How To Get Your MC Authority

Getting your trucking authorization is an important step in starting your trucking business if you plan to operate nationwide. The process of obtaining your MC authorization number begins with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If you are new to the trucking industry, the steps involved may seem confusing, complex and intimidating.

What is an MC Authority?

In the context of the United States transportation industry, MC Authority refers to the operating authority granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate as a for-hire carrier of regulated commodities, including general freight or household goods, by motor vehicle in interstate commerce.

The term “MC” stands for “Motor Carrier” and is used to identify this type of authority. To operate as a for-hire motor carrier in the United States, a carrier must obtain operating authority from the FMCSA, which regulates and oversees motor carriers to ensure safety and compliance with federal regulations.

Obtaining MC authority involves a number of steps, including submitting an application, obtaining insurance coverage, and demonstrating compliance with various safety and operational requirements. Once granted, the MC authority allows a carrier to operate in interstate commerce, which means transporting goods across state lines.

Are the MC Number and USDOT Number the Same?

No, the Motor Carrier (MC) Number and the USDOT Number are not the same. The MC Number and USDOT Number are two separate identifiers issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The USDOT Number is a unique identifier assigned to motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce. It is used to identify carriers and collect and monitor their safety information. Carriers that operate commercial vehicles with a GVWR or GCWR of 10,001 pounds or more, transport hazardous materials, or transport passengers for compensation are required to obtain a USDOT Number and display it on their vehicles.

On the other hand, the MC Number is a specific identifier assigned to carriers that operate as for-hire carriers of regulated commodities in interstate commerce using a motor vehicle with a GVWR or GCWR of 10,001 or more pounds. Carriers that meet this definition are required to obtain MC authority from the FMCSA and display their MC Number on their vehicles.

While the USDOT Number and MC Number are two separate identifiers, carriers that are required to obtain an MC Number will first need to obtain a USDOT Number before they can apply for MC authority and their MC Number.

Who Needs an MC Authority?

Any individual or company that operates as a for-hire carrier of regulated commodities, including general freight or household goods, in interstate commerce using a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 or more pounds is required to obtain MC authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

This includes trucking companies, freight brokers, and other entities that arrange for the transportation of goods by motor vehicle in interstate commerce. The FMCSA defines interstate commerce as the movement of goods or passengers across state lines, as well as the transportation of goods or passengers that begins and ends in the same state but passes through another state or a foreign country.

There are some exemptions to this requirement, such as carriers operating exclusively within the borders of a single state or carriers transporting certain types of commodities that are exempt from federal regulation. However, in general, if you operate as a for-hire motor carrier in the United States, you will need to obtain MC authority from the FMCSA.

Who Does Not Need an MC Authority

There are certain situations where a carrier may not need to obtain MC authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate in interstate commerce. Some examples include:

1. Carriers operating solely within a single state: If a carrier operates exclusively within the borders of a single state and does not cross state lines, they may not need MC authority. However, it’s important to note that some states have their own operating authority requirements.
2. Private carriers: If a carrier operates using their own vehicles to transport goods that are owned, leased, or controlled by that carrier, and the transportation is not offered to the general public or to other businesses for compensation, they may not need MC authority.
3. Carriers transporting exempt commodities: Certain commodities, such as certain agricultural products or certain hazardous materials, may be exempt from federal regulation and therefore carriers transporting these commodities may not need MC authority. However, carriers must comply with any applicable state regulations.

It’s important to note that while MC authority may not be required in these situations, carriers may still be subject to other regulations and requirements such as registration with the Unified Carrier Registration system and compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, carriers may choose to obtain MC authority voluntarily even if it is not required by law.

How do I get a Motor Carrier Number

To obtain a Motor Carrier Number (MC Number) in the United States, you will need to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The following steps outline the process:

1. Determine if you need an MC Number: As discussed earlier, carriers that operate as for-hire carriers of regulated commodities in interstate commerce using a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 or more pounds are generally required to obtain MC authority and an MC Number.
2. Register for a USDOT Number: Before you can obtain an MC Number, you must first obtain a USDOT Number. This can be done online through the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS) or by submitting a completed MCS-150 form by mail or fax.
3. Apply for an MC Number: Once you have obtained a USDOT Number, you can apply for an MC Number through the URS system. You will need to provide information about your business, including your legal name, address, and business structure. You will also need to provide information about your vehicles and the types of operations you will be conducting.
4. Submit the application and pay the fee: After completing the application, you will need to submit it to the FMCSA along with the required fee. The fee varies depending on the type of registration you are applying for and the number of vehicles you will be operating.
5. Await approval: Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee, you will need to wait for the FMCSA to review your application and approve your MC Number. This process can take several weeks, so be sure to plan ahead and allow enough time to complete the registration process before you need to begin operating.

What are the steps to get an MC Authority?

Obtaining a truck MC authority involves several steps, including:

1. Determine if you need MC authority: As mentioned earlier, carriers that operate as for-hire carriers of regulated commodities in interstate commerce using a motor vehicle with a GVWR or GCWR of 10,001 or more pounds are generally required to obtain MC authority.
2. Register for a USDOT Number: Before you can obtain MC authority, you will need to obtain a USDOT Number. This can be done online through the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS) or by submitting a completed MCS-150 form by mail or fax.
3. Submit an application for MC authority: After obtaining a USDOT Number, you can submit an application for MC authority through the URS system. The application will require information about your business, including your legal name, business structure, and address, as well as information about your vehicles and the types of operations you will be conducting.
4. Obtain insurance: As part of the MC authority application process, you will need to provide proof of insurance to the FMCSA. The required insurance coverage levels vary depending on the type of cargo you will be transporting.
5. Pay the application fee: The FMCSA charges a fee for MC authority applications, which varies depending on the type of authority being sought.
6. Wait for approval: After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will need to wait for the FMCSA to review your application and approve your MC authority. This process can take several weeks.
7. Display your MC Number: Once you receive your MC authority, you will need to display your MC Number on your vehicles and in your business communications, such as your website and marketing materials.