FMCSA’s New Motus System: What 3PLs Need to Know

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is rolling out Motus, a new registration system designed to simplify processes, improve data accuracy, and reduce fraud. If you’re a transportation service provider or work in third-party logistics, here’s what you need to know about the transition.

Join the First Wave

Starting next week, transportation service providers, BOC-3 filers, and financial responsibility filers (insurance companies, surety companies, and other financial institutions) will gain access to Motus to create user and business profiles. FMCSA is bringing supporting companies into the system first so you’re ready to help your clients when Motus opens to all registrants in 2026.

This is a great opportunity to get used to the new platform, as brokers typically rely on service providers for FMCSA registration matter. Being familiar prior to a broader rollout should help with any hiccups before it goes fully live.

Setting Up An Account

Brokerages will need to designate at least one main account holder who will create the company’s business profile and manage access for other users. Main account holders have full system access and can invite sub-account holders—employees or associates who need to use the account but won’t manage permissions.

For insurance or BOC-3 filers, main account holders will also need to claim existing Licensing and Insurance filer account to link past filings to the new Motus profile. Insurance filers must submit eligibility documentation like state insurance licenses or banking certificates.

The Timeline

For now, users should continue making all filings in FMCSA’s current systems. The initial Motus access is for profile creation only—the platform won’t handle actual transactions until the full launch in 2026. After that, FMCSA plans to continuously add functionality and improvements based on user feedback.

The Goal

A modernized registration system means less administrative burden, fewer filing errors, and more time to focus on core business. By positioning supporting companies to guide their clients through the transition, FMCSA is taking a more thoughtful approach to system modernization than in the past

Visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/resources-hub for updates and detailed guidance as the rollout continues. Make sure to plan who should serve as the main account holder, and watch for communications from FMCSA about accessing the new system. A PDF breakdown of the program can be found here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2025-12/Motus_Supporting_Company_Launch_FactSheet_FINAL.pdf