Frequently Asked Questions
We have the answers to your transportation questions!
- What is the difference between interstate commerce and intrastate commerce?
- What do I need to do to begin operating in interstate commerce?
- Who qualifies as a for-hire carrier?
- Where can I purchase the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations?
- Besides a USDOT number, what other forms are necessary to operate as a for-hire carrier in interstate commerce?
- How do I go about filing for operating authority (acquiring an active MC number) to travel within the U.S. as a “for hire " motor carrier?
- What happens after Logistec files the appropriate forms?
- I perform both for-hire and private carriage. Will I be able to operate once I get my USDOT number?
- 9. Can I operate outside of my base state once I apply for authority?
- Until I get my own operating authority (active MC number), can I lease my services to a for-hire carrier with operating rights?
- How can I find out if my operating authority (active MC number) has been issued? Can I get a faxed copy?
- How can I suspend or put my operating authority (MC number) on hold?
- What do I need to do to reinstate my operating authority (in other words, make my MC number active)?
- What is a Process Agent?
- What are the definitions of common, contract, and broker authority?
- What is the difference between common and contract carrier authority?
- Can a contract carrier broker loads?
- What applications do I need to complete for common carrier authority?
- Where do I go to find out if a company has interstate operating authority (active MC number)?
- I share interstate operating authority (MC number) with a business partner and would like to get my own MC number and discontinue my partnership with this person. Is that possible?
- How can I find out the status of my USDOT number?
- When filing for operating authority, is there a difference between submitting the application by mail or via the Internet?
- Can you transfer operating authority (MC number) directly on the website?
- Are USDOT numbers transferable?
- What forms are required to transport regulated property for-hire interstate?
- Why can’t a broker check their MC # on the SAFER system?
- What form do I need to complete to become a broker?
- What form do I complete for passenger (limo) operating authority?
- Who can become a freight forwarder? And what is the definition?
- Can we obtain apportioned tags from the FMCSA web site?
- What do I need to do to change the name of my motor carrier operation?
- How do I change my address?
- Will I keep the same MC number if I change my name? Will I get a new certificate or permit?
- I am trying to check on a safety rating ? Where should I go?
- I recently did a search through the Safer Query in reference to my company and found the information to be incorrect. Who should I contact to get this fixed?
- How can I update my USDOT record?
- How do I determine whether I am subject to the FMCSA's safety regulations?
- Do you offer temporary authority?
- How do I determine if I need cargo insurance?
- Where do I obtain the insurance forms BMC-91 or BMC-91X?
- I need to have a copy of the form BMC-84 (surety bond) e-mailed to me. How can I obtain this?
- Will my insurance company have the BMC-85 form?
- I transport some hazardous materials. Do I have to register?
- Is there a website that has information on how to comply with regulations dealing with alcohol and drugs?
Interstate commerce is trade, traffic, or transportation involving the crossing of a state boundary. To be considered interstate commerce, either the vehicle, its passengers, or cargo must cross a state boundary, or there must be the intent to cross a state boundary to be considered an interstate carrier.
Intrastate commerce is trade, traffic or transportation within a single state.
If your operations include interstate commerce, you must comply with the applicable federal safety regulations and operating authority rules, in addition to state and local requirements. You must notify the particular state in which you plan to register your vehicle(s) of your intentions to operate in interstate commerce to ensure that the vehicle is properly registered for purposes of the International Registration Plan (IRP), and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). Your base state will help you by collecting the appropriate fees and distributing a portion of those fees to the other states in which you operate commercial motor vehicles.
If you operate exclusively in intrastate commerce, you must comply with applicable state and local regulations. The only federal regulations that are applicable to intrastate operations are the following:
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Please feel free to contact Logistec with additional questions relating to intrastate and interstate commerce.
A USDOT number is required if you meet any of the following:
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Logistec can complete the MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report) and a MCS-150A (Safety Certification Application) for you. By doing so, you’ll be granted a USDOT number. We are happy to provide all the forms for you and the MCS-150 and MCS-150A can be completed by Logistec for only $150.
Generally, if you are operating as a for-hire motor carrier of regulated commodities or passengers in interstate commerce, you must also obtain interstate operating authority (an MC number), unless your for-hire operation is limited to the transportation of exempt commodities, or you operate within a commercial zone, exempt from the interstate operating authority rules.
Information about commercial zone exemptions can be found under 9 CFR 372, Administrative Ruling No. 119. This section also provides additional guidance on identifying exempt commodities. Click here to learn more.
