MC Authority
What is mc authority? MC authority is the FMCSA-issued operating permit (Motor Carrier Number) that allows a carrier to haul regulated freight across state lines for hire.
Full definition
Motor Carrier (MC) authority is granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and is required for any for-hire interstate carrier hauling regulated property. Activation takes 3-4 weeks after filing and requires a USDOT number, BOC-3 process agent designation, and proof of liability and cargo insurance.
MC authority is what separates an owner-operator running under their own flag from one leased on to another carrier's authority. Once active, the carrier can negotiate directly with brokers and shippers instead of taking percentage splits.
Maintaining authority means staying current on UCR fees, insurance filings (BMC-91 or BMC-91X), and biennial MCS-150 updates.