FMCSA & Compliance
Motor Carrier Authority (MC Number)
An MC number is the operating authority FMCSA grants to a company or individual to legally transport regulated property or passengers for compensation in interstate commerce. It's distinct from a USDOT number: the USDOT number identifies the entity for safety tracking, while the MC number grants the actual legal authority to haul freight for hire.
Motor Carrier (MC) authority is issued by FMCSA to companies and owner operators who want to transport regulated freight for compensation across state lines. Getting MC authority requires registering with FMCSA, designating process agents in each state via a BOC-3 filing, and carrying the required minimum insurance for the authority type. An owner operator who wants to run their own freight rather than lease onto an established carrier needs active MC authority in addition to a USDOT number; one who leases onto a carrier instead runs under that carrier's existing MC authority and doesn't need their own.
Why it matters for recruiting and operations
Whether an owner operator applicant holds their own active MC authority or not changes the entire recruiting conversation — those with authority are shopping for freight and rates, while those without are typically evaluating which carrier to lease onto. Recruiters working owner operator leads should clarify authority status early, since it determines whether the pitch should be about freight access and lease terms or about a partnership to run independently.
Related terms
Where this shows up in Fleegital
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