How to Get Your MC Authority

Updated July 2026 · 14 min read · Written by the Hotrig team

Getting your MC (Motor Carrier) authority is the single most important step in turning your hot shot trucking operation from an idea into a legal business. Without it, you can't legally haul freight across state lines for hire. With it, you unlock the ability to book loads from brokers, operate under your own authority, and keep 100% of the rate.

This guide walks through every step — from getting your USDOT number to filing your BOC-3, getting insurance, and waiting for the FMCSA to grant your authority. We'll cover costs, timelines, and the mistakes that delay applications.

What is MC authority?

MC authority — officially called Operating Authority — is a federal registration issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that grants you legal permission to transport goods for compensation across state lines. It's separate from a USDOT number, which tracks your safety compliance.

Think of it this way: your USDOT number is your safety ID. Your MC number is your business license to move freight interstate for hire. You need both.

There are different types of operating authority. For hot shot trucking, you typically need:

• MC Number (Motor Carrier of Property) — For hauling goods you own or are responsible for. This is the authority most hot shot truckers need. Filed on Form OP-1.
• FF Number (Freight Forwarder) — If you arrange transportation and handle the logistics. Not commonly needed for hot shot.
• BMC Number (Broker) — If you arrange loads for other carriers without taking possession of the freight. Filed on Form OP-1 Application for Broker Authority.

Do you need MC authority?

You need MC authority if you:

• Transport goods across state lines for payment
• Operate as an independent owner-operator under your own authority
• Want to book loads directly from brokers or shippers without leasing on to another carrier
• Haul freight that crosses state lines, even if you personally don't cross them (the freight's origin and destination matter)

You do not need MC authority if you:

• Only haul within a single state (though you may need state-level operating authority)
• Lease on to an existing carrier and operate under their authority
• Transport your own goods (not for hire)

Step 1: Get Your USDOT Number

Before you can apply for MC authority, you need a USDOT number. This is free and filed through the FMCSA's Unified Registration System (URS).

The USDOT number is issued immediately upon completing the online application. There's no fee.

Step 2: File the OP-1 Application

Once you have your USDOT number, file Form OP-1 (Application for Motor Property Carrier and Broker Authority) through the FMCSA portal. This is the formal request for your MC number.

If you also want broker authority (to arrange loads for other carriers), you'll need to file a separate OP-1 application for brokers and pay an additional $300.

Step 3: Get Insurance & File Proof

This is where most applicants get stuck. Your MC authority won't be granted until the FMCSA receives proof of insurance from your insurance company — not from you directly.

Minimum insurance requirements

Your insurance company must file the BMC-91 or BMC-91X form electronically with the FMCSA. Until this form is accepted, your application stays in "pending" status.

Step 4: File BOC-3 (Process Agent)

The BOC-3 form (Designation of Agents for Service of Process) is a legal requirement that designates someone in each state you operate in who can receive legal documents on your behalf. You cannot file this yourself — it must be filed by a registered process agent or your insurance company.

The BOC-3 must be filed electronically with the FMCSA before your authority can be granted.

Step 5: Wait for Grant

After you've filed your OP-1, your insurance company has filed the BMC-91/91X, and your BOC-3 is on file, you wait. The FMCSA publishes your application in the Federal Register for a mandatory 10-day protest period. During this time, anyone can file a protest against your application (rare for new carriers).

If no protests are filed and all requirements are met, the FMCSA issues a Grant Letter. This is the official document that activates your MC authority.

You'll receive your grant letter by mail and email. Your MC number will be active and you can legally start hauling interstate freight.

Total Costs Breakdown

Timeline: What to Expect

If your insurance or BOC-3 is delayed, the whole process extends. Start everything simultaneously to minimize wait time.

After Your Authority Is Granted

Once you have your grant letter, there are a few more steps before you can start hauling:

1. Register for IFTA — International Fuel Tax Agreement registration through your base state. Required if you operate in multiple states and your truck exceeds 26,000 lbs GVWR or has 3+ axles.
2. Get your apportioned plates (IRP) — If you'll operate across state lines, register through the International Registration Plan in your base state.
3. File MCS-150 — Update your MCS-150 form (biennial update). This is your USDOT registration update, required every 2 years.
4. Get an ELD — If you're required to keep Records of Duty Status (RODS), you need an Electronic Logging Device. For non-CDL hot shot (under 26,000 lbs), ELD requirements depend on whether you operate beyond 150 air miles from your base. See our guide on ELD compliance for non-CDL.
5. Sign up for load boards — Register on DAT, Truckstop, and of course Hotrig to start finding loads.
6. Get your gear — Make sure you have ratchet straps, cargo tarps, chains, binders, and safety equipment. Browse our gear store for vetted equipment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting the wrong cargo classification — If you accidentally select "Household Goods" instead of "General Freight," you'll face different insurance requirements and a longer process. Double-check before submitting.
• Filing before having insurance quotes — Your application goes "pending" until insurance proof is filed. Start insurance shopping before you file the OP-1.
• Not filing the BOC-3 — This is often forgotten and delays the grant. Some process agent services can file same-day.
• Using a P.O. Box for your business address — The FMCSA requires a physical address. Using a P.O. Box can cause your application to be rejected.
• Forgetting the MCS-150 biennial update — Even after you're granted, you must update your MCS-150 every 2 years. Failing to do so can result in deactivation of your USDOT number and MC authority.
• Not understanding intrastate vs. interstate — If you only haul within one state, you may need state-level authority instead of (or in addition to) MC authority.
• Letting insurance lapse — If your insurance is cancelled for any reason, the FMCSA will revoke your authority within days. Always pay premiums on time.

Frequently Asked Questions