A lot of new trucking company owners get confused when they start the process of getting their trucking authority. They hear about the MC authority and the DOT number, and automatically think they’re the same thing. But they’re not.
If you don’t understand the difference, you could apply for the wrong thing, delay your authority, or worse—end up operating illegally. That’s the last thing you want when you’re trying to get on the road and start making money.
So let’s break it down plain and simple—what’s the difference between MC authority and a DOT number, and which one do you actually need?
What is a DOT Number?
The DOT number is like a social security number for your trucking business. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) assigns this number to track your company’s safety record, compliance, and inspections.
If you’re running a commercial vehicle that weighs over 10,000 pounds, transports passengers, or hauls hazardous materials, the FMCSA requires you to have a DOT number. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving interstate (crossing state lines) or intrastate (staying within one state)—you still need one.
But here’s the thing: having a DOT number alone doesn’t mean you can haul loads and get paid. It’s just a tracking number. If you’re planning on operating as a for-hire carrier, meaning you’re getting paid to transport freight, you’re going to need more than just a DOT number—you’re going to need MC authority.
What is MC Authority?
MC authority (Motor Carrier authority) is what actually gives you the legal right to haul freight for hire. If you’re planning to run a trucking company and get paid for moving loads, you need MC authority. Without it, you can’t legally accept loads or work with brokers.
When you apply for MC authority, the FMCSA will review your application and make sure you have the proper insurance, process agents, and compliance documents in place before they activate it.
MC authority is required if you’re:
- Hauling freight for hire across state lines (interstate commerce)
- Transporting federally regulated commodities
- Working with freight brokers or shippers that require active MC authority
Without MC authority, you’re limited to hauling only within your state under certain conditions, and even then, many states still require MC authority to operate.
The Key Differences Between MC Authority and a DOT Number
While both are issued by the FMCSA, they serve completely different purposes.
A DOT number is about safety and tracking, while MC authority is about operating legally as a for-hire trucking company.
| DOT Number | MC Authority |
|---|---|
| Required for commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs | Required for for-hire carriers transporting freight |
| Tracks safety, compliance, and inspections | Grants legal permission to haul freight for hire |
| Needed for both intrastate and interstate carriers | Only needed for interstate, for-hire carriers |
| Free to apply | Costs $300 to apply |
| Doesn’t authorize you to haul loads for payment | Legally required to work with brokers and shippers |
Do You Need Both MC Authority and a DOT Number?
Yes, in most cases, you need both.
If you’re planning to haul loads and get paid, you need both a DOT number and MC authority. The DOT number tracks your company’s safety and compliance, while MC authority gives you the legal ability to accept loads and work with brokers.
If you’re only running a private fleet, meaning you’re hauling your own goods and not getting paid to move other people’s freight, you might only need a DOT number. But most trucking businesses are for-hire carriers, which means they need MC authority.
What Happens If You Operate Without MC Authority?
If you’re hauling loads for payment without MC authority, you’re operating illegally. The FMCSA will fine you, brokers won’t work with you, and you could even have your DOT number revoked.
Carriers that try to cut corners and run without MC authority eventually get caught. If you try to haul loads under someone else’s authority without proper agreements in place, that’s fraud, and it can get you into serious legal trouble.
Not having MC authority also means you’ll miss out on working with the biggest brokers and shippers. Many loads require an active MC number that’s been operating for at least 90 days, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you can start taking the high-paying loads.
How Do You Apply for MC Authority and a DOT Number?
The process isn’t as simple as just filling out a form. The FMCSA has strict filing requirements, and one mistake can set you back weeks. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Apply for your DOT number and MC authority through FMCSA.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee.
- File a BOC-3 form (this designates a process agent in every state).
- Submit proof of insurance (minimum $750,000 liability coverage).
- Complete the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR).
- Pass the New Entrant Safety Audit within your first 18 months of operation.
It takes about 21 days for the FMCSA to process your application, but if you make a mistake, that timeline gets even longer.
Get Your MC Authority and DOT Number Set Up the Right Way
A lot of new trucking company owners try to handle their filings alone to save money, but they don’t realize one small mistake can cost them weeks or even months of delays. Every day you’re not on the road is money lost, and FMCSA paperwork is not something you want to mess up.
If you want to get your MC authority and DOT number set up correctly, without delays, we can handle it for you. We’ll make sure you have everything in place—from filings to insurance to compliance—so you can focus on getting loads and making money.
Don’t let paperwork hold up your trucking business. Email us at carriers@truepowerlogistics.com and let’s get your authority set up the right way