Yes, you may apply without the SCT authority.  However, you will need to have the SCT authority (an RFC number) before FMCSA will issue the OP-1(MX) authority or OP-2 certificate of registration.

Last Updated : July 6, 2015

No, a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier cannot operate in the U.S. without first obtaining a FMCSA-assigned MX number, a valid FMCSA Certificate of Registration for commercial zone operations or long-haul Provisional Operating Authority Registration,  and a USDOT Number.

Last Updated : June 30, 2015

A Mexico-domiciled motor carrier may lease its equipment to a U.S. motor carrier, provided the carrier complies with the leasing requirements found in 49 CFR Part 376. Documentation of the relationship between the U.S. motor carrier and the Mexico-domiciled motor carrier's equipment must be carried on the vehicle.

Last Updated : December 7, 2016

Yes, a driver from Mexico is subject to the same record of duty status requirements as any other driver operating in the United States.

Last Updated : September 8, 2015

No, there is no regulatory requirement that files be kept in English. However, any time a specific form is identified by name/number (i.e. MCS-90), the only approved form is in English.

Last Updated : September 8, 2015

In general, exempt commodities are things that have not been processed in any way such as fresh produce. There is a partial list of non-exempt commodities in 49 CFR 372.115. There is an additional list of exempt and non-exempt commodities in Administrative Rule 119, which can be found on our web site.

Last Updated : September 8, 2015

No marking requirement exists for display of either the MX number of the Mexico-domiciled carrier or the MC number of the U.S. carrier.  The vehicle must be marked in accordance with 49 CFR 390.21(a) that requires the legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier operating the self-propelled CMV, and the identification number issued by FMCSA to the motor carrier preceded by the letters “USDOT.”  For the Mexico-domiciled motor carrier, the USDOT identification number must be followed by either the distinctive “Z” denoting commercial zone operations or the “X” denoting operations beyond the commercial zone, depending on the type of authority the company has received.

If the name of any person other than the operating carrier appears on the CMV, the name of the operating carrier must be followed by the legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier operating the self-propelled CMV, the identification number issued by FMCSA to the motor carrier preceded by the letters “USDOT" and be preceded by the words “operated by."

Last Updated : September 8, 2015

No, the carrier must wait until it receives the Certificate of Registration for commercial zone operations or a Provisional Operating Authority Registration for long-haul operations beyond the commercial zone. Until such documentation is issued, the carrier may not operate.

Last Updated : September 8, 2015

A number of things could happen if you operate without authority. Regulations found at 49 CFR 392.9a(b) require that carriers operating without authority or beyond the scope of their authority can be put Out of Service. A company operating without authority is also subject to fines.

Last Updated : September 8, 2015

Mexico domiciled motor carriers with a certificate of registration to operate within the border commercial zones have two options:  (1) obtain daily trip insurance per 49 CFR § 387.31(b)(3) or (2) meet the minimum requirements found in the table in 49 CFR Part 387.  Long-haul operators must meet the minimum requirements in 49 CFR Part 387.

Last Updated : July 6, 2015

FMCSA has separated the initial application requirements from those for maintenance and renewal of a HMSP.  Therefore, the conditions set forth in section 385.407 apply only to initial applicants and Temporary HMSP holders.

Once the HMSP goes into a non-temporary status, it is then subject to the conditions for suspension and revocations in section 385.421.  Specifically, for implementation of the recommendations mentioned in Question 3, section 385.421(a)(5) is used as the basis for determining whether a carrier is identified for enhanced oversight.

Basically, FMCSA has added 3 conditions to SMS in order to identify carriers for “enhanced oversight.”  These conditions are:

1. The Hazardous Materials (HM) Compliance BASIC is above threshold for 2 consecutive months;

2. Two BASICs, other than the HM Compliance BASIC, are above threshold for 2 consecutive months; or

3. There is insufficient data (no BASIC scores) for 48 consecutive months and the safety rating is ≥ 4 years old.

Last Updated : July 29, 2015

Carriers and other regulated entities should NOT submit insurance certificates directly to FMCSA. They should request that their insurance company submit the insurance filings online. Please contact your insurance company directly to make these arrangements. 

You can search FMCSA's database to confirm if an interstate mover is registered, has insurance, is authorized to transport household goods or has received complaints.

Interstate moving companies and brokers must be registered with the federal government and have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. A company may be registered but not authorized to move household goods.

If you're moving to a new location within the same state, check with your state, county or local consumer affairs agency or state moving association. Each state has its own rules and regulations for moving household goods within the state. FMCSA may also have helpful data on your local mover regarding their interstate moves.

For interstate moves, you can avoid unexpected moving costs by visiting protectyourmove.gov. You can learn about consumer protection regulations regarding written estimates, binding estimates, and non-binding estimates.

Written Estimates

Your mover must provide you a written estimate of all charges, including transportation, accessorial, and advance charges. Your mover's "rate quote" is not an estimate. Be sure the estimate is based on actual or virtual inspection of your household goods.

Binding Estimates

A binding estimate guarantees that you do not have to pay more than the estimated amount at the time of delivery. However, if you include additional items and services to your shipment, or there are unforeseen circumstances such as stairs, elevators or required parking permits, in this case the mover must prepare a new binding estimate to include all services and items to be transported.

Non-Binding Estimates

A non-binding estimate helps you determine the cost of your move, but it is not a guarantee of your final costs. It should be reasonably accurate and include what your final charges will be based upon such as the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided, and the mover’s published tariff.

Under a nonbinding estimate, the moving company cannot require you to pay more than 110 percent of the non-binding estimate at the time of delivery. Learn more by reading  Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet.

For information on what you can expect from a moving company, see the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) web site "Protect Your Move."  This site gives summaries of your rights as a consumer, instructions on how to respond if there is a problem with your move, etc.

Customers can file a complaint against a motor carrier or broker online or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238). 

To check a moving company's FMCSA registration information and history, go to the Protect Your Move look-up page for household goods carriers.

You may also wish to check the company's status with the Better Business Bureau.

To check the status of your operating authority registration (MC/FF/MX number) or application, follow these steps:

1. Visit the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance website.
2. Enter your MC Number or USDOT Number in the appropriate field.
3. Complete the CAPTCHA verification by checking the box next to “I’m not a robot.”
4. Click Search.
5. On the Carrier Search results page, click the "HTML" link under the “View Details” column.
6. Review the “Authority Status” column to confirm the current registration status.
7. To check the status of a pending application, click the “Application Pending” link at the bottom of the page.
8. For a record of historical application activity, click on the “Authority History” link at the bottom of the page.

Additional Notes:

• Operating authority documents are typically received via mail within 3–4 business days.
• You may also obtain an immediate electronic copy of your certificate, permit, or license by visiting the FMCSA Daily Registration Decisions page.
• For further assistance, contact FMCSA at 800-832-5660, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, or submit an inquiry through the Ask FMCSA page.

To check the status of a USDOT number, click here.

You can search FMCSA's mover database for up-to-date access to registered interstate movers and their complaint history. For more information, check FMCSA steps to select a mover.

You can contact the Medical Examiner that conducted your evaluation for a copy of your medical certification examination.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

If the medical examiner’s certificate has expired, you must obtain a new one and provide it to your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA). If you require a variance and it has expired, you must renew it with FMCSA. Your State may require retesting and additional fees to get back your CDL privileges. If allowed by your SDLA, you may also change your self-certification to an operating category that does not require a medical certificate.

More information can be found on the FMCSA medical program web site.

Contact the MRB staff on (202) 366-4001 or fmcsamrb@fmcsa.dot.gov

Last Updated : April 1, 2014