How to Get Your Operating Authority in the Trucking Business

🚚Registering your trucking business requires paying a $300 filing fee for MC and DOT numbers.

📝After registration, you will receive your DOT number immediately, while your MC number may take up to 21 days due to the protesting period.

💼Within 90 days of applying for operating authority, you must have insurance coverage of at least $1 million, a registered agent in each state you plan to operate in, and necessary certifications.

🚧Failure to meet the insurance and registered agent requirements within the specified timeframe may result in dismissal of your application, requiring you to reapply and pay the $300 fee again.

📝Completing the Unified Registration System (URS) application, providing accurate information about your business plans, and certifying compliance with regulations are essential steps in the process.

What are MC and DOT numbers?

—MC and DOT numbers are identification numbers used by trucking companies for interstate and intrastate travel. MC numbers are required for interstate operations, while DOT numbers are necessary for both interstate and intrastate operations.

Why is insurance coverage important?

—Insurance coverage is crucial to protect your trucking business from potential liability and damages. It is a requirement by the FMCSA, with a minimum coverage of $1 million in liability insurance, $150,000 in cargo insurance for brokers, and additional coverage for specific circumstances such as reefer breakdowns.

What is a registered agent?

—A registered agent is an individual or company designated to receive legal documents and official communications on behalf of your trucking business. You must have a registered agent in every state you plan to operate in.

Can I apply for operating authority if I've had a previous DOT or MC number?

—Yes, you can apply for operating authority even if you had a previous DOT or MC number. However, you should provide accurate information about your previous trucking business experience during the application process.

What certifications do I need for operating authority?

—The certifications required for operating authority depend on the type of operations you plan to conduct. For example, if you plan to transport hazardous materials, you may need hazmat certification. It is essential to understand and comply with all the necessary certifications for your specific business activities.

00:00In this video, you will learn step-by-step how to obtain your operating authority in the trucking business.

00:45To start, you need to pay a $300 filing fee to obtain MC and DOT numbers, which are necessary for interstate and intrastate travel.

02:57After registration, you will receive your DOT number immediately, while your MC number may take up to 21 days due to the protesting period.

04:23Within 90 days of applying for operating authority, you must have insurance coverage of at least $1 million, a registered agent in each state you plan to operate in, and necessary certifications.

06:17Failure to meet the insurance and registered agent requirements within the specified timeframe may result in dismissal of your application, requiring you to reapply and pay the $300 fee again.

08:41Completing the Unified Registration System (URS) application, providing accurate information about your business plans, and certifying compliance with regulations are essential steps in the process.