MC Number

An MC Number (Motor Carrier Number) is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to commercial motor carriers operating in interstate commerce in the United States.

What MC Authority Means

“MC authority” refers to the legal permission granted by the FMCSA that allows a company to:

• Transport regulated commodities across state lines
• Carry passengers for hire
• Operate as a broker arranging freight transportation

Who Needs an MC Number?

You typically need MC authority if you:

• Transport freight or passengers for hire
• Operate across state lines (interstate commerce)
• Transport federally regulated commodities

MC Number vs. DOT Number

• USDOT Number → Identifies the carrier and tracks safety records.
• MC Number → Grants operating authority to transport goods or passengers for hire in interstate commerce.

Not all carriers need both, but for most for-hire interstate carriers, both are required.

MC Operating Authority issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

1. Motor Carrier of Property (For-Hire)

Allows a company to transport regulated goods across state lines for compensation.

There are two common categories:

• Common Carrier Authority
  Provides transportation services to the general public under published rates.
• Contract Carrier Authority
  Provides transportation services under specific contracts or agreements with particular shippers.

Today, FMCSA generally refers to both simply as “Motor Carrier of Property” authority.

2. Motor Carrier of Household Goods (HHG)

Required if you transport personal household items (furniture, appliances, etc.) for customers moving residences across state lines.

This authority has additional consumer protection requirements.

3. Motor Carrier of Passengers

Required if you transport passengers across state lines for compensation (e.g., charter buses, tour operators, shuttle services).

4. Broker Authority

Required if you arrange transportation of freight for shippers but do not transport the freight yourself.

Brokers connect shippers with authorized carriers.

5. Freight Forwarder Authority

Required if you:

• Arrange transportation, and
• Take responsibility for the shipment (often consolidating freight)

Freight forwarders assume more liability than brokers.

Quick Summary