MC Number
The MC Number, or Motor Carrier Number (previously known as an ICC Number) is specifically designed for identifying a carrier or company that:
- Transports regulated items from another ownership or arranging their transport (for a fee or other compensation, in interstate commerce)
- Transports Passengers in Interstate commerce. (for a fee or other compensation, albeit direct or indirect compensation)
In order for a carrier to operate within interstate traffic, they must have both trucking operating authorities: the MC Number and a USDOT Number.
Along with the above numbers, there might be other authority numbers that you need to obtain in order to operate legally. Operating Authorities such as “MX” and “FF” are others that you may also need. This may depend on which operations you run and specific cargo that you carry.
Types of Motor Carrier Authority
- Motor Carrier of Property (except Household Goods): An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier that transports regulated commodities (except household goods) for the general public in exchange for payment. Motor Carriers of Property (except Household Goods) must file proof of public liability (bodily injury and property damage — BI & PD) with FMCSA in order to obtain interstate Operating Authority. Cargo insurance is not required. At DOT Operating Authority, we can obtain this for you with our top of the line DOT authority services!
- Motor Carrier of Household Goods (Moving Companies): An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier that transports only household goods for the general public in exchange for payment. Household goods are personal items that will be used in a home. They include items shipped from a factory or store if purchased with the intent to use in a home, and transported at the request of the householder who pays for the transportation charges. Motor Carriers of Household Goods must file proof of both public liability (BI & PD) and cargo insurance with FMCSA in order to obtain interstate Operating Authority.
- Motor Passenger Carrier Authority
- Mexico-based Carriers for Motor Carrier Authority (MX Number) to Operate Beyond U.S. Municipalities and Commercial Zones on the U.S.-Mexico Border
Do I require an MC Number?
It is imperative that you choose the correct trucking operating authority that fits the needs of your business. The correct authority will help to ensure that your business runs legally and obtain the right type of insurance. Remember to keep up to date when changes occur, such as the name change from the ICC Number to the MC Number.
The exception to this is if you are:
- a private carrier (you only haul your own cargo)
- a for-hire carrier transporting only exempt commodities. (cargo that is not federally regulated)
- operating within a federal “commercial zone” that is outside of interstate authority rules.
Average Time To Receive MC Number
The application process is simple. You can even apply for both the USDOT Number and the MC Number at the same time. If you already own a USDOT Number and simply need an MC Number, we can take care of that for you! It will take less than an hour! If you do not have your PIN to the USDOT Number account, we can acquire the MC Number within a couple of days.
You must have your BOC-3 and insurance on file with FMCSA in order for your MC Number to process. We will help with everything you need! After your MC Number has gone through the process with the FMCSA it will take about 3-4 weeks.
MC Number Deactivation/Revocation
If your MC Number has been revoked and you need it reinstated, DOT Operating Authority can assist you. Our agents are willing to help you with any questions that you may have.
We do not recommend you do this alone. There are multiple factors in the reinstatement process. Depending on your circumstance, you may not be able to reinstate your MC Number. If this is the case, then you must re-apply for your number and pay the fee again.
MC Number Reinstatement
If your MC Number has been revoked and you need it reinstated, DOT Operating Authority can assist you. Our agents are willing to help you with any questions that you may have.
We do not recommend you do this alone. There are multiple factors in the reinstatement process. Depending on your circumstance, you may not be able to reinstate your number. If this is the case, then you must re-apply for your number and pay the fee again.
Reasons For Reapplication
- you own a passenger carrier that qualifies as an “imminent hazard” resulting in an out-of-service (OOS)
- A vehicle has been put out of service for having an unsatisfactory safety rating (UNSAT/UNFIT)
You need to have your BOC-3 and your insurance in place prior to reinstatement/reapplying for an MC Number. In addition to this, you MUST have an active USDOT Number.
Without proper licensing, you can face massive penalties. At DOT Operating Authority we help companies through the application process. Just give us a call at (888) 669-4383 and we will get an MC Number for you, as well as reinstate or revoke your operating authority. Feel free to ask about our other DOT authority services!