Operating Authority
FMCSA-granted permission for a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to operate in interstate commerce. Authority types include common (general for-hire), contract (specific shippers), and broker. CarrierOk tracks authority status changes same-day and alerts subscribers when a carrier's authority lapses or is revoked.
Definition
Operating authority is the legal right granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to transport regulated commodities or arrange their transportation across state lines. There are several distinct authority types: common carrier authority allows a company to haul general commodities for any shipper willing to pay; contract authority permits hauling under specific agreements with individual shippers; and broker authority allows arranging transportation without taking possession of freight. Authority can be active, inactive, pending, or revoked. A carrier must maintain valid BIPD insurance and a BOC-3 filing for authority to remain active. Authority age is a critical underwriting signal — carriers with less than 18 months of active authority are classified as new entrants and carry statistically higher risk. CarrierOk indexes authority status, age, type, and revocation history for over 4.2 million FMCSA-registered entities and delivers real-time change alerts.
Why It Matters
For Underwriters
Authority age and revocation history are primary eligibility gates — most programs require 3+ years of continuous common authority and zero revocations to bind coverage.
For Brokers
Confirming active authority before tendering a load is the minimum legal requirement; a lapsed authority means the carrier is operating illegally and your cargo insurance gap is wide open.
For Developers
Authority fields are among the most-queried in the CarrierOk API — build real-time authority checks into onboarding flows to reject carriers with inactive or newly granted authority.
Key Values
| Common Authority | General for-hire, any commodity |
| Contract Authority | Named shippers under contract |
| Broker Authority | Arrange transport, no possession |
| New Entrant Threshold | < 18 months active |
In the API
/v2/profileRelated Fields
authority_commonauthority_contractauthority_brokerauthority_age_commontotal_revocationsFrequently Asked Questions
What is operating authority for trucking companies?
Operating authority is FMCSA's permission for a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to conduct interstate commerce. Without active authority, a for-hire carrier cannot legally transport regulated freight across state lines. Authority types include common (general for-hire), contract (named shippers), and broker (arranging transport). It is separate from a DOT number, which all commercial vehicles need regardless of authority status.
How long does it take to get FMCSA operating authority?
The FMCSA application process typically takes 4-6 weeks from filing to activation. The carrier must file Form OP-1, obtain insurance (BIPD at minimum), and designate process agents via a BOC-3 filing. Authority cannot activate until all three requirements are satisfied. Expedited processing is not available — FMCSA processes applications in the order received.
What happens when a carrier's authority is revoked?
A revoked authority means the carrier can no longer legally haul regulated freight for hire. Common causes include insurance lapses, failure to file the MCS-150 biennial update, or FMCSA enforcement action. CarrierOk tracks revocations in real time and includes total_revocations in the carrier profile, which is a strong risk signal for underwriters assessing repeat-offender patterns.
Related Terms
DOT Number (USDOT Number)
A unique identifier assigned by the U.S. Department of Transportation to every motor carrier, broker, and freight forwarder in interstate commerce. The DOT number is the primary key for looking up safety records, insurance, and authority in FMCSA databases. CarrierOk indexes over 4.2 million DOT numbers.
MC Number (Motor Carrier Number)
A docket number assigned by FMCSA to for-hire carriers and brokers when they register for operating authority. Unlike DOT numbers (required for all interstate CMV operators), MC numbers are specific to for-hire and brokerage operations. CarrierOk supports lookup by MC number, DOT number, or legal name.
BOC-3 (Blanket of Coverage)
A form filed with FMCSA designating process agents in every state where a motor carrier operates. Process agents accept legal documents on behalf of the carrier. A valid BOC-3 is required before FMCSA activates operating authority. CarrierOk includes BOC-3 agent details in carrier profiles.
New Entrant
A motor carrier registered with FMCSA for less than 18 months, subject to a New Entrant Safety Audit. New entrants have limited inspection history, making traditional risk scoring unreliable. CarrierOk flags new entrants in risk_signals and provides a New Registrants feed for discovering newly authorized carriers.