Glossary · updated May 2, 2026
MC Number
Also known as: Motor Carrier Number, Operating Authority
By Korey Sharp-Paar · Reviewed by the Fast Trucking Compliance team
Definition
An MC number - Motor Carrier number - is the operating authority docket FMCSA issues to for-hire motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. Required by 49 USC §13902 for interstate transportation of regulated commodities or passengers. The MC number is distinct from the USDOT number (which is the safety identifier) and costs $300 per authority type to file. A carrier may hold common-carrier, contract-carrier, broker, and freight-forwarder MC dockets, each requiring a separate filing fee. The MC docket activates only after the BOC-3 and BMC-91 (or BMC-84 for brokers) are on file with FMCSA L&I.
Authoritative source
Read more
USDOT vs MC AuthorityWhen each identifier applies and how the two work together for interstate carriers.
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