MC authority filing service
Get your MC authority filed without getting buried in FMCSA paperwork.
MotorCarrier.ai helps new trucking companies file MC authority and USDOT registration, then line up the BOC-3, UCR, insurance timing, and startup compliance steps that decide when you can actually haul.
Quick answer
If you plan to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines, you usually need MC operating authority from the FMCSA. The federal filing fee is $300 per authority type. Most new carriers also need a USDOT number, BOC-3 filing, insurance filing, UCR registration, and a DOT drug and alcohol testing program before operating legally.
What we handle
- USDOT number application
- MC authority / OP-1 filing preparation
- Authority type guidance
- Filing status monitoring
- BOC-3 and UCR next steps
- Activation checklist after filing
FMCSA fee
$300
Per authority type, paid to FMCSA.
MotorCarrier.ai help
from $299
Filing support with human review.
Typical timeline
3–5 weeks
If BOC-3 and insurance do not stall.
Why carriers use MotorCarrier.ai instead of wrestling the portal alone
Avoid the wrong authority type
The wrong selection can waste money and time. FMCSA does not refund application fees because the form got cute.
Keep business details consistent
Your authority filing, EIN, business entity, and insurance details need to match cleanly.
Do BOC-3 and insurance in parallel
New carriers lose weeks by treating the simple required pieces like someday problems.
Know what comes after active authority
UCR, drug and alcohol, IRP/IFTA, DQ files, markings, and the rest of the compliance parade do not magically handle themselves.
MC authority FAQ
How much does MC authority cost?
The FMCSA filing fee is $300 per authority type. MotorCarrier.ai authority filing help starts at $299, with BOC-3, UCR, and other startup compliance services available separately.
How long does MC authority take?
Most new carriers should plan on roughly 3–5 weeks from filing to active authority, assuming the BOC-3 and insurance filings are handled on time.
Do I need both a USDOT number and MC number?
For many for-hire interstate carriers, yes. The USDOT number identifies your safety registration; MC authority is the operating authority that lets you haul regulated freight for hire across state lines.
Can I haul while my authority is pending?
No. You need to wait until your operating authority is active. A pending MC number is not permission to haul freight for hire.
What delays MC authority activation?
Common delays include the wrong authority type, mismatched business information, missing BOC-3, late insurance filing, and waiting too long to start insurance quotes.