Designated Agent

Definition

Designated agent is the term FMCSA uses on the BOC-3 form for the natural person or business named to receive legal service in each listed state. The designation is binding on the carrier - service of process delivered to the designated agent is legally treated as service on the carrier itself. Most carriers use a blanket process-agent service that designates one agent in each of the 50 states plus DC under 49 CFR §366. The designation continues indefinitely until the carrier files a new BOC-3 with replacement agents. A change of legal business name requires a new designation.