Either the applicant or process agent, on behalf of the applicant, can file Form BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agents) with the FMCSA. Only one completed form may be on file. It must include all states for which agency designations are required. One copy must be retained by the carrier or broker at its principal place of business.

For more information on filing form BOC-3 with the FMCSA, click here.

Household goods carriers and freight forwarders of household goods are required to have cargo insurance. For the minimum levels of financial responsibility required for each type of motor carrier, please see 49 CFR 387.9.  

Section 391.43(g) requires the Medical Examiner to give a copy of the medical certificate to the driver and the motor carrier(employer), if the driver passes the medical examination.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

As FMCSA introduces Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to its systems, all users with credentials for any FMCSA system will be required to transition to a Login.gov account in lieu of their current credentials to access FMCSA systems.

Some of these revisions apply to any motor carrier transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies to and from farms within limited distances. Other provisions also may apply to farmers (and their family, employees, etc.) operating “covered farm vehicles” while transporting agricultural commodities, livestock, machinery or supplies to or from a farm or ranch. There are several important limitations on eligibility and use of this exemption for the operation of a “covered farm vehicle.” Source: 78 FR 16189, March 14, 2013.

Last Updated : May 8, 2014

In general, a USDOT Number is required if you are operating in interstate commerce and meet the following criteria:

• You have vehicles that are over 10,000 lbs. (GVWR, GCWR, GVW or GCW)
• You transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation, whether direct or indirect
• You transport 16 or more passengers
• You haul hazardous materials

Click here for a step-by-step tool that helps you determine whether you need a USDOT or MC number. There is no charge to get a USDOT number. For more information on how to get a USDOT number, please see the FAQ "How do I get a US DOT number?" For some definitions of FMCSA terms, click here.

If you would like information on getting operating authority as a for-hire carrier (MC/MX/FF numbers), click here.

If you are an existing company changing your form of business, click here. 

When moving, consumers are protected by federal and state agencies. If you’re moving out-of-state, you can search FMCSA’s mover database for up-to-date access to authorized interstate movers and their complaint history or call FMCSA at 800-832-5660. (FMCSA is an agency within the Department of Transportation.)  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 rules and regulations for moving household goods within the state.

You should contact the Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
The telephone number is 703-448-3094.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

The Medical Examiner who performs the medical examination must sign the Medical Certificate.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

These criteria are important because there is strong prospective, randomized clinical-trial evidence that hypertension markedly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and that effective treatment reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. To be certified to drive, the driver should have ongoing hypertension management and be free of side effects that may impair safe driving.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

FMCSA issued this final rule to implement the "No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act” (Pub. L. No 115-106), which prohibits an individual from operating a CMV for life if that individual uses a CMV in committing a felony involving a severe form of human trafficking. 

Section 33014 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act (MAP-21) required the Secretary of DOT to conduct a study of the HMSP program and identify actions that could be implemented to improve the program.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted that study and, in March 2014, reported back to Congress.  The policy is based on the FMCSA implementing two of the recommendations contained in the report.

Last Updated : July 29, 2015

Most intermodal containers are moved by chassis, but some specialized types (such as tanks in frames) could be transported on drop-deck or other trailers. If such trailers are tendered to transport intermodal containers, they are subject to the provisions of the rule.

Last Updated : April 7, 2014

The Agency views bridge strikes as a serious safety hazard resulting in injury and loss of life, damage to infrastructure, interruption of commerce, and delays in travel times. The FMCSA believes bridge strikes are avoidable through better awareness of route restrictions along travel paths gained by paying closer attention to road signs and by the use of only those electronic navigation systems intended for trucks and buses.

Last Updated : April 3, 2014

FMCSA believes the information concerning commercial vehicles crashing into bridges suggests that some drivers may have used electronic navigation systems intended for passenger car drivers rather than truck and bus drivers. The Agency is working with its State partners and industry to make sure professional truck and bus drivers recognize the importance of using navigation systems intended for commercial vehicles. These navigation systems provide truck and bus drivers with important route restrictions, such as low bridge overpasses.

Last Updated : April 3, 2014

The Federal Cybersecurity plan under White House Executive Order 14028, Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity, and Office of Budget Memorandum M-22-09, Moving the U.S. Government Toward Zero Trust Cybersecurity Principles (Federal Zero Trust Strategy) requires all Federal agencies to adopt secure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to enhance information security by Dec. 31, 2023.

There were several compelling reasons for the rulemaking. Congress passed a law (49 U.S.C. 5109) which required FMCSA to have a permit program. In addition, as part of a settlement agreement with safety organizations, FMCSA agreed to publish a permitting rule by the end of June, 2004.

FMCSA also recognizes that a HM permitting program would produce safety and security benefits. FMCSA estimates that the rule will prevent 7 crashes of the regulated materials per year, saving approximately $3.6 million annually. In addition, increased security from the permit program reduces the chance these materials could be used in a terrorist attack.

Last Updated : April 14, 2014

We updated SAFER to clarify how information is displayed on the website. These updates include how the Company Snapshot defines the operating authority statuses in SAFER. The “NOT AUTHORIZED” message linked to the USDOT Number status resulted in misunderstandings about the statuses of entities. 

 The current operating authority statuses will now be correctly displayed in the Company Snapshot. Operating authority statuses are defined as the following: 

 Operating Authority Status 

•  AUTHORIZED FOR (Passenger, Property, Household Goods [HHG]): This will list the specific operating authorities the carrier (or broker) is allowed to operate. 

• NOT AUTHORIZED: The entity does not have any operating authority and/or is not authorized to engage in interstate, for-hire operations. 

• OUT-OF-SERVICE: Carrier is under any type of out-of-service order and is not authorized to operate. 

The FMCSA physical examination is required to help ensure that a person is medically qualified to safely operate a CMV. In the interest of public safety, CMV drivers are held to higher physical, mental and emotional standards than passenger car drivers.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

The “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act” (MAP-21), which was effective October 1, 2012, includes statutory exemptions from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that apply to agricultural transportation. The final rule revised the FMCSRs to conform to the MAP-21 requirements and required the States to adopt compatible exemptions within three years. Source: 78 FR 16189, March 14, 2013.

Last Updated : March 31, 2014