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Dec 1, 2000 12:00 PM, MODERN BULK TRANSPORTER STAFF

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has modified its licensing and insurance information database and web site to allow registered insurance companies and other financial institutions to file information directly online for motor carriers about their insurance policies.

Financial institutions now may enter certificates of insurance, notices of cancellation, surety bonds, trust fund agreements, and other evidence of security via the Internet. The web site address is http://fhwa-li.volpe.dot.gov.

All for-hire motor carriers, freight forwarders, and brokers conducting operations in interstate or foreign commerce must maintain on file, with the FMCSA, evidence of insurance in the required amounts. This evidence is filed for motor carriers by insurance companies and other financial institutions. Currently, about 130,000 motor carriers' insurance policies are submitted to the agency on paper forms. About 300,000 motor carriers' insurance policies are submitted via computer software that allows financial institutions and insurance companies to input information directly to an electronic database.

Both of these methods will be retained. However, the FMCSA no longer will accept new filing applications via the electronic database system, which the Internet filing system is replacing.

The Internet filing procedure will enable companies to receive insurance confirmation immediately after information submission. Companies using the paper filing system usually receive confirmation in about 10 days due to the large volume of submissions. An added benefit of Internet filing is that it expedites carriers' compliance requirements with federal motor carrier insurance regulations.

Additional information regarding the Internet insurance filing system may be obtained by phoning the FMCSA's Insurance Compliance Division at 202-358-7028 or 202-358-7029.