Starting a new trucking business is an exhilarating venture while at the same time posing some risks. One of the most important steps in getting into business is to secure your Operating Authority (also known as an MC number) for legally hauling freight across state lines. Working through this requirement can be a hassle, but with the kind of team like Expert Trucking Solutions (ETS), it is the road clear ahead.
Operating Authority Explained
Specific operations that a company could perform, as well as the goods covered, are dictated by the different registration types of Operating Authority given by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This authority primarily applies to:
- For-Hire Carriers: Carriers who provide goods or passenger transport services with payment.
- Interstate Commerce: Business firms engaged in transportation of goods through state lines.
- Transporting Federally Operational Commodities: Any entity moving federally-managed commodities.
To go about obtaining Operating Authority, you need to do the following:
- Decide on the Type of Authority You Would Require: This depends on the activities of your business and the cargo to be carried.
- Register Yourself with the FMCSA: Applying the proper applications and paying requisite fees.
- Get Insurance: The right liability and cargo insurance cover are to be obtained.
- Designate Process Agents: Assign them in each state for legal proceedings.
Simplifying the Process with Expert Trucking Solutions
At ETS, we understand that the regulatory arena is confusing. Our goal is to assist small to medium trucking companies to decode and comply with FMCSA regulations. We’ve brought together everything under our broad “Get Your Authority” package that helps streamline obtaining your Certificate of Authority.
What’s Included in Our “Get Your Authority” Package:
- Application for Safety Fitness Certificate: Meeting compliance with safety standards.
- FMCSA Registration: Helping with the required filings for acquiring your MC number.
- Insurance Guidance: Informing you of insurance coverages required.
- Process Agent Designation: Getting process agents appointed in relevant states.
- Compliance Support: Continued support for the fulfillment of regulatory obligations.
Why Choose Expert Trucking Solutions
- Knowledge and Experience: Founded by experts in the areas of insurance claims and safe driving, ETS has been supporting trucking companies since 2018.
- Individualized Service: We customize our services to meet each client’s unique needs in a nonconventional way to complete their authority.
- Comprehensive Support: In addition to obtaining your authority, we provide various services such as HOS audits, IFTA tax filing, and driver training to keep your business going.
- National Coverage: With its headquarters in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, we service clients across the North American continent and provide them with reliable and stable support.
In Conclusion
Acquiring your Operating Authority is the first step to starting a trucking business for success. With Expert Trucking Solutions, you have a reliable partner who simplifies the process and walks along the journey with you, supporting you every mile of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is an MC number, and why do I need it?
This is a number given by the FMCSA, otherwise known as the Motor Carrier number, which provides authority for the transport of goods or people for hire across state lines. This number is essential for conducting legal commercial operations in interstate trade.
Q2: How long will it take to acquire an Operating Authority?
It takes approximately 20 to 25 business days; however, depending on the correctness of the application and processing time, it can vary.
Q3: What insurance is required to obtain an Operating Authority?
Minimum levels of liability and cargo insurances are required by the FMCSA in varying amounts depending on the type of cargo and the operation.
Q4: Can ETS help with other compliance requirements?
Yes, ETS carries out HOS audits, IFTA tax filing, and driver orientation training to ensure the smooth operation and compliance of our clients.