The 2026 DOT compliance calendar for trucking carriers
Most carrier fines are date-driven, not knowledge-driven. The rule is usually clear — the operator just missed the deadline. This calendar walks the 2026 year month by month with every recurring filing for a typical US interstate motor carrier.
January — UCR and the Q4 IFTA filing
UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) renewal opens; pay before the federal enforcement date or risk roadside out-of-service on the first audit. Q4 IFTA returns are due January 31 — file even if your fleet ran zero miles in a jurisdiction.
Pull your annual MVRs for every CDL driver and refile the DQ file. Carriers fail this audit step more than any other.
February–March — Drug & alcohol random pool, MCS-150 prep
Refresh the random pool with new hires and removals; document the methodology. Pre-employment drug screens and Clearinghouse full queries get audited together — keep the pull dates aligned.
MCS-150 is due every two years tied to your USDOT number's last two digits and your month assignment (FMCSA chart). Carriers with a January–March slot file now.
April — Q1 IFTA, IRP renewals (state-dependent)
Q1 IFTA returns due April 30. Many states have IRP renewals on a rolling basis — check your base jurisdiction's portal monthly.
July — Q2 IFTA, Form 2290 (HVUT)
Q2 IFTA due July 31. Federal Form 2290 (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) tax period starts July 1 — most carriers file in July/August. Don't forget Schedule 1 stamped copies for state plate renewals.
October — Q3 IFTA, annual Clearinghouse queries
Q3 IFTA due October 31. The FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse requires one limited query per CDL driver per year — most carriers batch this in October ahead of MVR season.
Year-round — UCR enforcement, biennial MCS-150, ELD records
Retain ELD records for 6 months; supporting documents for 6 months. Driver qualification files: lifetime + 3 years post-separation for some elements. Keep accident registers for 3 years.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss MCS-150?
USDOT becomes 'inactive'. You'll be flagged on the first roadside; brokers may stop tendering loads. FMCSA can deactivate the operating authority after 90 days.
Do owner-operators have to file all of these?
If you're leased on under a carrier's authority, the carrier files most. If you operate under your own MC/DOT, yes — all of them.
Does Hayes track these deadlines automatically?
Yes — every recurring DOT obligation is a row in the QMS module with assigned owner, due date, and audit-ready proof attachments.
Run your own numbers
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