safe operations.