auth-mc-number-registration-process

name	auth-mc-number-registration-process
description	Use this skill to obtain a Motor Carrier (MC) number from FMCSA. Covers application, fees, and timeline.

MC Number Registration Process

An MC number is required for motor carriers transporting regulated property or passengers in interstate commerce. Different from DOT number.

Who needs MC number

• For-hire interstate motor carriers
• For-hire interstate passenger carriers
• Brokers/freight forwarders (also Property/Household Goods)

Who does NOT need MC number

• Intrastate carriers (state authority only)
• Private (not-for-hire) carriers (DOT number sufficient)
• Some specialized exemptions (agricultural, etc.)

Application steps

1. Obtain a DOT number (free, instant via FMCSA)
2. Submit OP-1 application (or OP-2 for broker)
3. Pay $300 application fee
4. Establish insurance (BMC-91 + BMC-91X if applicable)
5. Designate process agents in each state of operation (BOC-3)
6. Wait for review (30-60 days typical)
7. MC number issued

Required documents

• Form OP-1 (or OP-2)
• Form BOC-3 (process agents)
• Form BMC-91 (insurance proof)
• Form BMC-32 (cargo insurance, if applicable)
• USDOT registration (already required)
• Process agent agreements (per state)

Common issues

• Application errors → return to applicant
• Insurance not filed correctly → delay
• Process agents not designated → delay
• Fees not paid → delay

Maintenance

• Annual update of MCS-150 (carrier info update)
• Insurance must remain current
• Process agent agreements maintained
• Annual fees (if any) paid

Renewal vs maintenance

• MC numbers don't expire if maintained
• Failure to maintain → revocation
• Reinstatement possible (but costs + time)

Compass authority module

• MC number tracking
• Insurance + process agent verification
• MCS-150 update reminders
• Renewal scheduling

CFR citations

• 49 CFR Part 365
• 49 CFR Part 387
• FMCSA Operating Authority Application

How Compass surfaces this

Searchable in Compass Ask. Runs against carrier fleet data when invoked from the relevant tracker. Read-only; no actions without explicit user approval.

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X3 Compass turns these skills into a complete operational platform: driver qualification files, drug & alcohol consortium, MVR pulls, hours-of-service tracking, hazmat shipping, IFTA filing, FMCSA audit prep, and DataQ dispute drafting — all CFR-cited, all in one place.

This skill is published under the X3 Compass open skills initiative. Contributions welcome at https://github.com/x3fleetsafety/skills