What does 49 CFR 386.7 (Filing of documents) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 386.7 requires a person serving or tendering a document for filing to personally deliver or mail one copy of each document to all parties and counsel or their designated representative of record. A signed original and one copy of each document must be submitted to the Department of Transportation Docket Operations.

The rule says

"A person serving or tendering a document for filing must personally deliver or mail one copy of each document to all parties and counsel or their designated representative of record if represented." (49 CFR 386.7)

"A signed original and one copy of each document submitted for the consideration of the Agency Decisionmaker, an Administrative Law Judge, or Hearing Officer must be personally delivered or mailed to: Department of Transportation Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001." (49 CFR 386.7)

In plain English

This rule is about how to properly file documents with the Department of Transportation. It requires that all parties involved in a proceeding receive a copy of the document, and that the original document be submitted to the Docket Operations office. This ensures that everyone has access to the same information and that the filing process is transparent. In practice, this means that motor carriers and other parties must carefully follow the filing procedures to avoid delays or disputes.

What to do

• Ensure that all documents are properly addressed and mailed to the correct parties and the Department of Transportation Docket Operations.
• Verify that a signed original and one copy of each document are submitted to the Docket Operations office.
• Keep a record of all filings, including the date and method of service, to demonstrate compliance with the rule.