Who needs operating authority
You need FMCSA operating authority (commonly called an MC number) if you are paid to transport regulated commodities across state lines, or if you arrange transportation as a broker or freight forwarder. Private carriers hauling their own goods and carriers moving only exempt commodities (certain unprocessed agricultural products, for example) generally do not need it, though they still need a USDOT number.
There are several authority types, including motor carrier of property, household goods carrier, broker and freight forwarder. Applying for the wrong one is a common and avoidable delay, so we confirm the type before anything is filed.
What we do
- Confirm the authority type (or types) your operation needs and whether you qualify for any exemption.
- Obtain your USDOT number if you do not have one, then prepare and submit the operating authority application.
- File the BOC-3 designation of process agents, which is required before authority can be granted.
- Give your insurance agent exactly what FMCSA needs (the liability filing, and cargo filing where required) and follow up until it shows on your record.
- Track the application through FMCSA’s mandatory waiting period and let you know when your authority is active.
- Register you for UCR once authority is granted, and explain the New Entrant safety audit that applies to new carriers.
What you will need
- Business formation documents (LLC or corporation) and EIN, or your personal details if a sole proprietor
- USDOT number, or the information needed to obtain one
- An insurance agent who can place the required liability coverage and make the FMCSA filing
- Type of freight and whether you will carry household goods or hazardous materials
- Company official’s name, title and contact details
- Payment for the FMCSA application fee, which is charged per authority type
How long it takes
After the application is filed, FMCSA applies a mandatory waiting period before authority can become active, and authority is only granted once the insurance filing and BOC-3 are both on record. In practice this means several weeks from filing to active authority, and longer if insurance is slow or the application is protested. We keep you informed at each step but we do not promise approval or a date.
Agency fees: FMCSA charges an application fee for each authority type (currently $300 per type; confirm the current fee at the time of filing). Process agent and insurance costs are separate. Our service fee is quoted before we begin.
Common questions
What is a BOC-3?
A BOC-3 designates a process agent in each state who can accept legal documents on your company’s behalf. FMCSA requires it on file before granting authority. Most carriers use a blanket process agent service that covers all states with a single filing, which is what we arrange.
Can I start hauling as soon as I have an MC number?
No. An MC number is assigned when you apply, but you cannot operate under it until the authority is active, which only happens after the waiting period, the insurance filing and the BOC-3 are all complete. Operating before that point exposes you to penalties and out-of-service orders.
How much insurance do I need?
Minimum liability limits are set by FMCSA and depend on what you haul: general freight carriers have a lower minimum than carriers of hazardous materials, and household goods carriers must also carry cargo insurance. Your insurance agent places the coverage; we make sure the filing reaches FMCSA correctly.
What is the New Entrant program?
New carriers are placed in the New Entrant program and must pass a safety audit within their first months of operation. The audit reviews records such as driver qualification files, hours-of-service logs, vehicle maintenance records and your drug and alcohol testing program. We can help you organize the paperwork; see ongoing compliance support.
Next step: Request a consultation. Tell us what you plan to haul and whether you already have a USDOT number, and we will lay out the exact sequence and costs.
Think and Thank LLC is an independent, privately owned service provider. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with FMCSA, USDOT, the IRS or any state agency.