So You Want Your Own Authority

You can approach this process two different ways.  You can do an internet search to find a company that will help you through this process, for a fee of course, or you can do it yourself and save yourself some money.

My internet search using “usdot numbers” found 3 companies ready to help collect my information, do the necessary paperwork filing, and help me with my insurance needs.  All for a fee of course. 

Or you can visit http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/reg-forms  for instructions and to get the necessary forms to get you started for a do-it-yourself.

The 6 Steps For Authority are:

1. Applicant submits the OP-1 and/or OP-1(P) and/or OP-1(FF)   
2. Applicant receives MC or FF number. 
3. 10-day protest period 
4. Insurance Company files form(s) with FMCSA. 
5. Applicant or Process Agent files Form BOC-3 with FMCSA. 
6. Applicant begins operation AFTER receiving certificate, permit or license for Operating Authority from FMCSA. 

REMEMBER – REFUNDS ARE NOT PERMITTED. 

Each type of Operating Authority requires an additional $300 fee. For example, an application for both Motor Common Carrier of Property and Motor Common Carrier of Household Goods will require two $300 fees for a total of $600. Multiple fees can be combined into one single payment. 

The FMCSA reserves the right to discontinue processing any application for which insufficient payment is received. 

Below are the different types of Operating Authorities and each comes with a $300 fee:

• Motor Common Carrier of Property (except Household Goods) 
• Motor Contract Carrier of Property (except Household Goods) 
• Motor Common Carrier of Household Goods 
• Motor Contract Carrier of Household Goods
• Broker of Property (except Household Goods)
• Broker of Household Goods
• United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo (except Household Goods)
• United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Household Good

Interstate authority is REQUIRED by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) for all motor vehicles operating for-hire and transporting freight or passengers across state lines. 

What is INTERSTATE AUTHORITY? 

Any motor vehicle or freight broker operating for hire across state lines. In other words, if you’re operating (for-hire) outside the state your business is located then you need ICC Interstate Authority.

Everyone who files for ICC Interstate Authority is required by the FMCSA to have a BOC-3 with current “process agents” in every state traveling through or conducting business.

What is the BOC-3 and tell me again why I need one?

The BOC-3 is the form that is used by the FMCSA to list the “process agents” in all states.  The “process agents” will act as a representative to forward legal / court documents in any proceeding that might be brought against your company. A “blanket coverage” is having process agents listed in all 50 states. 

Without a BOC-3 on file with the FMCSA, you cannot receive a Certificate of Authority. 

This is a quick overview and very basic of what is all involved.  Everything comes with a price tag, you decide what you are willing to pay or not pay for.

Remember that you are working with a branch of the government, so have patience.    

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