Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of a Currently-Approved Information Collection: Unified Registration System, FMCSA Registration/Updates, 48001-48003 [2019-19650]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 176 / Wednesday, September 11, 2019 / Notices jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES the drivers and vehicles it plans to use in U.S. operations. The OP–1 series also requests information on the applicant’s familiarity with relevant safety requirements, the applicant’s willingness to comply with those requirements during its operations, and the applicant’s willingness to meet any specific statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to its proposed operations. Information collected through these forms aids FMCSA in determining the type of operation a company may run, the cargo it may carry, and the resulting level of insurance coverage the applicant will be required to obtain and maintain to continue its operating authority. Changes From Previous Estimates The previously approved version of this ICR estimated the average annual burden to be 24,853 hours, with 37,240 total annual respondents. The current ICR estimates 147,124 annual burden hours, with 73,538 total annual respondents. The program change increase of 122,271 estimated annual burden hours and 36,298 respondents is due to a change in assumptions and circumstances. In the previously approved ICR, FMCSA calculated the burden estimate for forms OP–1, OP–1(P), OP–1(FF), and OP–1(NNA) for only 1 year, because the Agency expected that all motor carriers would begin using Form MCSA–1 via URS beginning in 2017. However, as discussed above, FMCSA has experienced delays in rolling out Phase II of URS (which applies to existing registrants) and has indefinitely suspended the effective date of URS requirements for such entities. Until further notice, existing registrants must still use the OP–1 series of forms to apply for additional authorities. FMCSA is assuming that this will be the case for the 3-year period covered by this ICR. This has resulted in an increase in the number of annual responses and burden hours. As described above, only first-time applicants seeking an FMCSA-issued registration must apply via URS. Under URS, all forms in the OP–1 series, except OP–1(MX), are folded into Form MCSA–1. Information collection activities associated with MCSA–1 are covered under a different ICR, titled ‘‘FMCSA Registration/Updates,’’ OMB Control Number 2126–0051. Title: Licensing Applications for Motor Carrier Operating Authority. OMB Control Number: 2126–0016. Type of Request: Renewal of a currently approved collection. Respondents: Carrier compliance officer or equivalent from motor VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:44 Sep 10, 2019 Jkt 247001 carriers, motor passenger carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, and certain Mexico-domiciled motor carriers subject to FMCSA’s licensing, registration and certification regulations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 73,538. Estimated Time per Response: 2 hours for forms OP–1, OP–1(P), and OP–1(FF); 4 hours for forms OP–1(MX) and OP– 1(NNA). Expiration Date: January 31, 2020. Frequency of Response: Other (as needed). Estimated Total Annual Burden: 147,124 hours. Public Comments Invited: You are asked to comment on any aspect of this information collection, including: (1) Whether the proposed collection is necessary for the performance of FMCSA’s functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways for FMCSA to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the collected information; and (4) ways that the burden could be minimized without reducing the quality of the collected information. The Agency will summarize or include your comments in the request for OMB’s clearance of this information collection. Issued under the authority of 49 CFR 1.87 on: September 5, 2019. Kelly Regal, Associate Administrator for Office of Research and Information Technology. [FR Doc. 2019–19651 Filed 9–10–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2019–0204] Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of a CurrentlyApproved Information Collection: Unified Registration System, FMCSA Registration/Updates Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the information collection request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review and approval and invites public comment. FMCSA requests approval to renew the ICR titled ‘‘Unified Registration System, FMCSA Registration/Updates,’’ OMB Control SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 48001 No. 2126–0051. This ICR applies to new registrants seeking initial operating authority from FMCSA. New registrants seeking operating authority must use online Form MCSA–1, accessible via the Unified Registration System (URS). DATES: We must receive your comments on or before November 12, 2019. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket Number FMCSA–2019–0204 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Operations; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and docket number. For detailed instructions on submitting comments, see the Public Participation heading below. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov, and follow the online instructions for accessing the dockets, or go to the street address listed above. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. Public Participation: The Federal eRulemaking Portal is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. You can obtain electronic submission and retrieval help and guidelines under the ‘‘help’’ section of the Federal eRulemaking Portal website. If you want us to notify you that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard, or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting E:\FR\FM\11SEN1.SGM 11SEN1 48002 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 176 / Wednesday, September 11, 2019 / Notices comments online. Comments received after the comment closing date will be included in the docket and will be considered to the extent practicable. