Motor Carrier Authority

Motor carrier authority, commonly referred to as an MC number, is the federal operating license issued by the FMCSA that grants a trucking company the legal right to transport freight for hire in interstate commerce. Without active authority, you cannot legally haul loads across state lines for compensation.

Obtaining your authority involves applying through the FMCSA's Unified Registration System, paying applicable fees, and filing proof of insurance. The insurance filing is often the most challenging step because your authority does not become active until the FMCSA receives and processes your insurance filings. This means you need to secure insurance before you can legally operate.

There are different types of authority depending on your operation. Common carrier authority allows you to haul freight for the general public. Contract carrier authority limits you to specific shippers under contract. Broker authority allows you to arrange transportation without owning trucks. Each type has specific insurance requirements. We help new carriers navigate the authority process and ensure their insurance filings are completed correctly and quickly.

Not the Same as USDOT Number

A USDOT number identifies your company for safety tracking. Operating authority is the permission to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines. Many for-hire carriers need both.

Example

A new carrier gets its USDOT number in a day, but its authority stays pending until its insurer files proof of liability coverage with the FMCSA and the waiting period ends. Until it is active, the carrier cannot haul regulated freight across state lines under its own authority.