As a truck driver, there are certain requirements in terms of permits and authorities that you need to operate your business. Depending on certain aspects of your business, different filings are required. The factors that determine what filings you need in order to have all proper permits and authorities range from things such as vehicle weight, what cargo is carried, and where you operate to name a few. One authority that you may be required to obtain, depending on these factors, is the MC Number. The MC Number stands for the Motor Carrier Number. It used to be known as the ICC Number if MC does not sound familiar. This authority applies to interstate drivers who meet certain criteria.
Do I Meet the Criteria for an This Authority?
This is a very important question you need to ask yourself regarding your trucking business. If you operate with any interstate business, you may be required to have an MC number. However, if you only operate as an intrastate carrier, then you do not need an MC number. Nonetheless, for all interstate truckers, if you transport passengers, cargo, or federally regulated items across state lines for a fee or some form of compensation, you are required to obtain a motor carrier number. Essentially if you do “for hire” work as a carrier and cross state lines, you need an MC number.
What are the Exceptions to This Filing?
This is a great question as you may meet the above criteria technically, but still not require the MC number. The three main exceptions to the rules of the MC number requirements are being a private carrier, meaning you haul only your own cargo, you are a for hire carrier who only carries non-federally regulated cargo, or you operate your business within a federal “commercial zone” that falls outside of the technical rules on interstate authorities.
What Do I Need to Get My MC Number?
In order to file for an MC number and have the filing be successful, you must first have a current BOC-3 and trucking insurance on file with the FMCSA, otherwise known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You do not need to have an active USDOT number yet, in fact you can file for them together with us! However, the USDOT number can be obtained in the same day, so you would have one on file prior to getting your MC number!