A list of non-exempt commodities can be found under 49 CFR 372.115. Click here to view the NON-exempt commodities.
Contact Logistec with additional questions relating to getting started with interstate commerce.
A For-Hire carrier is a person or company that transports cargo or passengers for compensation. For-hire carriers must have a USDOT number as well as operating authority (MC number) to operate.
Don’t hesitate to contact Logistec for more information on For-Hire carriers.
- back to f.a.q. -To purchase a complete copy of the FMCSR, Parts 300-399, please contact Logistec.
- back to f.a.q. -Motor carriers of property must obtain the following:
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Motor carriers of passengers must obtain the following:
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All for-hire carriers must have operating authority (MC number.) Here at Logistec, we can provide the following services:
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It’s also imperative that you request that your insurance company file the appropriate insurance forms for the type of authority you are requesting with the FMCSA.
Note: Passenger carriers who are Federal Transit Administration Grantees (Transit Benefit Operators) under 49 U.S.C. 5307, 5310, or 5311 are required to maintain liability insurance at least at the highest level required for any of the states in which the transit service area is located. The FMCSA’s $300 filing fee will be waived for the Transit Benefit Operator application.
Feel free to contact Logistec to learn more about required operating authority forms.
- back to f.a.q. -Logistec would be happy to obtain this for you. In order to be able to receive your MC number, including the FMCSA $300 filing fee, your Process Service (BOC-3) and insurance filings, there is a charge of $699.00. Once payment is received, we’ll have your MC number to you within two days. Click here to fill out and submit your authority application online!
For additional information regarding your operating authority, please contact Logistec.
- back to f.a.q. -Once the application has been received and accepted, you will be assigned your MC (motor carrier) number. You will receive a letter with this MC number and all information needed to be compliant. Once your insurance company has filed the correct insurance form and the process agent has filed the BOC-3 Designation of Process Agent form, you will receive your official operating authority in the form of a certificate and/or permit. You will not be able to operate until this information has been submitted and the certificate and/or permit is officially issued.
To learn more about the operating authority process, contact Logistec.
- back to f.a.q. -Once you have your USDOT number you will be able to operate as a private motor carrier. You will not be able to operate as a for-hire motor carrier until you have operating authority (an active MC number).
Please feel free to contact Logistec for additional questions.
- back to f.a.q. -If you are transporting exempt commodities and have a USDOT number, you may operate as an exempt for-hire interstate motor carrier without an MC number.
You cannot transport regulated commodities in interstate commerce until you have obtained operating authority (certificate and/or permit) and received your appropriate state registrations. Simply applying for operating authority is not sufficient. You must wait until the certificate and/or permit has been issued.
What are exempt commodities? A listing of exempt commodities is highlighted on Administrative Ruling No. 119. Click here for a listing of exempt commodities.
The list of exempt commodities is ever changing, but this can be used as a general guide. A list of non-exempt commodities can be found under 49 CFR 372.115. Click here to view the non-exempt commodities.
For more details regarding operating out of your base state, please contact Logistec.
- back to f.a.q. -Yes, leasing is permissible if you comply with the requirements under Section 376.11.
Please feel free to contact Logistec for additional questions relating to leasing requirements.
- back to f.a.q. -To check whether your operating authority has been issued, please click here.
Or contact Logistec to review the status of your authority. We can also fax you a copy of your authority through our Quick Permit service.
- back to f.a.q. -The regulations do not allow for voluntary suspension of operating authority; however, voluntary revocation of your operating authority is allowed. To accomplish a voluntary revocation, contact us and we will complete a Form OCE-46, Request for Revocation of Registration, on your behalf.
Upon receipt of the form, the information will be coded into the system, and the date that appears is when your operating authority will be voluntarily revoked. Logistec can have your operating authority reinstated at any time in the future if you so desire by requesting reinstatement of the authority. The fee for reinstating your authority is $180.00.
Contact Logistec for to learn more about suspending your authority.
- back to f.a.q. -Logistec can reinstate your operating authority for $180. The next steps are as follows:
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Please feel free to contact Logistec for additional questions about authority reinstatements.
A process agent is a representative upon whom court papers may be served in any proceeding brought against a motor carrier and is one of the pre-licensing requirements that must be met by the carrier before authority is issued.
To learn more about Process Agents or BOC-3 Process Service Filings, contact Logistec.
- back to f.a.q. -A common carrier provides for-hire truck transportation to the general public. Common carriers must file both liability (BI & PD) insurance and cargo insurance.
A contract carrier provides for-hire truck transportation to specific, individual shippers, based on contracts. Contract carriers must file only liability (BI & PD) insurance.