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeff Secrist, Office of Registration and Safety Information, Chief, Registration, Licensing, and Insurance Division, Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, West Building 6th Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 202–385–2367; email: jeff.secrist@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Background FMCSA registers for-hire motor carriers of regulated commodities and of passengers, under 49 U.S.C. 13902(a); surface freight forwarders, under 49 U.S.C. 13903; property brokers, under 49 U.S.C. 13904; and certain Mexicodomiciled motor carriers, under 49 U.S.C. 13902(c). These motor carriers may conduct transportation services in the United States only if they are registered with FMCSA. Each registration is effective from the date specified and remains in effect for such period as the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) determines by regulations. The Final Rule titled ‘‘Unified Registration System,’’ (78 FR 52608) dated August 23, 2013, implemented statutory provisions for an online registration system for entities that are subject to FMCSA’s licensing, registration, and certification regulations. URS streamlines the registration process and serves as a clearinghouse and repository of information on motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, intermodal equipment providers (IEPs), hazardous materials safety permit (HMSP) applicants, and cargo tank facilities required to register with FMCSA. When developing URS, FMCSA planned that the OP–1 series of forms (except for OP– 1(MX)) would ultimately be folded into one overarching form (MCSA–1), which would be used by all motor carriers seeking authority. FMCSA began a phased rollout of URS in 2015. The first phase, which became effective on December 12, 2015, impacts only first-time applicants seeking an FMCSA-issued registration. FMCSA had planned subsequent rollout phases for existing registrants; however, there have been substantial delays, and subsequent phases have not been rolled out to date. On January 17, 2017, FMCSA issued a Final Rule titled ‘‘Unified Registration System; Suspension of Effectiveness,’’ VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:44 Sep 10, 2019 Jkt 247001 which indefinitely suspended URS effectiveness dates for existing registrants only (82 FR 5292). Pursuant to this Final Rule, FMCSA is still accepting forms OP–1, OP–1(P), OP– 1(FF), and OP–1(NNA) for existing registrants wishing to apply for additional authorities. Separately, FMCSA requires Form OP–1(MX) for Mexico-domiciled carriers that wish to operate beyond the U.S. municipalities on the U.S.-Mexico border and their commercial zones. As described above, only first-time applicants seeking an FMCSA-issued registration must apply for authority via URS, using Form MCSA–1. Under URS, all forms described in the current ICR, except OP–1(MX), are folded into Form MCSA–1. Information collection activities associated with the OP–1 series of forms are covered under a different ICR, titled ‘‘Licensing Applications for Motor Carrier Operating Authority,’’ OMB Control No. 2126–0016. Form MCSA–1 requests information to identify the applicant, the nature and scope of its proposed operations, safetyrelated details, and information regarding the drivers and vehicles it plans to use in U.S. operations. FMCSA and the States use registration information collected via Form MCSA– 1 to track motor carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, and other entities they regulate. Registering motor carriers is essential to being able to identify carriers so that their safety performance can be tracked and evaluated. The data make it possible to link individual trucks to the responsible motor carrier, thus implementing the mandate under 49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(1); that is, ensuring that CMVs are maintained and operated safely (see Attachment G). In general, registration information collected via Form MCSA–1 informs prioritization of the Agency’s activities and aids in assessing and statistically analyzing the safety outcomes of those activities. The current information collection supports the DOT Strategic Goal of Safety. It streamlines registration processes and ensures that FMCSA can more efficiently track motor carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, and other entities regulated by the Agency. Changes From Previous Estimates The previously approved version of this ICR included the following annualized burden estimates: 627,264 respondents; 205,412 burden hours; and $6,066,345 in labor costs. Overall Federal Government costs associated with the previous iteration of this ICR were estimated to be $52,000,000, including staff, IT, and overhead costs. PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The current ICR includes the following annualized estimates: 51,875 respondents; 112,396 burden hours; $4,758,447.58 in labor costs. Overall Federal Government costs associated with the current iteration of this ICR are $5,718,240.32, including labor costs and IT support. As can be seen, there have been significant decreases in the number of respondents, while labor costs to the industry have decreased approximately 22 percent, and costs to the Government have decreased dramatically, by over $45,000,000. Burden hour estimates have also decreased, but not as substantially as the estimated number of respondents. There are several reasons for these changes. First, the original iteration of this ICR included costs associated with the development, roll-out, and implementation of URS. Those costs are not reflected in this ICR. Instead, estimated costs for ongoing IT maintenance and support of the existing system are included. Next, FMCSA has experienced delays in rolling out Phase II of URS (which applies to existing registrants) and has indefinitely suspended the effective date of URS requirements for such entities. In the original iteration of this ICR, it was expected that all entities subject to FMCSA licensing and registration requirements would apply for additional