The Motor Carrier (MC) Number is a specific operating authority issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This number grants the legal right for a carrier to transport property or passengers for compensation across state lines (interstate commerce). Acquiring this authority involves a multi-step process that requires demonstrating compliance with strict federal safety and financial regulations. For new carriers, obtaining this designation is mandatory for establishing a legitimate interstate trucking operation.
A carrier may need to obtain multiple operating authorities, corresponding to different services, such as transporting general freight, household goods, or passengers. The MC Number provides a public record that the carrier is authorized to conduct these commercial activities, ensuring accountability and oversight.
MC Number Versus USDOT Number
The distinction between the MC Number and the USDOT Number is a common point of confusion. The USDOT Number is primarily an identification and safety monitoring tool, required for nearly all commercial vehicles that meet certain weight or passenger criteria or transport hazardous materials. This number allows the FMCSA to track a carrier’s safety data, including inspection results, crash reports, and compliance review findings.
In contrast, the MC Number is the specific operating license that grants permission to operate as a for-hire carrier in interstate commerce. The USDOT Number identifies the carrier for safety purposes, regardless of whether the goods are transported for profit. The MC Number functions as the business license, defining what the carrier is legally allowed to transport.
All motor carriers requiring an MC Number must first possess an active USDOT Number, as the latter forms the basis of the safety monitoring system. A private carrier hauling their own goods across state lines may only need a USDOT Number. Conversely, a for-hire carrier transporting regulated property across state lines must have both numbers to operate legally.
When is an MC Number Required?
An MC Number is required when a motor carrier’s operations meet three specific criteria defining the scope of federal operating authority. If a motor carrier only operates within a single state and is not transporting federally regulated commodities, this authority is typically not needed.
For-Hire Transportation
The first criterion is operating as a for-hire carrier, meaning the company moves property or passengers for compensation. This distinguishes a commercial carrier from a private carrier, who transports their own goods as part of a different business. The MC Number regulates businesses offering transportation services to the public for a fee.
Interstate Commerce
The second requirement is that the transportation involves interstate commerce. This means the movement of goods or passengers crosses state lines or originated or will terminate outside the state. An operation that begins and ends within a single state (intrastate commerce) generally does not require an MC Number.
Specific Cargo Types or Passenger Transport
The third criterion relates to the type of cargo or passengers being transported for compensation across state lines. An MC Number is required for transporting federally regulated commodities, which includes most non-exempt property. Transporting passengers for hire across state lines also mandates obtaining an MC Number, as does the specialized category of transporting household goods.
Steps to Obtain Operating Authority
New applicants must use the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS) to begin the process. The application starts by submitting the appropriate OP-1 series form and paying a non-refundable application fee, typically around $300.
Once the application is processed, the FMCSA assigns the carrier an MC Number and publishes the application in the FMCSA Register. This initiates a 10-day protest period, allowing the public to file objections. During this time, the MC Number is in a “pending” status and does not authorize commercial operations.
Key Post-Application Compliance Requirements
The MC Number remains inactive until the applicant satisfies several mandatory post-application compliance requirements demonstrating financial and legal readiness. These requirements must be filed with the FMCSA within 90 days of the application publication date to prevent the authority from being dismissed. Completing these steps changes the MC status from pending to active.
Proof of Financial Responsibility (Insurance)
A carrier must demonstrate proof of financial responsibility by securing the minimum required levels of liability insurance. These levels vary based on the operation and cargo. For general freight, minimum liability coverage often starts at $750,000, increasing for carriers hauling hazardous materials. The insurance provider must electronically file the necessary form directly with the FMCSA on the carrier’s behalf.
Designation of Process Agents (BOC-3 Filing)
The applicant must file a Designation of Process Agents, known as the BOC-3 form, with the FMCSA. This filing designates a representative in every state where the carrier operates who can accept legal documents on the carrier’s behalf. The BOC-3 filing is required for the operating authority to become active, ensuring the carrier can be served with legal papers.
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
Motor carriers involved in interstate commerce must also comply with the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) agreement, which requires the payment of an annual fee. The UCR is a state-administered program that collects fees from motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. This funding supports state-level safety programs and enforcement efforts. This registration must be current to maintain an active operating authority status.
Maintaining Compliance and Authority Status
Maintaining an active MC authority requires continuous adherence to federal regulations. Carriers must ensure that their liability insurance remains active and that all designated process agents under the BOC-3 filing are current. Failure to maintain continuous insurance coverage will lead to the revocation of the operating authority.
Motor carriers are also required to update their registration information on the MCS-150 form every two years, known as the Biennial Update. This update ensures the FMCSA has accurate operational data for safety monitoring. Failure to file on time may result in civil penalties of up to $10,000. The annual UCR fee must also be paid each year to prevent the authority from becoming inactive.