A broker is a company that, for compensation, arranges for the truck transportation of cargo belonging to others, utilizing for-hire carriers to provide the actual truck transportation. Brokers must file either a surety bond or trust fund agreement.
For more information regarding common, contract, and broker authority, please contact Logistec.
- back to f.a.q. -The common carrier authority requires liability and cargo insurance. The contract carrier authority only requires liability insurance. Some shippers prefer common and some prefer contract.
For more information regarding the differences between common and contract authority, please contact Logistec.
- back to f.a.q. -No. A contract carrier cannot broker loads without first applying for and receiving a license to operate as a broker of freight.
To learn more about contract and broker authority, please contact Logistec.
- back to f.a.q. -Please take a moment to browse through our online applications, or you can contact Logistec to have one faxed to you. Logistec will complete the necessary paperwork so that you can become a common carrier of property.
- back to f.a.q. -The information can be found here. Or you can contact Logistec and we’ll help review your authority.
- back to f.a.q. -Yes. There are two options:
1) Logistec can request a Transfer of Authority for the existing MC number by submitting a transfer application and notarized letter with the FMCSA filing fee. This process costs $759, and can be paid using a check, money order or credit card. The partner who is removed from the existing authority can then file a new application along with the required fee to receive his or her own MC number. A USDOT number may not be transferred. Notice must be sent to the USDOT notifying them that you are out of business, and a new USDOT must be issued for your authority.
2) If the partners cannot agree who should keep the existing MC number, Logistec can file a new application for both with the required fees and get two new MC numbers. You can submit an authority application online at Logistec by clicking here. Additionally, Logistec can request that the existing MC number be voluntarily revoked.
Please feel free to contact Logistec for more information regarding this process.
- back to f.a.q. -If you requested a USDOT number from Logistec, we will gladly check the status of your application for you. Please feel free to contact Logistec about the status of your USDOT number. You can also view your application status by clicking here.
- back to f.a.q. -By submitting your applications via the Internet, your application will be processed much faster. To do so, please take a moment to fill out our online application. We encourage our applicants to use this online data entry option. This allows us to provide immediate response to carriers who require it, and reduce processing delays for all applicants. In contrast, applications filed by mail can take an additional seven to 14 days to process.
Two days after you file your application, you will be able to check the status of your application here. To obtain your MC number, just click on “Continue”, then select "Carrier Search" from the dropdown menu. Here you can enter your last name or company name and the state where the carrier is located. Then click on “Search". To check the status, click "Screen" under “View Carrier Details.”
Operating authority will be granted a minimum of 14 days later and only after insurance and Designation of Process Agent documents are on file with the FMCSA. You will receive your certificate, permit or license by mail, or we can obtain for you faster with our Quick Permit service. Click here to request a Quick Permit.
Contact Logistec to learn more about submitting your application online.
- back to f.a.q. -No. However, transfer applications can be completed via mail by Logistec. Transfer of Authority costs $759 and can take 30-45 days for FMCSA processing.
Contact us to learn more about transferring your authority.
- back to f.a.q. -No, USDOT numbers are not transferable. Logistec can file for your new USDOT number for a fee of $150. Click here to order your USDOT # online, or contact Logistec about transferring your USDOT number.
- back to f.a.q. -If you are transporting regulated property "for hire" from one state to another, you are required to have both a USDOT number (MCS-150 and MCS-150A) and operating authority (active MC number - OP-1). Logistec can assist you by applying for these forms.
Please feel free to contact Logistec for additional questions relating to these forms.
- back to f.a.q. -Since MC #’s are controlled by the licensing and insurance department of the FMCSA, not the US Department of Transportation, brokers can not check their MC # on the SAFER system.
Please feel free to contact Logistec for additional questions relating to the SAFER system.
- back to f.a.q. -Logistec can assist you by filing an Application for Motor Property Carrier and Broker Authority. This operating authority requires you to have on file with the FMCSA either a surety bond (BMC-84 form provided by an insurance company) or a trust fund (BMC-85 form obtained by request to the Insurance Compliance Division at FMCSA on 202-385-2423 or 2424 in the amount of $10,000), as well as a Designation of Agents Form BOC-3. Logistec can do all of the necessary steps.
Please feel free to contact Logistec to learn more about becoming a broker.
- back to f.a.q. -You will need to submit an application for Motor Passenger Carrier Authority. Logistec can file all the necessary information for this authority for you. Simply contact Logistec and we’ll get you started.
