The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has launched a simplified online registration process that trucking companies can use as new applicants for U.S. Department of Transportation registration.

Called the Unified Registration System, the process combines multiple legacy reporting forms into a single, online “smart form” that streamlines the registration and renewal process. URS is also aimed at improving efficiency, reducing errors and strengthening safety for the motoring public.

The process also applies to freight forwarders, brokers, intermodal equipment providers and cargo tank manufacturing, inspection and repair facilities that need U.S. DOT registration.

When fully implemented in 2016, URS will allow FMCSA to quickly identify unfit carriers and detect unsafe truck and bus companies that are seeking to evade enforcement actions, such as like civil penalties. The agenc said these companies would often attempt to regain U.S. DOT registration by registering as a purported different, unrelated business entity.

The implementation of URS is expected to reduce costs to the industry by about 9 million in time saved and fees incurred over a 10-year period, according to FMCSA.

For more information on URS, click here.