FAQs About Trucking Authority Setup

What is required?

What is the difference between Interstate and Intrastate Authority?

What is an Exempt For-Hire motor carrier?

What is a USDOT Number?

What is an MC Number?

What is a BOC-3 Process Agent?

What is the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)?

What states require special permits?

How quickly can I get my own Authority?

What type and how much insurance do I need?

What is required?

All new entrant Motor Carriers will need to submit an application to the FMCSA in order to obtain both a DOT Number and an MC Number.  After the initial application is submitted you must have the following in place before authority is granted:

  • A BOC-3 Agent listing must be filed (We take care of this for you).  This entails an agent representative in each state upon whom court documentation may be served in any proceeding brought against a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder.
  • Proof of liability insurance must be filed by your insurance company.

What is the difference between Interstate and Intrastate Authority?

Interstate traffic consists of commercial carriers and vehicles traveling over state lines.  Interstate trucks are regulated by the DOT and covered by FMCSA.

Intrastate traffic consists of motor carriers working within a single state such as a garbage truck, and public transportation buses.  They are not regulated by the DOT, but by state laws.

What is an Exempt For-Hire motor carrier?

A carrier transporting exempt property owned by others for compensation as a common or contract carrier.  Commodities may include, among other things, unprocessed or unmanufactured goods, fruits, and vegetables.  While subject to the same safety regulations, exempt motor carriers in interstate commerce are not subject to the same insurance filing requirements as common and contract carriers


What is a USDOT Number?

A number issued by the federal government representing compliance with the federal regulations pertaining to the interstate commerce.


What is an MC Number?

A motor carrier number is a license issued to for-hire carriers by the DOT and administered by the FMCSA.


What is a BOC-3 Process Agent?

The BOC-3 form designates a process agent in every state who will accept and forward legal documents being served on the motor carrier by an individual or legal entity from outside the carrier’s base state.


What is the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)?

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program requires individuals and companies operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate or international commerce to register their business within their base state and pay an annual fee based on the size of their fleet. This includes any commercial motor vehicle carrier carrying their own goods and products across state lines. It also includes carriers transporting interstate goods even if the vehicles do not leave the state.