What Is Operating Authority (MC Number)

Not every carrier needs operating authority. Ask yourself:

• Do you operate only within your home state?
• Are you a private carrier (not for hire)?
• Do you haul exempt commodities?
• Do you work exclusively in a federally exempt zone?

✅ If you answered “yes” to any of these, you likely do not need operating authority.

🚛 However, if you transport goods across state lines, handle hazardous materials, or pick up cargo from ports or railheads, you’re engaged in interstate commerce—and you do need operating authority.

Getting your MC Number is a multi-step process that can take 3–4 weeks or more, depending on how quickly you meet all requirements.

Once your application is submitted, your company details are added to the FMCSA public registry. But that’s just the beginning.

To activate your authority, you’ll need to:

• 📄 File your BOC-3 (designate a process agent)
• 🛡️ Provide proof of insurance and/or surety bond
• 📆 Complete all steps within 80 business days

⛔ If you miss the deadline, your application may be canceled—and you’ll need to reapply and pay the filing fee again.

• Motor Carrier of Property – For-hire freight (excluding household goods)
• Motor Carrier of Household Goods – Moving companies
• Broker of Property – Arranges transport of general freight
• Broker of Household Goods – Coordinates household moves
• Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo – U.S.-based, handles international freight
• Enterprise Carrier of International Household Goods – U.S.-based, moves international household items
• Freight Forwarder – Consolidates and arranges shipments
• Motor Passenger Carrier – Transports passengers
• Non-North America-Domiciled Carrier – Foreign carriers operating in the U.S.
• Mexico-Based Carrier Authority – Operates beyond border zones
• Mexican Certificate of Registration – Limited U.S. operations for Mexican carriers

An MC Number is a unique identifier issued by the FMCSA that grants legal authority to operate as a for-hire carrier across state lines.

If your business crosses state borders and involves transporting people or goods for compensation, you’ll need an MC Number in addition to your USDOT Number.

You’re required to have an MC Number if you:

• 🧍‍♀️ Transport passengers in interstate commerce for a fee
• 📦 Haul federally regulated commodities owned by others
• 🔗 Arrange transportation of goods for compensation

An MX Number is issued by the FMCSA to Mexico-domiciled motor carriers, brokers, or for-hire operators entering the U.S.

If you're a Mexican-based carrier, you’ll need:

• ✅ An FMCSA-assigned MX Number
• 📄 A valid Certificate of Registration for commercial-zone operations
• 🚛 Provisional or Standard Operating Authority (for long-haul)
• 🔢 A USDOT Number

These requirements apply regardless of how far you travel into the U.S.

An FF Number is issued by the FMCSA to Freight Forwarders—companies that coordinate the movement of goods using licensed carriers, but don’t physically transport the cargo themselves.

Freight Forwarders must:

• 🧾 Issue bills of lading to shippers
• 🛡️ Take responsibility for loss or damage during transit
• 📝 Register with FMCSA and file Form OP-1 (FF)
• 🌐 Obtain authority to operate in interstate or foreign commerce

Unlike carriers or brokers (who receive MC Numbers), Freight Forwarders receive FF Numbers and cannot register for single-state operations.