FMCSA’s transition to Motus has changed how BOC-3 filings are submitted and managed.
Motus officially launched for FMCSA registrants on May 19, 2026. Blanket companies, also known as BOC-3 filers, can now use the system to manage process agent information, create new BOC-3 filings, review existing filings, and cancel filings when necessary.
For motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders, the basic BOC-3 requirement hasn’t disappeared. What has changed is the system used by blanket companies to complete and maintain those filings.
What Is a Blanket Company?
A blanket company is a process service agency authorized to electronically designate process agents for transportation companies.
Rather than requiring a carrier to locate and manage a separate process agent in every applicable state, a blanket company maintains a network of agents and submits one blanket designation to FMCSA.
This designation is documented through BOC-3 form. The process agents named in the filing can receive legal documents, court papers, and certain official notices on behalf of the transportation company.
Logistec/TTS is an FMCSA-registered Process Service Agency offering nationwide BOC-3 Process Service for motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders.
What Can Blanket Companies Do in Motus?
Under the new system, approved blanket companies can manage their company information, users, process agents, and BOC-3 filings through a central account.
The Motus filing tools allow a blanket company to:
- Search for a company by USDOT Number or legal business name
- Review the company’s business and operating authority information
- Create a new BOC-3 filing
- Select the operating authority associated with the filing
- View active, pending, and canceled filings
- Edit certain pending filings
- Cancel an existing filing
- Add or update process agent information
- Manage authorized company users
FMCSA’s supporting company job aid shows separate areas for creating new filings and managing existing filings. The system also displays prior filing information, including canceled filings, giving blanket companies a clearer view of filing history.
What Does This Mean for Carriers?
Most carriers will continue to work directly with their process service agency rather than filing the BOC-3 themselves.
The blanket company will need accurate information to locate the carrier’s Motus record and submit the correct designation. This generally includes:
- Legal business name
- USDOT Number
- Operating authority type
- Current business address
- Current email address and telephone number
- An authorized company contact
Errors in this information can make it harder to locate the correct record or connect the filing to the appropriate authority. Providing information exactly as it appears in Motus can help prevent avoidable delays.
A BOC-3 Filing Is Connected to Operating Authority
A BOC-3 isn’t a general business registration. It’s connected to the operating authority held or requested by the motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder.
Within Motus, the blanket company selects the applicable operating authority when creating the filing. The available authority options are populated based on the regulated entity’s record. FMCSA’s current workflow generally allows new filings to be created for entities with pending or active operating authorities.
New applicants should remember that FMCSA generally won’t grant operating authority until the required insurance or financial responsibility filings and the BOC-3 designation are on file.
Companies applying for authority can learn more about Logistec/TTS’s Operating Authority services.
Only One BOC-3 Filing Should Be on File
FMCSA states that only one completed BOC-3 designation may be on file for a company. That makes coordination especially important when changing blanket companies or process service providers.
A new provider shouldn’t simply assume that a previous relationship has been properly ended. The company and its providers should confirm how the existing filing will be replaced or canceled so the carrier doesn’t experience a gap in process agent coverage.
Carriers should also avoid ordering duplicate filings from multiple service companies. Using one reliable point of contact makes it easier to know who is responsible for maintaining the designation and forwarding important documents.
Is the BOC-3 an Annual FMCSA Filing?
The BOC-3 itself generally remains on file until it is changed, replaced, or canceled. It isn’t automatically refiled with FMCSA every year simply because a new calendar year begins.
However, many blanket companies provide process agent coverage as an ongoing annual service. The service supports the filing by maintaining the agent network, keeping agent information current, receiving documents, and forwarding notices to the transportation company.
That distinction matters. A filing may have originally been submitted correctly, but the underlying process service relationship still needs to remain active and properly maintained.
How Carriers Can Prepare
Carriers can make the new process easier by taking a few simple steps:
- Confirm that your legal business name and USDOT Number are correct in Motus.
- Verify your operating authority status.
- Keep your address, telephone number, and email current.
- Tell your process service agency when company contacts change.
- Respond promptly to renewal or information requests.
- Confirm that your blanket company has the information needed to maintain your filing.
- Keep a copy of your current BOC-3 information with your business records.
The FMCSA provides additional instructions in its Motus Supporting Company Job Aid.
Let Logistec/TTS Manage Your BOC-3 Service
Motus may be a new system, but the purpose of process service remains the same: making sure transportation companies have reliable legal representation and a valid designation on file.
Logistec/TTS manages BOC-3 filings and process agent coverage while helping clients understand the registration requirements that affect their operations. Complete the online BOC-3 application or contact our team for assistance.