GETTING YOUR TRUCKING AUTHORITY: How to get your MC and DOT Numbers

Summary

This video walks viewers through the process of obtaining operating authority for a trucking business. It covers the essential steps, including registering for your MC and DOT numbers, understanding insurance requirements, and setting up registered agents in every state of operation. The script emphasizes the importance of meeting deadlines, specifically the 90-day window to file insurance and registered agent details, and the 21-day protest period for your application. The video also guides users through the FMCSA portal, ensuring they complete the application correctly to secure the necessary permits to operate legally and efficiently.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pay a $300 filing fee to obtain your MC and DOT numbers, which are required for interstate and intrastate travel.
• 😀 After completing the registration, you will receive your DOT number immediately, while your MC number will follow after a 21-day protest period.
• 😀 Insurance is crucial—within 90 days of applying, you must secure $1 million in liability insurance and $150,000 in cargo insurance to keep your application active.
• 😀 Without insurance or registered agents in place within the 90-day window, your application will be dismissed, and you'll have to pay the $300 fee again.
• 😀 A registered agent is needed in each state you plan to operate in, and this must be done before the 90-day deadline.
• 😀 The FMCSA provides a 21-day period for anyone to protest your application. If no issues arise, you'll receive confirmation of your MC and DOT numbers.
• 😀 The MC number is required for interstate travel, while the DOT number is needed for both interstate and intrastate travel.
• 😀 You will need to choose whether to register using your EIN or Social Security Number during the application process.
• 😀 The FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance, but brokers will typically only accept applications with $1 million in liability coverage.
• 😀 Be sure to specify your intended operations, including whether you will transport general freight, hazardous materials, or household goods.
• 😀 You will be required to submit your payment and complete the registration process through the FMCSA portal to finalize your application.

Q & A

What is the first step in the process of registering for operating authority?

The first step is paying a $300 filing fee to obtain your MC (Motor Carrier) and DOT (Department of Transportation) numbers. The MC number is required for interstate travel, while the DOT number is needed for both interstate and intrastate travel.

What is the 21-day protest period after submitting the registration?

After submitting your application, there is a 21-day protest period where individuals can object to your MC and DOT numbers. If no objections are made, you will receive a letter from the FMCSA confirming that your application is being processed.

What happens if you don’t get insurance on file within 90 days?

If you fail to submit insurance within the 90-day period after applying for your authority, your application will be dismissed. You will then need to pay the $300 fee again and submit a request to have the dismissal lifted.

What types of insurance are required for obtaining operating authority?

You are required to have $1 million in liability insurance, $150,000 in cargo insurance, and if applicable, reefer breakdown insurance for refrigerated carriers.

What is a registered agent, and why is it required?

A registered agent is a person or business that acts as a point of contact between the state and the business. You must have a registered agent in every state where you plan to operate, and failure to do so within 90 days will lead to the dismissal of your application.

Can I apply for MC and DOT numbers if I don’t have a DUNS number?

Yes, the application does not require a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number. If you don’t have one, you can simply select 'No' when prompted during the application process.

What should be included in the business description during registration?

During registration, you will need to provide the legal business name (matching your articles of organization) and a DBA (Doing Business As) name, if applicable. You also need to confirm your principal place of business address.

What is the difference between interstate and intrastate commerce in the registration process?

Interstate commerce involves transporting goods across state lines, and an MC number is required for it. Intrastate commerce refers to transporting goods within the same state, and while a DOT number is required, an MC number is not.

How do I determine the number of trucks to enter in the application?

You must indicate the number of trucks you plan to operate. If you are starting with one truck, you would enter '1'. Additionally, you must specify whether the trucks will be owned or leased and if they will operate in interstate or intrastate commerce.

What is the minimum insurance requirement for operating authority?

The FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance. However, brokers typically require $1 million in liability insurance to secure loads.