{"id":18408,"date":"2023-08-03T06:32:40","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T13:32:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/?post_type=resources&p=18408"},"modified":"2025-09-23T11:18:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T18:18:55","slug":"mc-authority-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/mc-authority-101","title":{"rendered":"MC Authority 101: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

But what is trucking authority<\/a> exactly, and what requirements must carriers and brokers fulfill to earn their operating license? What are the differences between the two?<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been wondering how to get your own trucking authority or where to get the best trucking authority services, you\u2019ve come to the right place! DAT is your source for all things freight, so let\u2019s go over everything you need to know about MC authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is MC trucking authority?<\/b><\/h3>\n

MC authority<\/span><\/a>, commonly known as trucking authority or motor carrier authority<\/a>, means that a trucking company has legal authorization from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to get paid for transporting goods across state lines via their own trucking company and own vehicle. There are other forms of operating authority as well, such as FMCSA <\/span>broker authority<\/span><\/a>, which grants permission to facilitate loads between shippers and carriers. Once carriers and brokers get approval for their operating authority, FMCSA r<\/span>egistration will then lead to receiving a unique MC number, which they\u2019ll use to carry out their business efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who needs MC trucking authority?<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking to become a carrier or independent owner-operator with your own authority, you need an MC number to transport goods across state lines. Importantly, carriers will also need a USDOT number, which is a unique identifier given by the FMCSA to collect and monitor a company\u2019s safety information. This can include safety audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections.<\/p>\n

Freight brokers are also required to have their MC authority before being allowed to facilitate loads between shippers and carriers. However, the process is a bit different from what carriers and owner-operators have to do. Freight broker authority doesn\u2019t require a USDOT number, but has a number of other requirements, which aspiring brokers should have a clear understanding of so they can get their brokerage started off smoothly.<\/p>\n

Who does not need MC authority?<\/h3>\n

While many carriers are required to get their <\/span>FMCSA authority<\/span><\/a>, not all of them are. Intrastate carriers, meaning carriers who only operate within the state their company is located, are not required to get an MC number since they are not crossing state borders (but are still required to get a USDOT number).<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, private fleets that are owned and operated by a shipper and never enter into contracts to haul other companies\u2019 freight won\u2019t need MC authority. For-hire carriers, or carriers that transport other people\u2019s freight, will need MC authority for their company drivers and leased-on owner-operators to operate under. Certain for-hire carriers transporting non-regulated cargo and carriers that exclusively work within a commercial zone like the Washington, D.C.\/Maryland\/Virginia area are also exempt from MC authority requirements.<\/p>\n

Unless you know that you might end up as one of these types of trucking businesses, carriers and brokers should plan to undergo the application process for motor carrier authority. But what exactly does that process look like?<\/p>\n

How is an MC number different from a USDOT number?<\/h3>\n

One of the major differences in the authority requirements between carriers and brokers is the necessity of obtaining a USDOT number. While brokers do not need a USDOT number for their freight broker authority, a carrier might need both a DOT and MC number, depending on how their business is set up. Carriers are required to get a USDOT number for their trucking authority, whether they are transporting goods across state lines or staying within state boundaries. Meanwhile, an MC number is only needed for interstate operations. If a carrier is only hauling loads within the state where the company is located, they won\u2019t need an MC number.<\/p>\n

What are the trucking authority requirements?<\/h3>\n

Before anything else, carriers and brokers should be aware of the financial <\/span>trucking authority<\/span><\/a> costs. While it might seem like a lot upfront, these financial requirements are an investment into the future success of your trucking business or brokerage. This can include buying or leasing a truck, registering your business, paying for insurance, application fees, and more. Here are some other main requirements that should be part of your trucking authority checklist:<\/span><\/p>\n