MC authority for new trucking companies
Reviewed by Korey Sharp-Paar · Updated
You formed your LLC, you have a truck (or you're about to), and you need to get your operating authority on file. The Form OP-1 application service is a $199 service fee plus the $300 FMCSA fee, itemized as two separate amounts. We prepare your USDOT number and MC operating-authority application; it is submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize. FMCSA controls how long review takes; your MC number becomes active once FMCSA grants the authority.
What “getting authority” actually means
FMCSA operating authority for a property motor carrier is granted under 49 USC §13902 and processed through Form OP-1. The application produces an MC number - the federally-issued operating authority that lets you legally accept interstate freight under your own banner. Without an MC, a new trucking company can only haul intrastate (within one state, on intrastate-only authority) or lease on to another carrier's MC.
The OP-1 is one piece of a five-item federal stack a new motor carrier needs: USDOT number (the safety/compliance ID, separate from MC), MC number (operating authority via OP-1), BOC-3 process agent designation (49 CFR Part 366), BMC-91 insurance filing (49 CFR Part 387), and UCR registration (a separate annual registration, not a condition of the authority). The application starts FMCSA review - and under 49 CFR §365.109T the BOC-3 and insurance filings are due within 20 days of the application notice publishing in the FMCSA Register.
The FMCSA review timeline
During review, FMCSA checks the application, screens for prior denied/revoked authorities under any related entity, publishes the application in the FMCSA Register, and waits for the BOC-3 and insurance filings to land. FMCSA controls the timing. Authority is granted once the BOC-3 and insurance are on file and the 10-day protest period after the application's FMCSA Register notice has passed (49 CFR 365.203T).
See the how-to-apply walkthrough for the step-by-step. The MC vs DOT comparison and how-long FAQ cover the timing detail.
What our service covers
- USDOT number registration (free) prepared together with the OP-1
- Form OP-1 prepared for you, with the $300 FMCSA fee itemized as its own line
- Submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize.
- BOC-3 process-agent guidance ($75 BOC-3 order)
- BMC-91 insurance coordination with your selected insurer
- Monitoring of FMCSA's records (Motus public search) during review - we flag any FMCSA correspondence
- Confirmation when FMCSA grants the authority
How the timing works
Your application is prepared for you once your information is complete; it is submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize. FMCSA controls the timing; no filing service can shorten it. There is no FMCSA expedite path.
Pricing
$199 service fee + $300 FMCSA fee = $499 total for the OP-1 leg. The FMCSA fee is its own line, paid to FMCSA.
| Item | Paid to | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Service feePreparing your USDOT and MC operating-authority application. | Fast Filing Group LLC | $199 |
| FMCSA application feeSet by FMCSA (49 CFR 360.3T), per authority type. Charged as its own line and paid to FMCSA with the application. | FMCSA | $300 |
| Total (service fee + FMCSA fee) | $499 | |
| Motus account setup help (optional)Added only if you choose it in the order form. | Fast Filing Group LLC | +$150 |
FMCSA charges a $300 application fee for each operating authority type (49 CFR 360.3T); a USDOT number is free. Our $199 service fee and the $300 FMCSA fee are itemized as two separate amounts before you pay ($499 total).
New-company authority questions
I just formed my LLC - what do I need to start operating?
Five federal items: USDOT number (free, online), MC number via the operating-authority application ($300 FMCSA fee + our $199 service fee, itemized), BOC-3 process agent designation ($75 one-time at Fast Trucking Compliance), BMC-91 insurance filing (your insurer files this, premium varies), and UCR registration (annual, fleet-size based; Tier 1 is $90 ($55 UCR government fee + $35 service fee) at Fast Trucking Compliance, or $80/year on auto-renew ($55 UCR government fee + $25 service fee)). Under 49 CFR §365.109T the BOC-3 and insurance are due within 20 days of the application notice publishing in the FMCSA Register. UCR is a separate annual registration, not a condition of the operating authority itself.
How long until I can haul my first load?
FMCSA controls the timing. Authority is granted once the BOC-3 and insurance are on file and the 10-day protest period after the application's FMCSA Register notice has passed (49 CFR 365.203T). You can haul interstate for-hire loads under your own MC once FMCSA grants the authority. No filing service can shorten FMCSA review.
What's the actual cost of getting authority?
$199 service fee + $300 FMCSA fee = $499 total for the OP-1 leg. Add the $75 BOC-3 and UCR Tier 1 at $90 ($55 UCR government fee + $35 service fee); insurance premiums vary by insurer and operation. Annual recurring after year one is UCR + MCS-150 (free) + insurance - no recurring federal fees.
Other authority contexts
You might also need
- BOC-3 process agent - Order a BOC-3
- UCR registration - UCR registration overview
Start your USDOT and MC authority application
We prepare your USDOT number and MC operating-authority application; it is submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize. FMCSA charges a $300 application fee for each operating authority type (49 CFR 360.3T); a USDOT number is free. Our $199 service fee and the $300 FMCSA fee are itemized as two separate amounts before you pay ($499 total).
Submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize.
Independent filing service operated by Fast Filing Group LLC. Not affiliated with FMCSA, USDOT or any government agency.