What is FMCSA Operating Authority?

Operating authority is the legal license granted by the FMCSA authorizing a commercial enterprise to transport passengers, haul regulated commodities across state lines, or arrange freight brokerage for compensation.

What causes an FMCSA operating authority to be revoked?

Operating authority is most commonly revoked when a carrier's primary liability insurance (Form BMC-91X) lapses, a broker's surety bond (Form BMC-84) is cancelled without replacement, or following federal regulatory enforcement actions.

What are the required insurance minimums for commercial authority?

General non-hazardous freight motor carriers require $750,000 in public liability; oil and hazardous materials carriers require $1,000,000 to $5,000,000; freight forwarders require $10,000 cargo insurance; and freight brokers require a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund.

Official Licensing & Insurance Registry

FMCSA Authority Check & Insurance Status Lookup

Verify active vs. revoked operating authority and mandatory federal insurance filings. Review Form BMC-91X primary public liability, Form BMC-34 cargo insurance, and Form BMC-84 \$75,000 surety bonds.

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Understanding FMCSA Authorities & Required Filings

Every commercial transportation entity must maintain active filings corresponding to its operating authority.

Common Carrier

Provides transportation to the general public. Requires BMC-91X primary public liability (\$750K–\$5M).

Contract Carrier

Transports under dedicated contracts with defined shippers. Requires BMC-91X primary public liability.

Property Broker

Arranges freight transportation. Federally mandated to hold a \$75,000 BMC-84 bond or BMC-85 trust fund.

Freight Forwarder

Consolidates freight and assumes cargo liability. Requires Form BMC-34 cargo insurance on file.

Related Authority & Registration Portals

MC Lookup

Verify MC / MX docket operating authority.

Broker Lookup

Check BMC-84 $75K surety bond filings.

Forwarder Lookup

Inspect FF numbers and BMC-34 insurance.

Verification Workflow

6-step compliance verification process.

Authority & Insurance FAQs

What is the difference between Form BMC-91 and BMC-91X?

Form BMC-91 is a Certificate of Insurance issued by a single insurance underwriter for the full policy limit. Form BMC-91X is used when coverage is provided across multiple insurers or layered with excess liability policies.

How quickly do insurance changes reflect in the FMCSA system?

Underwriters file insurance certifications electronically through the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance (L&I) system. Filings and cancellations typically take effect within 24 to 48 hours of transmission.

What is an Inactive or Revoked authority?

An Inactive or Revoked authority indicates that the entity is legally prohibited from transporting for-hire interstate shipments or brokering loads. Hauling freight under revoked authority violates federal law.

How do I check carrier insurance and operating status online?

Use our FMCSA authority check and insurance lookup tool by entering the USDOT number or MC docket above. Our system retrieves live carrier operating status, verifies active liability insurance (Form BMC-91X) and cargo insurance (Form BMC-34), and checks for any pending policy cancellations.

How do I perform an active broker authority check?

Enter the broker's MC number or company name into our authority status lookup. TransportTrace checks active property broker authority, confirms that the \$75,000 BMC-84 bond or BMC-85 trust is active on file, and verifies registration status directly with the FMCSA.