New MC/Authorities & BOC-3
New MC/Authorities & BOC-3: Launching Your Trucking Business Correctly
Starting a new trucking company is an exciting venture, but the path to getting your authority to operate is paved with complex paperwork and critical deadlines. A single misstep in the application process can lead to significant delays, costing you time and money before your first truck has even been dispatched. A Plus Fleet Solutions LLC is your expert guide to launching your business, ensuring you obtain your Motor Carrier (MC) number and full operating authority quickly and correctly.
The process involves several key steps, each with its own requirements. We manage this entire sequence for you, from initial application to final approval.
Step 1: Securing Your USDOT & MC Numbers
The first step is registering with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- USDOT Number: This number is your unique identifier used for collecting and monitoring your company’s safety information.
- MC Number (Operating Authority): This number is required for carriers who transport regulated commodities in interstate commerce or arrange for such transport.
- Our Role: We complete the MCS-150 and OP-1 application forms with precision, ensuring your company is classified correctly based on your intended operations (e.g., motor carrier of property, broker). Errors on this application are common and can cause major delays.
Step 2: BOC-3 Filing (Designation of Process Agents)
This is a critical, legally mandated step that must be completed after you receive your MC number. A BOC-3 filing designates a person or company in each state to receive legal documents on your behalf. Without a valid BOC-3 on file, the FMCSA will not grant your authority.
- Why It’s Important: This ensures that if legal action is taken against your company, there is a reliable agent in the relevant state to be served with the legal papers.
- Our Role: A Plus Fleet Solutions provides and files your BOC-3 instantly. We maintain a nationwide network of process agents, satisfying the federal requirement and activating this crucial part of your application. We file it electronically with the FMCSA, providing immediate proof of compliance.
Step 3: Securing the Right Insurance
The FMCSA will not grant your authority until you have the required insurance on file. The minimum liability coverage is typically $750,000 for general freight and higher for other commodities.
- Our Role: While we are not an insurance agency, we guide you on the exact coverage types and limits you need. We work with your chosen insurance provider to ensure they file the necessary forms (like the BMC-91 or BMC-91X) with the FMCSA correctly and promptly.
Step 4: Finalizing Your Authority
Once your application is submitted and your BOC-3 and insurance are on file, there is a 21-day public vetting period. After this period, if all requirements are met, the FMCSA will grant your operating authority.
- Our Role: We monitor the status of your application throughout this entire process. We proactively check the FMCSA database to ensure your filings have been accepted and address any issues that may arise immediately.
Beyond the Basics: UCR, D&A Clearinghouse, and More
Getting your authority is just the beginning. New carriers must also immediately comply with other regulations. As part of our New Authority package, we also manage:
- Unified Carrier Registration (UCR): We register your company and pay the required annual fee.
- D&A Clearinghouse Registration: We register you as an employer in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, a mandatory step before you can hire any CDL drivers.
Starting a trucking company should be about building your business, not getting lost in red tape. Let A Plus Fleet Solutions handle the entire setup process, providing you with a turnkey solution that gets your authority granted faster and allows you to start generating revenue sooner.