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Writer's pictureJosh Charles

Everything about your FMCSA Operating Authority

Do you feel like you need clarification on FMCSA portal compliance? Or are you looking for in-depth results regarding FMCSA operational authority policies? Then you are on the right platform. We are here to guide you from scratch about FMCSA operating authority compliance. Thus, if you belong to a truck company, you can become aware of all the details that the transport regulation authority, i.e., FMCSA, demands from every truck organization.

What Is Operating Authority In FMCSA?

FMCSA operating authorities are additional compliance standards for different truck organizations. Depending on the type of trucking business and cargo transport category, a company may implement one or more operational authority categories. These authorities are optional and may be required in addition to DOT compliance. Once you have a DOT number and meet registration requirements, you can pursue FMCSA operational authority. Meeting these criteria allows your truck business to conduct regular operations.

What Are The Types Of Operating Authorities Under FMCSA?

A trucking company must obtain the appropriate operating authority that aligns with the demands of its trucking operations. Having the right Operating Authority enables a trucking business to operate interstate operations safely and legally. It is essential to also choose a suitable trucking insurance policy. Therefore, truck owners should familiarize themselves with the various types of Operating Authorities to choose the most appropriate one to support their business.

Motor Carrier Of Property (Except Household Goods)

This operating authority transports regular commodities (except household goods) interstate, with public liability support.

Motor Carrier Of Household Goods(moving companies)

This OA transports only household goods from manufacturers, suppliers, and other productions that are transported under suitable temperature conditions. Thus, it requires public liability and cargo insurance to conduct interstate operations.

Broker Of Property(Except Household Goods)

When a broker agency or private broker takes responsibility for transporting goods (excluding household goods) without holding possession of the transporting property/commodity. Furthermore, it transports through authorized motor carriers.

Broker Of Household Goods

This Operating Authority operates when a registered broker agency or individual arranges transportation of household commodities. Furthermore, It doesn’t hold the responsibility of goods.

Carrier Of International Cargo(Except Household Goods)

It transports public goods (except household goods) internationally. This organization is headquartered in the USA and is mainly controlled by Mexican citizens.

Carrier Of International Household Goods

A household goods transport agency arranges the transportation of household goods internationally through an authorized motor carrier.

Why Does A Truck Company Need To Have FMCSA Operating Authority?

A truck company must have an interstate operating authority or MC number in addition to a DOT number because of the following reasons:

  • While transporting interstate commerce or federally regulated commodities (in return for payment or other compensation).

  • Getting the relevant truck insurance depends on the right operating authority category.

  • To spend a genuine amount on compatible operating authority registration & insurance coverage.

Which Truck Authorities Require FMCSA Operating Authority (MC Number)?

  • While making for-hire truck operations for compensation.

  • A broker or truck company that makes the interstate transport of goods or passengers.

Who Does Not Require FMCSA Operating Authority (MC Number)

  • A private truck owner transporting his own cargo load.

  • If a truck owner/enterprise transports goods non-federally regulated commodities.

  • If a truck company operates in a federally-designated zone exempt from any interstate authority.

What Is MC Number?

MC number is a Motor Carrier number that is provided under FMCSA Operating Authority Standard. Thus, it usually differs depending on the Operating Authority category.

So, if a truck company transports under different FMCSA Operating Authorities, it can have more than one MC number as per its compatibility with the OA category. Furthermore, Transport authorities who travel interstate commerce for passengers or federally regulated commodities enroll for the OA category to get the concerned MC number after the USDOT number.

What Is MX Number?

MX is a kind of prefix of Motor Carrier number which is also known as a docket number (for all MC/MX/FF numbers) provided to the transport authorities which are permanently based in Mexico. Therefore, Mexico motor carriers require to have an FMCSA-provided MX number to operate in USA regions. In addition, it is also provided to interstate for hire or motor carriers.

What Is FF Number?

FF (Freight Forwarder) is an OA registration number provided to Freight Forwarders that take responsibility for issuing bills to licensed motor carriers for arranging the transporting of goods, loading to shippers & accounting for cargo damage/loss. Furthermore, the OP-1 (FF) form is usually filled out to get registered under FMCSA. Freight Forwarders must enroll with FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) before getting FF Number from FMCSA.

So, from the above statements, we get to know about OA categories and their registration mode (MC, MX, FX) numbers which are all specified for interstate commerce business. Therefore, OA under FMCSA usually takes around 4 weeks process to get enrolled in Freight Forwarders, Interstate brokers & For-hire commercials. Both DOT and MC number are usually required by maximum truck company owners.

How Our Service Is Helpful For Transporting Agencies?

The transporting agency becomes eligible to have relevant insurance to operate after getting successfully enrolled under OA registration, or during the process. Thus, the type of insurance usually depends on the type of MC/MX/FF that priorly depends on the type of OA you have. Therefore, you need to carry a relevant OA depending on what type of cargo you haul for interstate operations.

We provide our coverage support for all kinds of cargo-based tracking i.e

  • Flatbed Trucking

  • Dry Van Trucking

  • Refrigerated Trucking

  • Hazmat Trucking

  • Full Truck Load

  • Less Than Truck Load

  • Hazmat Trucking

  • Tanker Trucking

Along with providing support in different trucking services, we support compatible trucking insurance that relates to general liability, physical damage, non-trucking coverage, bobtail insurance, cargo insurance, primary auto liability, etc. Therefore, our support for every compatible truck insurance remains a priority for the truckers or enterprises to reach out with the best option.

What Processes Involve To Enroll Under FMCSA Operating Authority Policy?

  • Truck Owners who register from the basic step (without DOT or other registration usually apply through URS (Unified Registration Number) as per FMCSA regulatory policy.

  • Applicants carrying USDOT numbers follow the FMCSA Legacy Registration System through the specified payments and application process updated in the FMCSA portal.

  • You can apply through a Form & move the proceedings through the mail, express mail & card payment options stated in FMCSA’s recent compliance policy.

It usually takes from 20-25 days to 45-60 days depending on the enrollment process mode & category.

Why Choose Us?

We are a broker agency that provides support in truck insurance options depending upon cost, coverage & policy term. We figure out the best option as your cargo demand needs and your truck Operating Authority requires you to fulfill the necessary criteria. Furthermore, we guide you in every possible way to not let you stuck with any instant support, multiple options, or better consultation. In addition, you get in-depth knowledge regarding your insurance needs and claim approval support. You may feel confused or go with the options provided by service providers during direct insurance purchase, but we filter out the choice which completely covers your personalized demands & overages. In short, you get a kind of customized policy that suits your budget & beneficial for long-term use.

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