authorities and submit biennial update information via URS. However, due to delays in rolling out Phase II of URS, existing registrants must still use the OP–1 series of forms to apply for additional authorities and the MCS–150 to submit their biennial updates. FMCSA is assuming that this will be the case for the 3-year period covered by this ICR. This has resulted in a decrease in the number of annual responses. While the estimated number of annual responses has decreased by nearly 92 percent, burden hours have only decreased by about 45 percent. This is explained by an increased estimate of the amount of time it takes a motor carrier to complete Form MCSA–1. In the previously approved ICR, FMCSA estimated that it would take 1.34 hours; however, after observing URS activities for the past three years, the Agency estimates that it takes closer to 2 hours and 10 minutes for an applicant to fill out the form. Thus, the estimated burden hours for each respondent have increased over prior years. Finally, the changes in labor cost to the industry reflect a change in the methodology used to estimate hourly wages for carrier compliance officers, E:\FR\FM\11SEN1.SGM 11SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 176 / Wednesday, September 11, 2019 / Notices which resulted in an increase in hourly wage of $13.06 per hour. Title: Unified Registration System, FMCSA Registration Updates. OMB Control Number: 2126–0051. Type of Request: Renewal of a currently approved collection. Respondents: Carrier compliance officer or equivalent from transportation entities subject to FMCSA’s licensing, registration and certification regulations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 155,625 (51,875 annualized). Estimated Time per Response: 2 hours and 10 minutes. Expiration Date: January 31, 2020. Frequency of Response: One-time information collection. Estimated Total Annual Burden: 337,188 hours total (112,396 annualized). Public Comments Invited: You are asked to comment on any aspect of this information collection, including: (1) Whether the proposed collection is necessary for the performance of FMCSA’s functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways for FMCSA to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the collected information; and (4) ways that the burden could be minimized without reducing the quality of the collected information. The Agency will summarize or include your comments in the request for OMB’s clearance of this information collection. Issued under the authority of 49 CFR 1.87 on: September 5, 2019. Kelly Regal, Associate Administrator for Office of Research and Information Technology. [FR Doc. 2019–19650 Filed 9–10–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Regulation Project Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: The Internal Revenue Service, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The IRS is soliciting comments concerning special rules under section 417(a)(7) for jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:44 Sep 10, 2019 Jkt 247001 written explanation provided by qualified retirement plan after annuity starting dates. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before November 12, 2019 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to L Brimmer, Internal Revenue Service, room 6526, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the regulations should be directed to Sara Covington, (202)317– 6038, at Internal Revenue Service, room 6526, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224, or through the internet at Sara.L.Covington@irs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Special Rules Under Section 417(a)(7) for Written Explanation Provided by Qualified Retirement Plan After Annuity Starting Dates. OMB Number: 1545–1724. Regulation Project Number: T.D. 9076 (REG–109481–99). Abstract: The collection of information requirement in section 1.417(e)–1(b)(3)(iv)(B) and 1.417(e)– 1(b)(3)(v)(A) is required to ensure that a participant and the participant’s spouse consent to a form of distribution from a qualified plan that may result in reduced periodic payments. Current Actions: There is no change to this existing regulation. Type of Review: Extension of currently approved collection. Affected Public: Individuals or households, business or other for-profit organizations, and not-for-profit institutions. Estimated Number of Respondents: 50,000. Estimated Time per Respondent: 15 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 12,500. The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice: An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 48003 public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Approved: September 5, 2019. Sara Covington, Tax Analyst. [FR Doc. 2019–19596 Filed 9–10–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Proposed Collection; Comment Request for T.D. 8649 Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: The Internal Revenue Service, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The IRS is soliciting comments concerning netting rule for certain conversion transactions. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before November 12, 2019 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to L. Brimmer, Internal Revenue Service, Room 6526, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection should be directed to Sara Covington, (202) 317–6038, at Internal Revenue Service, Room 6526, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224, or through the internet, at Sara.L.Covington@irs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Regulations Under Section 1258 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\11SEN1.SGM 11SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 176 (Wednesday, September 11, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48001-48003]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-19650]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2019-0204]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of a Currently-
Approved Information Collection: Unified Registration System, FMCSA 
Registration/Updates

