BOC-3
Resources
A BOC-3 stands for “Blanket of Coverage – Form 3.” It is a required FMCSA filing for trucking companies and transportation brokers operating in interstate commerce.
What the BOC-3 Does
The BOC-3 designates process agents in every U.S. state who can receive legal documents on behalf of your company.
These documents can include:
- Lawsuits
- Legal notices
- Court summons
- Official government correspondence
The agents are there so that if your company is sued or served legal papers in another state, there is someone authorized to receive those documents.
Who Needs a BOC-3
A BOC-3 filing is required before your authority becomes active for:
- Motor Carriers (MC Number holders)
- Freight Brokers
- Freight Forwarders
If a company applies for MC authority through FMCSA, the BOC-3 must be filed before the authority will be activated.
Who Files the BOC-3
You cannot file it yourself.
It must be filed electronically by a Process Agent Company registered with FMCSA.
When It Is Required
BOC-3 must be filed after applying for authority but before the authority becomes active, along with:
- Insurance on file with FMCSA
- BOC-3 filing
Example
If a trucking company in California gets sued in Texas, the Texas process agent listed on the BOC-3 receives the legal documents and forwards them to the company.
How This Relates to Your Business
Since VRT Services helps clients obtain MC authority, a BOC-3 filing is one of the standard steps you handle along with: