MC authority
Motor Carrier authority — the FMCSA grant of operating rights to transport property or passengers for-hire across state lines. The MC number identifies the authority. Different authority types exist for different operations: MC (motor carrier of property), FF (freight forwarder), MX (Mexican-domiciled carrier authorized to operate in the US). Intrastate-only carriers operate without MC authority under state-issued operating rights.
Why it matters
MC authority is a working signal of what the carrier is legally allowed to do. A carrier with an active MC and a USDOT number is authorized for interstate for-hire freight. A carrier with a USDOT but no MC may be a private fleet, an intrastate carrier, or a carrier whose authority is inactive. The MC status (active, pending, revoked) is published federally and updates when the carrier's authority changes.
Where it appears in a ProHRHQ carrier page
The ProHRHQ carrier page's identity block shows the carrier's MC number alongside the USDOT number. The Federal record summary notes whether the authority is active. Status changes are captured on the next monthly refresh after federal records update.
What getting authority involves
A for-hire carrier hauling regulated freight across state lines needs operating authority in addition to its USDOT number. To activate it, the carrier designates a process agent in every state where it operates, filed on form BOC-3, and has its insurer file proof of liability coverage with FMCSA. The minimum for general freight is $750,000, and more for some hazardous materials. If the insurance filing lapses, the authority is revoked. Brokers and shippers check that authority is active and insured before tendering loads, and a newly authorised carrier often finds that brokers want to see some operating history first.
Related terms
Authority types and registration requirements are defined by FMCSA. Authority status visible on the carrier page reflects the most recent monthly refresh. The authoritative federal source is FMCSA SAFER and the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance system.