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA 
announces its plan to submit the information collection request (ICR) 
described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its 
review and approval and invites public comment. FMCSA requests approval 
to renew the ICR titled ``Unified Registration System, FMCSA 
Registration/Updates,'' OMB Control No. 2126-0051. This ICR applies to 
new registrants seeking initial operating authority from FMCSA. New 
registrants seeking operating authority must use online Form MCSA-1, 
accessible via the Unified Registration System (URS).

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before November 12, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket Number FMCSA-2019-0204 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Operations; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and 
docket number. For detailed instructions on submitting comments, see 
the Public Participation heading below. Note that all comments received 
will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including 
any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading 
below.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov, and follow the 
online instructions for accessing the dockets, or go to the street 
address listed above.
    Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits 
comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT 
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information 
the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the 
system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.
    Public Participation: The Federal eRulemaking Portal is available 
24 hours each day, 365 days each year. You can obtain electronic 
submission and retrieval help and guidelines under the ``help'' section 
of the Federal eRulemaking Portal website. If you want us to notify you 
that we received your comments, please include a self-addressed, 
stamped envelope or postcard, or print the acknowledgement page that 
appears after submitting

[[Page 48002]]

comments online. Comments received after the comment closing date will 
be included in the docket and will be considered to the extent 
practicable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeff Secrist, Office of 
Registration and Safety Information, Chief, Registration, Licensing, 
and Insurance Division, Department of Transportation, Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Administration, West Building 6th Floor, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 202-385-2367; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    FMCSA registers for-hire motor carriers of regulated commodities 
and of passengers, under 49 U.S.C. 13902(a); surface freight 
forwarders, under 49 U.S.C. 13903; property brokers, under 49 U.S.C. 
13904; and certain Mexico-domiciled motor carriers, under 49 U.S.C. 
13902(c). These motor carriers may conduct transportation services in 
the United States only if they are registered with FMCSA. Each 
registration is effective from the date specified and remains in effect 
for such period as the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) 
determines by regulations.
    The Final Rule titled ``Unified Registration System,'' (78 FR 
52608) dated August 23, 2013, implemented statutory provisions for an 
online registration system for entities that are subject to FMCSA's 
licensing, registration, and certification regulations. URS streamlines 
the registration process and serves as a clearinghouse and repository 
of information on motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, 
intermodal equipment providers (IEPs), hazardous materials safety 
permit (HMSP) applicants, and cargo tank facilities required to 
register with FMCSA. When developing URS, FMCSA planned that the OP-1 
series of forms (except for OP-1(MX)) would ultimately be folded into 
one overarching form (MCSA-1), which would be used by all motor 
carriers seeking authority.
    FMCSA began a phased rollout of URS in 2015. The first phase, which 
became effective on December 12, 2015, impacts only first-time 
applicants seeking an FMCSA-issued registration. FMCSA had planned 
subsequent rollout phases for existing registrants; however, there have 
been substantial delays, and subsequent phases have not been rolled out 
to date.
    On January 17, 2017, FMCSA issued a Final Rule titled ``Unified 
Registration System; Suspension of Effectiveness,'' which indefinitely 
suspended URS effectiveness dates for existing registrants only (82 FR 
5292). Pursuant to this Final Rule, FMCSA is still accepting forms OP-
1, OP-1(P), OP-1(FF), and OP-1(NNA) for existing registrants wishing to 
apply for additional authorities. Separately, FMCSA requires Form OP-
1(MX) for Mexico-domiciled carriers that wish to operate beyond the 
U.S. municipalities on the U.S.-Mexico border and their commercial 
zones.
    As described above, only first-time applicants seeking an FMCSA-
issued registration must apply for authority via URS, using Form MCSA-
1. Under URS, all forms described in the current ICR, except OP-1(MX), 
are folded into Form MCSA-1. Information collection activities 
associated with the OP-1 series of forms are covered under a different 
ICR, titled ``Licensing Applications for Motor Carrier Operating 
Authority,'' OMB Control No. 2126-0016.
    Form MCSA-1 requests information to identify the applicant, the 
nature and scope of its proposed operations, safety-related details, 
and information regarding the drivers and vehicles it plans to use in 
U.S. operations. FMCSA and the States use registration information 
collected via Form MCSA-1 to track motor carriers, freight forwarders, 
brokers, and other entities they regulate. Registering motor carriers 
is essential to being able to identify carriers so that their safety 
performance can be tracked and evaluated. The data make it possible to 
link individual trucks to the responsible motor carrier, thus 
implementing the mandate under 49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(1); that is, ensuring 
that CMVs are maintained and operated safely (see Attachment G). In 
general, registration information collected via Form MCSA-1 informs 
prioritization of the Agency's activities and aids in assessing and 
statistically analyzing the safety outcomes of those activities.
    The current information collection supports the DOT Strategic Goal 
of Safety. It streamlines registration processes and ensures that FMCSA 
can more efficiently track motor carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, 
and other entities regulated by the Agency.

