If you have started a trucking business, then you need to get your hands on operating authority. This is the most important aspect in facilitating your freight forwarding, carrier moving, and business transportation activities. For those people who are new to the trucking industry, it might be a little tricky to understand it. 

When you step into the trucking industry, it is important for every motor carrier operating company to get familiar with terms like USDOT number, DOT authority, MC number, trucking authority, etc. These words are used interchangeably in most of the scenarios. Getting an operating authority or Trucking Authority is essential for freight forwarding businesses and motor carrier companies who are directly involved in moving goods interstate and transporting passengers.

Another important thing to know about the trucking industry is FMCSA(federal motor carrier safety agency) which is a Government agency. This regulatory agency is responsible for granting operating authorities like DOT and MC numbers. MC number trucking businesses obtain, serve as “unique identifiers”.FMCSA is responsible to conduct necessary inspections, ensure safety compliance, monitor road safety, etc.

Some Easy Steps to Get Operating Authority

  • First of all form and register your company
  • Apply with the FMCSA in order to get authority, you can easily check on the online registration system
  • Get the best full-coverage plan and insurance service
  • Get register with Unified carrier registration
  • Register for International Registration plan for the purpose of fees which depends upon the interstate carrier’s annual mileage
  • Register for International Fuel Tax Agreement which acts as a taxing authority
  • Lastly, if the gross weight of your MV is more than 55,000 pounds then file for HVUT which is considered heavy vehicle use tax 

Types of Operating Authority

There are numerous different types of authorities available that you can consider while entering into the trucking business. Plus, it also depends on personal preferences and the nature of your trucking business. Generally, there are three types of operating authorities in the trucking industry.

  • Broker
  • Motor Carrier
  • Freight forwarding

It would be wise to carefully weigh down your options if you are stepping into the trucking industry for the first time. Carefully pick the right type of operating authority that can function well with your business nature or operations of cargo you carry.

Getting MC Number

Not exactly, but the MC number is an addition to a DOT number, and most of the motor carrier companies, freight forwarders, and transportation businesses need to have this in order to carry transport passengers or cargo in interstate commerce. It is the most common requirement by FMCSA to apply for an MC number to facilitate business operations.

MC number is considered an authorization number that is assigned by FMCSA in order to support commercial and interstate activities. You need to have an active MC number to freely move cargo and transport passengers within different cities and locations. 

There is a relaxation for those trucking businesses that operate within one specific state that has been covered under the Government authority. However, if you want to move your motor vehicles beyond the borders, then an MC number is necessary.

How to Get an MC Number

When you made up your mind to step into the trucking industry, now is the time to think about processing your MC number. Businesses that are new to the trucking industry might be confused about getting an MC number, the process is not that difficult and you can easily get an MC number if you know the process. 

The process of acquiring the MC number takes time, you cannot expect it to be done the moment you apply with the FMCSA. It takes around weeks to obtain the MC number. Plus, you would have approximately 15 to 20 days to categorize BOC-3. At the same time, you would also have to buy a good insurance plan for your MVs or trucks. It is strongly suggested to get the most appropriate rate by comparing different policy plans.

The second thing you need to do after obtaining an MC number is filing for HVUT. MC number is obtained to differentiate your business from other trucking companies operating in the industry. There is no point left to invest in the trucking business if you are not willing to register for an MC number.