Mayflower Insurance

Everything About Operating Authority In FMCSA

Do you feel like you need clarification with fmcsa portal compliances? Or do you look for in-depth results regarding FMCSA operational authority policies? Then you are on the right platform. We are here to guide you from scratch about the FMCSA operating authority compliances. Thus, If you belong to a truck company, you can get aware of all the details which the transport regulation authority i.e FMCSA demands from every truck organization.

What Is Operating Authority In FMCSA?

FMCSA operating authorities are a few of the additional compliance standards which are defined in series for different truck organizations. A truck company may implement one or more than one operational authority category(series) depending on their type of trucking business & cargo transport category. Furthermore, Operational authorities are a kind of additional authorities that a truck company may or may not need to implement apart from fulfilling DOT compliance requirements. So, if you already own a dot number and fulfill the DOT registration requirements(initial stage), then you become eligible to move with FMCSA operational authority compliances. Therefore, By fulfilling FMCSA operating authority criteria, your truck business gets eligible to execute regular operations.

What Are The Types Of Operating Authorities Under FMCSA?

A truck company needs to have a suitable operating authority that matches its trucking nature demand. A perfect Operating Authority makes a truck business suitable to safely & lawfully execute interstate business. At the same time, while buying a compatible trucking insurance coverage scheme. Therefore, a truck owner must be aware of different types of Operating Authorities to select the relevant one for supporting his business.

Motor Carrier Of Property (Except Household Goods)

This operating authority transports regular commodities(except household goods) interstate with public liability support.

Motor Carrier Of Household Goods(moving companies)

This OA transports only household goods from manufacturers, suppliers, and other productions which are transported with suitable temperature conditions. Thus, It requires Public Liability & cargo insurance to make interstate operations.

Broker Of Property(Except Household Goods)

When a broker agency or private broker takes responsibility for transporting goods(excluding household goods) without holding possession of transporting property/commodity. Furthermore, It transports through authorized motor carriers.

Broker Of Household Goods

This Operating Authority operates when a registered broker agency or individual arranges transportation of household commodities. Furthermore, It doesn’t hold the responsibility of goods.

Carrier Of International Cargo(Except Household Goods)

It transports public goods(except household goods) internationally. This OA is headquartered in USA & controlled majorly by Mexican citizens.

Carrier Of International Household Goods

A household goods transport agency arranges the transportation of household goods internationally through an authorized Motor carrier. 

Why Does A Truck Company Need To Have FMCSA Operating Authority?

A truck company must have an interstate Operating authority or mc number in addition to a dot number because of the following reasons
  • While Transporting interstate commerce or federally regulated commodities. (In return for payment or other compensation)
  • Getting the relevant truck insurance depends upon the right Operating Authority category.
  • To spend a genuine amount on compatible Operating Authority registration & insurance coverage.

Which Truck Authorities Require FMCSA Operating Authority(MC Number)?

  • While making for-hire truck operations for compensation
  • A broker or truck company that makes the interstate transport of goods or passengers.

Who Does Not Require FMCSA Operating Authority(MC Number)

  • A private truck owner transporting his own cargo load.
  • If a truck owner/enterprise transports goods non-federally regulated commodities.
  • If a truck company operates in a federally-designated zone exempt from any inter-state authority.

What Is MC Number?

MC number is a Motor Carrier number that is provided under FMCSA Operating Authority Standard. Thus, It usually differs depending on the Operating Authority category.
So, if a truck company transports under different FMCSA Operating Authorities, it can have more than one mc number as per its compatibility with the OA category. Furthermore, Transport authorities who travel interstate commerce for passengers or federally regulated commodities enroll for the OA category to get the concerned MC number after the USDOT number.

What Is MX Number?

MX is a kind of prefix of Motor Carrier number which is also known as a docket number(for all MC/MX/FF numbers) provided to the transport authorities which are permanently based in Mexico. Therefore, Mexico motor carriers require to have an FMCSA-provided MX number to operate in USA regions. In addition, it is also provided to inter-state for hire or motor carriers.

What Is FF Number?

FF(Freight Forwarder) is an OA registration number provided to Freight Forwarders that take responsibility for issuing bills to licensed motor carriers for arranging the transporting of goods, loading to shippers & accounting for cargo damage/loss. Furthermore, the OP-1(FF) form is usually filled out to get registered under FMCSA. Freight Forwarders must enroll with FHWA(Federal Highway Administration) before getting FF Number from FMCSA.

So, from the above statements, we get to know about OA categories and their registration mode(MC, MX, FX) numbers which are all specified for interstate commerce business. Therefore, OA under FMCSA usually takes around 4 weeks process to get enrolled in Freight Forwarders, Interstate brokers & For-hire commercials. Both dot and mc number are usually required by maximum truck company owners. 

How Our Service Is Helpful For Transporting Agencies?

The transporting agency becomes eligible to have relevant Insurance to operate after getting successfully enrolled under OA registration, or during the process. Thus, the type of insurance usually depends on the type of MC/MX/FF that priorly depends on the type of OA you have. Therefore, you need to carry a relevant OA depending on what type of cargo you haul for interstate operations.

We provide our coverage support for all kinds of cargo-based tracking i.e

  • Flatbed Trucking
  • Dry Van Trucking
  • Refrigerated Trucking
  • Hazmat Trucking
  • Full Truck Load
  • Less Than Truck Load
  • Hazmat Trucking
  • Tanker Trucking
Along with providing support in different trucking services, we support compatible trucking insurance that relates to general liability, physical damage,non-trucking coverage, bobtail insurance, cargo insurance, primary auto liability, etc. Therefore, Our support for every compatible truck insurance remains on priority for the truckers or enterprises to reach out with the best option.

What Processes Involve To Enroll Under FMCSA Operating Authority Policy?

  • Truck Owners who register from the basic step(without DOT or other registration usually apply through URS(Unified Registration Number) as per FMCSA regulatory policy.
  • Applicants carrying USDOT numbers follow the FMCSA Legacy Registration System through the specified payments and application process updated in the FMCSA portal.
  • You can apply through a Form & move the proceedings through the mail, express mail & card payment options stated in FMCSA’s recent compliance policy.
It usually takes from 20-25 days to 45-60 days depending on the enrollment process mode & category.

Why Choose Us?

We are a broker agency that provides support in truck insurance options depending upon cost, coverage & policy term. We figure out the best option as your cargo demand needs and your truck Operating Authority requires you to fulfill the necessary criteria. Furthermore, we guide you in every possible way to not let you stuck with any instant support, multiple options, or better consultation. In addition, you get in-depth knowledge regarding your insurance needs and claim approval support. You may feel confused or go with the options provided by service providers during direct insurance purchase, but we filter out the choice which completely covers your personalized demands & overages. In short, you get a kind of customized policy that suits your budget & beneficial for long-term use.