FMCSA Motus: Could It Delay New Trucking Authorities?

If you're applying for a new U.S. trucking authority in 2026, you should know about FMCSA Motus.

Motus is FMCSA's new registration system, launched in May 2026 to replace several older registration tools. It handles USDOT registrations, operating authority applications, company updates, insurance filings, and BOC-3 information.

The problem is that the rollout has had issues.

Carriers and compliance companies have reported Login.gov and identity verification problems, system errors, and difficulty completing certain registration actions. Some carriers have also reported authority information displaying incorrectly, even when the underlying authority is valid. FMCSA has made temporary adjustments while these issues are being worked out.

For a new carrier, that means you shouldn't assume your authority will be ready exactly when you expect it to be.

If you're leaving another company, buying insurance, and planning to start hauling under your own authority, give yourself extra time. A few days or weeks of delays can get expensive fast when the truck is sitting but insurance and other bills are still running.

Canadian carriers applying for U.S. authority should keep this in mind too, since they still have to go through the FMCSA registration process.

Motus may eventually make registration easier, but right now new carriers should plan ahead. Set up your Login.gov account before starting the application, make sure your company information matches across systems, and confirm that your insurance and BOC-3 filings have been submitted properly.

Bottom line: if you're starting a new authority in 2026, don't leave the paperwork until the last minute. Motus is still new, and delays are possible.