Full explanation
Carrier authority is the federal license that permits a motor carrier to operate for-hire in interstate commerce. It is formally known as a Certificate of Registration and is identified by an MC (Motor Carrier), MX (Mexican carrier), or FF (Freight Forwarder) number. Without active carrier authority, a motor carrier cannot legally accept payment for transporting goods across state lines (private carriers hauling their own goods do not need authority). The authority application process through FMCSA's Unified Registration System includes: filing form OP-1 ($300 fee), a 10-day public protest period, designation of process agents in each state of operation (BOC-3), and proof of required insurance. Authority status can be Active, Inactive (voluntarily suspended), or Revoked (involuntary — typically for insurance lapse, safety violations, or fraud). Truck Graph tracks 3.75 million authority history records, monitoring status changes every 4 hours. The authority grant date is a critical data point for carrier vetting — carriers with authority less than 18 months old are in the FMCSA New Entrant Program and require additional scrutiny.
Source: FMCSA: Registration
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get carrier authority?
The complete process takes 4-6 weeks: OP-1 filing (1 day), FMCSA processing (1-2 weeks), 10-day protest period, insurance filing verification (1-2 weeks), and final grant issuance. Expedited services cannot bypass the mandatory protest period.
What's the difference between carrier authority and a DOT number?
A DOT number is required for safety identification of all commercial carriers. Carrier authority (MC number) is required specifically for compensation — only carriers being paid to transport others' goods in interstate commerce need it. Private carriers hauling their own goods need a DOT number but not carrier authority.
Can carrier authority be transferred when selling a trucking company?
No. Operating authority cannot be sold, transferred, or inherited. A new owner must apply for and receive their own authority. The previous authority is typically voluntarily inactivated or allowed to expire.
Related terms
Legal permission to operate as a for-hire carrier, broker, or freight forwarder ...
MC NumberA Motor Carrier operating authority number issued by FMCSA that permits carriers...
FMCSA AuthorityOfficial permission from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to oper...
New Entrant CarrierA motor carrier that has held FMCSA operating authority for less than 18 months ...