Trucking Authority
Trucking Authority
Let DAT take care of the paperwork so you can start your trucking business.
Thinking about getting your own trucking authority but not sure where to start? The DAT Copilot™ Authority Program helps you handle the paperwork and launch your business fast.
- Let DAT’s experts guide you through the process.
- Get your own MC number, hassle-free.
- Stay compliant with state and federal regulations.
Let DAT’s experts guide you through the process.
Getting your trucking authority on your own can be tough. DAT is here to help.
If you’re looking to start your own trucking business, you likely know that there are countless regulatory hoops you need to jump through. All that paperwork can quickly become a hassle, but with DAT, taking care of your trucking authority checklist is a piece of cake. We handle the registration process and the paperwork — making sure you don’t pay for licenses you don’t need — so you can focus on running your business.
Get your own MC number, hassle free.
Getting your own MC number is the key to getting your business started and earning profits.
With DAT’s trucking authority packages, our team of experts will handle the paperwork so you can be sure that all your permits and forms are submitted on time. In fact, we’ve streamlined the entire approval process to get rid of any obstacles that might be in your way. We’re here to make sure you can get on the road fast and with confidence.
Stay compliant with state and federal regulations.
There’s a lot more that goes into trucking than just carrying freight. At DAT, we focus on the details.
Most carriers don’t get trucking authority because they love doing paperwork, but the truth is that there’s more to moving freight than just transporting loads. At DAT, our experts keep up-to-date on industry, state, and federal regulations on everything from air emissions quality to weight standards to make sure you stay compliant.
"Some say it's simple to get your authority, and that you should save your money and do it yourself. Other people, including myself, are not sure where to even begin. I used a service provided by DAT to get my authority. It was important to me that it was done right the first time, by people who have done this before."
- Chad Boblett - Boblett Brothers Trucking
"They took me by the hand an led me through all of the difficult and confusing steps to ensure that I started off on the right foot. I cannot say it any clearer than these folks know what it's all about."
- Gregg Knight, LTL Trucking
Trucking authority is governmental permission to get paid to haul freight. It is also called operating authority or motor carrier authority (MC authority) and it is necessary before you can start your own trucking company.
Having trucking authority means you can be your own boss. It’s an opportunity for career growth that gives you full independence and can also come with a significant pay increase if you run your business well. It’s true that trucking authority comes with a lot of responsibility, but if you stay organized you can grow your company over time — hiring your own drivers and getting multiple trucks.
Before you can start your business, you have to get your trucking authority (permission given by the government that lets you get paid to move freight). Once you have your trucking authority, you can start operating under your own MC number or the DOT number that the Department of Transportation assigned to you. You also need to register for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and apply for state-specific permits before you can begin your carrier business in earnest.
If you’re wondering how to apply for trucking authority, there are a few things you need to do before you can get on the road. First, you need to have experience. That typically means having a commercial drivers license as well as several years of experience working as a company driver. From there you can develop a business plan and determine how you want to structure your business, which will impact how your taxes and liability are determined.
Once you have a solid business plan and capital for your start-up expenses, the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program can handle the paperwork for you.
It usually takes at least five to seven weeks to get through the state and federal approval process. The federal approval process alone can take around 16 business days. Add to that getting sufficient insurance policies, paying registration fees, and filling out BOC-3 process agent forms, and you’re probably going to have to spend a little longer waiting to get moving than you thought. It’s true that the process can take a while, but DAT makes getting trucking authority as simple and painless as possible.
The two numbers come from different administrations and serve somewhat different purposes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues your MC number. That’s the number that actually lets you cross state lines for hire while transporting freight.
On the other hand, the Department of Transportation issues your DOT number, which is the primary number used to track your company. It registers your truckers, drivers, and overall safety rating. However, unlike the MC number, the DOT number does NOT count as trucking authority.
Get Your Authority for Just $399/Year with the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program
Everything you need to launch your trucking business—all in one place:
- Federal MC Authority ($300 value)
- BOC-3 Filing ($30 value)
- 50% off DAT One for 6 months (save up to $150)
Start your journey with confidence—join DAT Copilot™ today.
Ready to take the first step?
With the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program, you get more than paperwork support—you gain a trusted advisor to help launch your business quickly and confidently. Ready to get started? Fill out the inquiry form or call us at 866-265-3172.
DAT Copilot™
Authority Bundle
- Federal MC Authority ($300)
- BOC-3 MC Authority ($30)
- 50% off DAT One for 6 months (from $150)