What is an athoruty letter?
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) operating authority is often called an "MC," "FF," or "MX" number, depending on what kind of permission they have. Unlike getting a USDOT Number, a company might need more than one operating authority depending on what they do. This permission decides what type of work a company can do and what kind of goods they can transport.
Who needs it?
Companies that do certain things must have a special permission called interstate Operating Authority (MC number) along with a DOT number:
If they carry passengers between different states and get paid for it.
If they transport goods owned by other people or companies between different states, or arrange for their transport, and get paid for it.
Who doesn't have to get this special permission?
The rules about this also decide how much insurance and money a company has to have. Companies that don't need this special permission include:
Private carriers (companies that only move their own stuff)
"For-hire" carriers that only move certain things that aren't controlled by the government
Carriers that only work in certain areas that don't need special permission to cross state lines. For example, areas around big cities like Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.
Types of Operating Authority
Motor Carriers of Property (excluding Household Goods): is a company that moves things for others and gets paid for it. They need to show proof of insurance for injuries and property damage to get permission to move stuff across state lines. They don't need insurance specifically for the stuff they're moving.
Motor Carriers of Household Goods: is a company that moves personal items for people who are moving homes and gets paid for it. They need to show proof of insurance for injuries and property damage as well as insurance specifically for the things they're moving, like furniture and appliances.
Brokers of Property (excluding Household Goods): is someone who arranges for things to be moved by a Motor Carrier for others. They get paid for arranging this but don't take responsibility for the stuff being moved.
Brokers of Household Goods: is someone who arranges for personal items to be moved by a Motor Carrier for people who are moving homes. They get paid for arranging this but don't take responsibility for the stuff being moved.
United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo (excluding Household Goods): A company headquartered in the United States that moves international cargo (not personal items for homes) and is mostly owned or controlled by someone from Mexico. The cargo they move must come from or be going to another country.
United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Household Goods: A company headquartered in the United States that moves international household items and is mostly owned or controlled by someone from Mexico. The household items they move must come from or be going to another country.
How long does it take to get MC Authority?
Its depends on different things, like how complete your application is and if the FMCSA needs to check it more. If you're a new applicant using the URS, it might take about 20-25 business days to process. But sometimes, applications need more checking, which could make it take about eight weeks or even longer. For existing carriers using the US Mail, it could take about 45-60 business days because they need to check everything thoroughly.
Can I give my MC Authority to someone else?
Usually, you can't transfer your MC Authority to another person or business. If you sell your business or want to transfer your authority to someone else, you have to go through a formal process with the FMCSA to update the information for the authority holder.
Can I Request A New Operating Authority Letter or a copy?
You can request a copy of your operating authority letter by clicking here. This certificate will be sent to you by mail and typically takes 2-3 weeks to arrive. It will be sent to the address listed on your last MCS-150 / Biennial Update.