Changes From Previous Estimates

    The previously approved version of this ICR included the following 
annualized burden estimates: 627,264 respondents; 205,412 burden hours; 
and $6,066,345 in labor costs. Overall Federal Government costs 
associated with the previous iteration of this ICR were estimated to be 
$52,000,000, including staff, IT, and overhead costs.
    The current ICR includes the following annualized estimates: 51,875 
respondents; 112,396 burden hours; $4,758,447.58 in labor costs. 
Overall Federal Government costs associated with the current iteration 
of this ICR are $5,718,240.32, including labor costs and IT support.
    As can be seen, there have been significant decreases in the number 
of respondents, while labor costs to the industry have decreased 
approximately 22 percent, and costs to the Government have decreased 
dramatically, by over $45,000,000. Burden hour estimates have also 
decreased, but not as substantially as the estimated number of 
respondents. There are several reasons for these changes.
    First, the original iteration of this ICR included costs associated 
with the development, roll-out, and implementation of URS. Those costs 
are not reflected in this ICR. Instead, estimated costs for ongoing IT 
maintenance and support of the existing system are included.
    Next, FMCSA has experienced delays in rolling out Phase II of URS 
(which applies to existing registrants) and has indefinitely suspended 
the effective date of URS requirements for such entities. In the 
original iteration of this ICR, it was expected that all entities 
subject to FMCSA licensing and registration requirements would apply 
for additional authorities and submit biennial update information via 
URS. However, due to delays in rolling out Phase II of URS, existing 
registrants must still use the OP-1 series of forms to apply for 
additional authorities and the MCS-150 to submit their biennial 
updates. FMCSA is assuming that this will be the case for the 3-year 
period covered by this ICR. This has resulted in a decrease in the 
number of annual responses.
    While the estimated number of annual responses has decreased by 
nearly 92 percent, burden hours have only decreased by about 45 
percent. This is explained by an increased estimate of the amount of 
time it takes a motor carrier to complete Form MCSA-1. In the 
previously approved ICR, FMCSA estimated that it would take 1.34 hours; 
however, after observing URS activities for the past three years, the 
Agency estimates that it takes closer to 2 hours and 10 minutes for an 
applicant to fill out the form. Thus, the estimated burden hours for 
each respondent have increased over prior years.
    Finally, the changes in labor cost to the industry reflect a change 
in the methodology used to estimate hourly wages for carrier compliance 
officers,

[[Page 48003]]

which resulted in an increase in hourly wage of $13.06 per hour.
    Title: Unified Registration System, FMCSA Registration Updates.
    OMB Control Number: 2126-0051.
    Type of Request: Renewal of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Carrier compliance officer or equivalent from 
transportation entities subject to FMCSA's licensing, registration and 
certification regulations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 155,625 (51,875 annualized).
    Estimated Time per Response: 2 hours and 10 minutes.
    Expiration Date: January 31, 2020.
    Frequency of Response: One-time information collection.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 337,188 hours total (112,396 
annualized).
    Public Comments Invited: You are asked to comment on any aspect of 
this information collection, including: (1) Whether the proposed 
collection is necessary for the performance of FMCSA's functions; (2) 
the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways for FMCSA to enhance the 
quality, usefulness, and clarity of the collected information; and (4) 
ways that the burden could be minimized without reducing the quality of 
the collected information. The Agency will summarize or include your 
comments in the request for OMB's clearance of this information 
collection.

    Issued under the authority of 49 CFR 1.87 on: September 5, 2019.
Kelly Regal,
Associate Administrator for Office of Research and Information 
Technology.
[FR Doc. 2019-19650 Filed 9-10-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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