Types of Operating Authority
Please note: Beginning December 12, 2015, OP-series forms can ONLY be used to apply for additional authorities, not for initial registration with FMCSA. First-time applicants will be required to use the Unified Registration System. For more information about URS, or to apply for the first time, click here. [NOTE: Mexico-domiciled motor carriers seeking operating authority beyond the U.S. commercial zones must use the paper OP-1MX application form until further notice.]
The type(s) of Operating Authority requested will impact the type and level of insurance that is required by FMCSA. Therefore, carefully select only the type(s) of Operating Authority relevant to the business and read the instructions before filing. FMCSA does not refund application fees. Descriptions of the different types of interstate Operating Authority for which carriers would file the OP-1 form are as follows:
Motor Carrier of Property (except Household Goods) OP-1 Instructions
An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier that transports regulated commodities (except household goods) for the general public in exchange for payment. Motor Carriers of Property (except Household Goods) must file proof of public liability (bodily injury and property damage — BI & PD) with FMCSA in order to obtain interstate Operating Authority. Cargo insurance is not required.
Motor Carrier of Household Goods (HHG - Moving Companies) OP-1 Instructions
An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier that transports only household goods for the general public in exchange for payment. Household goods (HHG) are personal items that will be used in a home. Household goods (HHG) motor carrier identifies a motor carrier that, in the ordinary course of its business of providing transportation of household goods, offers some or all of the following additional services: binding and nonbinding estimates; inventorying; protective packing and unpacking of individual items at personal residences; and/or loading and unloading at personal residences. Motor Carriers of Household Goods must file proof of both public liability (BI & PD) and cargo insurance with FMCSA in order to obtain interstate Operating Authority.
An authorized for-hire Motor Carrier that transports only household goods for the general public in exchange for payment. Household goods (HHG) are personal items that will be used in a home. Household goods (HHG) motor carrier identifies a motor carrier that, in the ordinary course of its business of providing transportation of household goods, offers some or all of the following additional services: binding and nonbinding estimates; inventorying; protective packing and unpacking of individual items at personal residences; and/or loading and unloading at personal residences. Motor Carriers of Household Goods must file proof of both public liability (BI & PD) and cargo insurance with FMCSA in order to obtain interstate Operating Authority.
Broker of Property (except Household Goods) OP-1 Instructions
An individual, partnership, or corporation that receives payment for arranging the transportation of property (excluding household goods) belonging to others by using an authorized Motor Carrier. A Broker does not assume responsibility for the property and never takes possession of it.
Broker of Household Goods (HHG) OP-1 Instructions
An individual, partnership, or corporation that receives payment for arranging the transportation of household goods belonging to others by using an authorized Motor Carrier. A Broker does not assume responsibility for the household goods and never takes possession of the goods. Household goods are personal items and property that will be used in a home. An individual, partnership or corporation requires registration as a household goods broker if the motor carrier providing transportation will also provide some or all of the following additional services, binding and nonbinding estimates, inventorying, protective packing and unpacking of individual items at personal residences and loading and unloading at personal residences.
United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo (except Household Goods) OP-1 Instructions
A company that transports international cargo (excluding household goods) and is headquartered in the United States but is owned or controlled (greater than 55%) by a Mexican citizen or resident alien. International cargo must originate in or be destined for a foreign country.
United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Household Goods OP-1 Instructions
A company that transports international household goods and is headquartered in the United States but is owned or controlled (greater than 55%) by a Mexican citizen or resident alien. Household goods are personal items that will be used in a home. They include items shipped from a factory or store, if purchased with the intent to use in a home, and transported at the request of the householder who pays for the transportation charges. International household goods must originate in or be destined for a home in a foreign country.
Applicants for authority to operate as motor carriers of household goods or freight forwarders of household goods also must offer arbitration as a means of settling loss and damage disputes on collect-on-delivery shipments. (See 49 U.S.C. 14708.)
Other Authorities
- Freight Forwarder Authority - Form OP-1 (FF) Instructions
- Motor Passenger Carrier Authority - Form OP-1 (P) Instructions
- Non-North America-Domiciled Motor Carriers - Form OP-1 (NNA) Instructions
- Mexico-based Carriers for Motor Carrier Authority to Operate Beyond U.S. Municipalities and Commercial Zones on the U.S.-Mexico Border (Includes instructions and application in Spanish) - Form OP-1 (MX) and Instructions
- Mexican Certificate of Registration for Foreign Motor Carriers and Foreign Motor Private Carriers Under 49 U.S.C. 13902 - Form OP-2 Instructions
Last updated: Friday, April 19, 2024