Operating Authority

Definition

Operating authority is the federal grant under 49 USC §13902 that permits a for-hire motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to provide regulated transportation services in interstate commerce. Granted by FMCSA in the form of an MC number docket. Multiple authority types exist: common carrier, contract carrier, broker, freight forwarder, and household-goods motor carrier. Each costs $300 to file. FMCSA controls the timing: the BOC-3 and required insurance filings are due within 20 days of the FMCSA Register notice (49 CFR §365.109T), and FMCSA grants authority once they are on file and the 10-day public protest period after publication has passed (49 CFR §365.203T). Without operating authority, an interstate for-hire carrier cannot legally haul regulated commodities or accept loads.