In general, companies that do the following are required to have interstate Operating Authority (MC number) in addition to a DOT number:

 

• Transport passengers in interstate commerce (for a fee or other compensation, whether direct or indirect)
• Transport federally regulated commodities owned by others or arranging for their transport, (for a fee or other compensation, in interstate commerce)

 

FMCSA operating authority is often identified as an “MC,” “FF,” or “MX” number, depending on the type of authority that is granted. Unlike the USDOT Number application process, a company may need to obtain multiple operating authorities to support its planned business operations. Operating Authority dictates the type of operation a company may run and the cargo it may carry.

 

Motor Carrier of Property (except Household Goods)

 

An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier that transports regulated commodities (except household goods) for the general public in exchange for payment. Motor Carriers of Property (except Household Goods) must file proof of public liability (bodily injury and property damage — BI & PD) with FMCSA in order to obtain interstate Operating Authority. Cargo insurance is not required.

 

Motor Carrier of Household Goods (Moving Companies) An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier that transports only household goods for the general public in exchange for payment.  Household goods are personal items that will be used in a home.  They include items shipped from a factory or store, if purchased with the intent to use in a home and transported at the request of the householder who pays for the transportation charges. 

 

Household goods (HHG) motor carrier means a motor carrier that, in the ordinary course of its business of providing transportation of household goods, offers some or all of the following additional services:  binding and nonbinding estimates; inventorying; protective packing and unpacking of individual items at personal residences; and/or loading and unloading at personal residences.  Motor Carriers of Household Goods must file proof of both public liability (BI & PD) and cargo insurance with FMCSA in order to obtain interstate Operating Authority.

 

Broker of Property (except Household Goods) 

 

An individual, partnership, or corporation that receives payment for arranging the transportation of property (excluding household goods) belonging to others by using an authorized Motor Carrier. A Broker does not assume responsibility for the property and never takes possession of it.

 

Broker of Household Goods 

 

An individual, partnership, or corporation that receives payment for arranging the transportation of household goods belonging to others by using an authorized Motor Carrier. A Broker does not assume responsibility for the household goods and never takes possession of the goods. Household goods are personal items and property that will be used in a home.  An individual, partnership or corporation requires registration as a household goods broker if the motor carrier providing transportation will also provide some or all of the following additional services, binding and nonbinding estimates, inventorying, protective packing and unpacking of individual items at personal residences and loading and unloading at personal residences.

 

United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo (except Household Goods)  

 

A company that transports international cargo (excluding household goods) and is headquartered in the United States but is owned or controlled (greater than 55%) by a Mexican citizen or resident alien. International cargo must originate in or be destined for a foreign country.

 

United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Household Goods  

 

A company that transports international household goods and is headquartered in the United States but is owned or controlled (greater than 55%) by a Mexican citizen or resident alien. Household goods are personal items that will be used in a home. They include items shipped from a factory or store, if purchased with the intent to use in a home and transported at the request of the householder who pays for the transportation charges. International household goods must originate in or be destined for a home in a foreign country.

Other Authorities

 

• Freight Forwarder Authority
• Motor Passenger Carrier Authority
• Non-North America-Domiciled Motor Carriers
• Mexico-based Carriers for Motor Carrier Authority to Operate Beyond U.S. Municipalities and Commercial Zones on the U.S.-Mexico Border (Includes instructions and application in Spanish)

 

Mexican Certificate of Registration for Foreign Motor Carriers and Foreign Motor Private Carriers Under 49 U.S.C. 13902