- back to f.a.q. -A freight forwarder is a company that arranges for the truck transportation of cargo belonging to others, utilizing for-hire carriers to provide the actual truck transportation. In the ordinary course of its business, a freight forwarder usually assembles and consolidates less-than truckload (LTL) shipments at origin and disassembles and distributes truckload (TL) shipments at destination. The freight forwarder assumes responsibility for the transportation from origin to destination, but it uses a for-hire carrier for the line-haul movement. Logistec can file an application for Freight Forwarder Freight forwarders must register with FMCSA by getting Logistec to file an Application for Freight Forwarder Authority.
Please feel free to contact Logistec to learn more about a freight forwarders.
- back to f.a.q. -No. License plates and stickers are state matters, and Logistec can contact your state department of motor vehicles for you and set up your IRP account.
Please feel free to contact Logistec to learn more about tags and stickers/permits
- back to f.a.q. -You may change the name of your operation only if there is no change in the ownership, management or control of the company. The information can be changed by Logistec. (Note: If there is a change in ownership, management or control of the company Logistec must file a Transfer Application.)
Logistec can also make these types of name changes, however, additional verification information will be required.
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Note: After receiving the Re-entitlement Decision, you will have 30 days for Logistec to get proof of insurance and designation of agents (BOC-3) in the carrier's new name.
The name will be changed under the MC number and USDOT number for a $114 fee. Logistec’s process service clients receive a discount on this service.
To get more information on changing your name of your company, please feel free to contact Logistec.
Logistec can have your address changed for a fee of $50. The address change will be updated for both the MC number and the USDOT number. Please feel free to contact Logistec and we’ll do it for you. Logistec’s process service clients receive this value added service for free.
- back to f.a.q. -Yes, you will keep the same MC number if you change your name. However, you will not receive a new certificate or permit, but you will receive a Re-entitlement Decision that should be attached to your original operating authority. This will come to you via regular mail from the FMCSA, or we can obtain this for you quicker with our Quick Permit service. Click here to order a Quick Permit.
Please feel free to contact Logistec for additional questions about name changes.
- back to f.a.q. -The SAFER system highlights your safety record. You can access your safety rating using our website. Click here and search your safety record from our Home Page. You must enter your USDOT or MC # in order to access the record.
Please feel free to contact Logistec for additional questions relating to the SAFER system.
- back to f.a.q. -Contact Logistec and we’ll get the information corrected.
- back to f.a.q. -You can update your USDOT number by submitting a Service Request Form. To update this quickly you will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN), but the good news is that we can also apply for your PIN and you will receive it within 3-5 days.
For additional questions relating to USDOT updates, please contact Logistec.
- back to f.a.q. -If you operate any of the following types of commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce you must comply with the applicable U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) safety regulations concerning
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Please contact Logistec to learn more about the FMCSA’s safety regulations.
Temporary authority is only issued for national disasters or emergency situations.
For more in formation regarding temporary authorities, please contact Logistec.
- back to f.a.q. -It depends on the type of authority you apply for with FMCSA. If you apply for common carrier authority, you are required to have on file evidence of both liability (BI & PD) and cargo insurance. If you apply for contract authority, you are only required to have evidence of liability (BI & PD) insurance on file. Common carriers hauling low value goods as specified at 49 CFR 387.301(b) may request exemption from cargo insurance requirements by contacting Logistec or by submitting a Service Request Form.
- back to f.a.q. -The forms BMC-91 or BMC-91X are both used to make liability insurance filings with the FMCSA. We do not provide these forms. The insurance company making the filing maintains their own supply of forms. However, many insurance carriers are set up to make the required insurance filings with us electronically.
Please feel free to contact Logistec for more information regarding BMC-91 and BMC-91X forms.
- back to f.a.q. -Your insurance company must provide the Form BMC-84 Property Broker's Surety Bond. Logistec can provide you with several options for obtaining this; please complete our Service Request Form for more information, or contact us.
- back to f.a.q. -You may obtain a copy of Form BMC-85, Property Broker's Trust Fund Agreement, by contacting Logistec.
- back to f.a.q. -According to Title 49 CFR Part 107, Subpart G (107.601 - 107.620), certain providers and transporters of hazardous materials, including hazardous waste, are required to file an annual registration statement with the U.S. Department of Transportation and to pay a fee. For more information, please call Logistec at (800) 226-3696.
Please feel free to contact Logistec for more information regarding hazardous materials.
- back to f.a.q. -Yes. Typically you can find this information locally or you can contact Logistec for additional guidance.
- back to f.a.q. -