MC Number: An MC number, also called a docket number, is the identifier the FMCSA assigns to a for-hire motor carrier that has been granted operating authority to haul regulated freight for others across state lines.
Why it matters to owner operators
Brokers look up your MC number to verify authority and insurance. New authority becomes active only after the required filings and a waiting period, so plan ahead.
Example
A broker enters a carrier’s MC number into the FMCSA database to confirm that its authority is active before sending a rate confirmation.
USDOT number vs MC number
The USDOT number identifies your company for safety records, inspections and audits. The MC number shows your operating authority to haul regulated freight across state lines for pay. Most owner operators running interstate for brokers need both. Brokers look up both numbers during setup.
What has to be on file before your authority is active
- An application through the FMCSA registration system
- Proof of liability insurance filed by your insurance company
- A BOC-3 filing that names a process agent in each state
- The FMCSA waiting period, after which the authority shows as active
New authority and brokers
Some brokers will not load carriers whose authority is only a few weeks or months old, while others accept new MCs after a careful setup. A dispatcher who knows which brokers work with new authorities can get your truck moving sooner. See our truck dispatch services.
Related terms
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