MC Number for Trucking — Motor Carrier Number Texas

What Is an MC Number?

An MC number (Motor Carrier number) is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It grants your company the legal authority to operate as a for-hire carrier or freight broker across state lines. If you plan to transport federally regulated commodities or passengers interstate, an MC number is required in addition to your USDOT number.

Texas Tip

If you operate only within Texas and haul intrastate loads, you may not need an MC number. However, getting one now opens the door to more freight opportunities in the future. Contact us and we'll advise which authority type you need.

Types of MC Authority

Common Carrier Authority

Allows you to transport regulated goods for hire across state lines for the general public.

Contract Carrier Authority

Allows you to transport regulated goods for specific shippers under continuing contracts.

Broker Authority

Allows you to arrange transportation for compensation without actually transporting the goods.

Mexico-Domiciled (MX)

For Mexico-based carriers entering the U.S. to transport goods.

What We Handle For You

Complete the OP-1 or OP-1(P) application accurately
File your BOC-3 (required alongside MC authority)
Guide you through the mandatory 21-day FMCSA waiting period
Connect you with insurance to file within the 2-week deadline
Provide your MC certificate once authority is active
Handle broker authority if you need to arrange loads

⏱ Interstate Timeline: Minimum 21 Days

FMCSA mandates a 21-day waiting period after filing MC authority before it becomes active. This is a federal requirement — we cannot speed up this process, but we can ensure no time is wasted due to filing errors.

MC Number + Insurance: Critical Deadline

After filing your MC number, you have a strict timeline for insurance:

Within 2 weeks: Get insurance on file with FMCSA to avoid processing delays
After 60 days without insurance: Your authority may be dismissed
After 1 year without insurance: Must restart the entire authority process and repay all fees
Recommended: $1,000,000 liability + $100,000 cargo policy

Common Questions

If you are a for-hire interstate carrier, yes. Your USDOT number identifies your business; your MC number grants authority to operate for hire across state lines. Some carriers (e.g. private carriers not for hire) only need a USDOT number.

You can start the process, but to activate your authority and get insurance on file you will need a truck. We can start all paperwork while you finalize your truck situation.

Yes — freight brokers need a specific Broker MC number. It is a separate filing from carrier MC authority. We handle this regularly.

Filing incorrectly can result in the wrong type of authority, delays, or additional fees to correct. Our team ensures accuracy the first time.

MC Number for Trucking in Texas