FMCSA’s Freight Fraud Fight: New Protocols Aim to Secure the System

TIA extends its sincere thanks to Ken Riddle, Director of the Office of Registration at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), for briefing TIA members and 3PL industry partners on the latest initiatives to combat fraud and enhance trust in the freight transportation system. During a TIA-hosted webinar, Riddle outlined FMCSA’s new identity verification protocols, part of a broader push to modernize the Unified Registration System (URS). These reforms aim to curb the growing threat of identity-based freight fraud and restore confidence in the registration process.

Key Update: Identity Verification for New Applicants

FMCSA has already launched a new multifactor identity verification process for all new applicants seeking a U.S. DOT number. This process includes:

• Facial recognition technology is paired with a valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or green card) to confirm identity.
• In-person verification is available at FMCSA-supported service centers for those unable to complete the process digitally.

What’s Next for FMCSA Registration?

The agency is preparing to implement additional reforms, including:

• Phased identity verification for existing DOT registrants, expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
• New business verification protocols to confirm that registered entities are engaged in lawful, legitimate operations.

These measures mark a major step forward in FMCSA’s effort to close system loopholes and prevent fraudulent actors from infiltrating the freight network.

New Resource: FMCSA Data Dissemination Program

FMCSA has also just launched a free, public Data Dissemination Program, offering access to regularly updated datasets in the following categories:

• Entities with a USDOT Number
• Entities with Operating Authority
• FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) data for all active motor carriers
• Out-of-Service (OOS) Orders issued under the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program

This tool is designed to support YOU = the decision-makers, researchers, and freight businesses with real-time, actionable data.

Looking Ahead: FMCSA’s “Motus” Registration Platform

In 2026, FMCSA will transition to a new registration platform called “Motus” as part of its broader effort to modernize and secure the registration process. TIA encourages all members and industry stakeholders to stay informed by visiting the FMCSA Registration Modernization Resources Hub [CLICK HERE]. TIA will continue to collaborate with FMCSA to ensure our members receive timely updates, have access to key decision-makers, and benefit from ongoing efforts to strengthen the integrity of the freight transportation system.

Attention TIA Members!

You can already access the webinar recording by going to the Membership Resource Library Link, Login with your previously created credentials, and click on the “Lunch and Learn Recordings: TIA Resources” link to the webinar.  

For additional questions or follow-up after the TIA webinar, please contact the TIA Advocacy Team at advocacy@tianet.org.