MC Number Requirements: What Brokers and Carriers Should Know

Despite the FMCSA update that will eventually remove the need for MC numbers, most brokers and carriers are still required to have one.

In this post, we’ll cover MC number requirements, explain how to get an MC number, and clear up some confusion about terminology.

What is an MC number?

“MC number” is the informal name for “interstate operating authority.” In the trucking industry, people might also use the terms “trucking authority” and “broker authority,” but there’s no difference — truckers and brokers fill out the same form to get their interstate operating authority.

Who issues MC operating authority?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the division of the U.S. Department of Transportation that oversees trucking and MC numbers. When you hear people talk about a “USDOT number,” they’re referring to a different type of registration that the FMCSA also oversees. It can be a little confusing, so here’s what you need to know:

USDOT number

A USDOT number (or DOT number, for short) is a number that identifies a carrier or owner-operator. Think of it like a Social Security Number — it’s a government-issued identifier that follows you throughout your career and never expires. The FMCSA can, however, deactivate a USDOT number for compliance violations.

Most self-employed truck drivers and other commercial carriers do. Fleet drivers operate under their employer’s DOT number and don’t need their own number.

MC number

An MC number gives carriers and brokers permission to conduct a specific type of business in the United States. There are three main types of operating authority:

• MC — This authority is for U.S.-based brokers and carriers.
• FF — This authority is for freight forwarders, whose work involves handling, storing, and packaging cargo, in addition to making transportation arrangements.
• MX — The “MX” designation means a carrier or broker is “domiciled” in Mexico but is authorized to transport cargo into and through the United States.

Within each operating authority category, there are additional specifications, and those dictate the form you fill out for your application, which we’ll cover in the next section.

What form do I need to fill out for my MC number? 

When you apply for your MC number, you’ll use one of these forms: 

• Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) — for motor carriers and brokers
• Combined Motor Carrier Identification Report and HM Permit Application (MCS-150B) — for motor carriers that transport hazardous materials
• Intermodal Equipment Provider Identification Report (MCS-150C) — for businesses that provide motor carrier equipment for interchange

If you already have your operating authority but want to apply for a different type of authority, you would use a form in the OP-1 Series.

How do I apply for my MC authority?

If you’re a first-time applicant and don’t have your DOT number, you’ll apply for your operating authority through the FMCSA Unified Registration System and be assigned a DOT number. Drivers also have to participate in the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program, which is an 18-month probationary period.

MC number requirements say carriers must have a process agent in every state where they conduct business or a single process agent that covers the United States. (Freight brokers are required to select process agents as part of the freight broker licensing process).

The FMCSA registration site walks you through the required steps, but you can also get a quick overview of the MC number application process in this step-by-step guide.

What are the requirements for updating my MC authority?

Regardless of whether your information changes, the FMCSA requires all authority-holders to update their MC number and USDOT number every two years (biennially). You can do this online in most cases, but the following changes require you to submit an online ticket or FAX your updates to the FMCSA: 

• Updating or changing your EIN/SSN
• Out-of-business request
• Reactivation of USDOT number
• Name change
• Request for revocation of operating authority

Any time your information changes, you have to update your authority. So, if you move to a new home, you have to change your address with the FMCSA, even if it’s not time for the biennial update. 

Stay compliant and avoid penalties

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires regular updates of your Motor Carrier (MC) number and USDOT number to maintain accurate records of all commercial vehicles operating across state lines. Failing to file a biennial update can have serious consequences:

• Hefty Fines: If you fail to complete your biennial update, the FMCSA can issue fines of $1,000 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000. These penalties aren’t just a formality—they can significantly impact your operations and financial stability. Staying on top of your updates will help you avoid these steep fines.
• Revocation of Operating Authority: Beyond fines, missing an update can lead to the suspension or revocation of your operating authority. This means you may not be legally able to conduct business, leading to a halt in operations until the issue is resolved.

Common situations requiring updates

Regularly reviewing your business information is important, as there are some situations that may require updating your MC authority outside of the routine biennial update.

These may include:

• Change of business structure or status
• Address changes
• Business name change

Most updates can be done easily online, but some require more detailed steps, like submitting an online ticket or faxing documents directly to the FMCSA. Staying proactive about these changes will help avoid penalties and ensure your compliance remains intact.

Protecting your trucking authority

Due to the nature of FMCSA requirements and the potential fines involved, fraud and scams targeting truckers and carriers are on the rise. Scammers often impersonate the FMCSA, attempting to extort money or collect sensitive information under the pretense of fines or compliance issues.

Brokers and carriers should be on the lookout for phishing emails that allegedly come from the FMCSA. These emails may ask for payments, contain fake invoices, or request sensitive personal or business information. It’s important to remember that the FMCSA will never email you directly to ask for payments.

By staying vigilant and proactive in managing your MC authority and FMCSA compliance, you can avoid hefty fines, maintain your operating authority, and protect yourself from potential scams and fraudulent activities that target carriers and brokers in the trucking industry.