What is the FMCSA database?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database is the central federal registry of commercial motor vehicle operators, freight brokers, and freight forwarders in the United States, tracking safety records, operating authority, and mandatory financial filings.

How does FMCSA distinguish between carriers, brokers, and forwarders?

FMCSA classifies entities based on their registered business activities: Motor Carriers physically transport freight with commercial vehicles; Freight Brokers arrange freight without operating trucks and hold BMC-84 surety bonds; Freight Forwarders consolidate shipments and assume responsibility with BMC-34 cargo filings.

Can an entity hold dual FMCSA authority?

Yes. A company can operate as both a Motor Carrier and a Freight Broker if it has obtained separate operating authorities and complies with the distinct insurance and bonding regulations for each classification.

Universal FMCSA Registry Search

FMCSA Lookup & Company Search

Search the federal motor carrier safety database across all commercial transportation entities. Review real-time USDOT census records, MC/MX operating authorities, Form BMC-91X insurance, and BMC-84 broker bonds.

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How FMCSA Classifies Transportation Entities

FMCSA regulatory classifications are authoritative and define the exact legal scope of operations.

Motor Carriers

Companies that own or lease commercial motor vehicles to transport property or passengers. Required to maintain USDOT safety registration and BMC-91X primary public liability insurance (\$750K–\$5M).

Carrier Lookup

Freight Brokers

Intermediaries who arrange transportation for compensation without operating commercial motor vehicles. Required to maintain active Broker authority and a \$75,000 BMC-84 surety bond or BMC-85 trust fund.

Broker Lookup

Freight Forwarders

Entities that assemble and consolidate shipments, assume responsibility for transportation from receipt to destination, and utilize authorized carriers. Required to maintain Form BMC-34 cargo insurance.

Forwarder Lookup

Explore Specific Verification Portals

USDOT Lookup

Search safety census and inspection records.

MC Lookup

Verify active for-hire operating authority.

Authority Check

Check BMC-91X, BMC-34, and BMC-84 filings.

Carrier Verification

6-step commercial diligence protocol.

FMCSA Lookup Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the data on TransportTrace come from?

TransportTrace queries official public records directly from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (USDOT) registries in real time.

How do I know if an entity is authorized to haul freight?

Check the Operating Status and Authority sections on the company profile. An active status such as "AUTHORIZED FOR PROPERTY" or "ACTIVE" alongside active insurance filings confirms legal federal authorization.

What is the difference between Source A, Source B, and Source C?

Source A is official FMCSA government data. Source B consists of verified TransportTrace directory profiles. Source C is community reviews. These sources are strictly segregated to preserve regulatory data integrity.

How can I search the FMCSA database by USDOT, MC, or company name?

Our universal FMCSA lookup tool allows you to perform an FMCSA search by USDOT number, MC docket, FF number, or registered legal business name. The FMCSA records search accesses the official carrier database, broker database, and licensing registries in real time.

How do I check an FMCSA license, registration, or authority status online?

Enter the company identifier above to verify FMCSA registration, check operating authority, inspect Form BMC-91X primary liability or Form BMC-84 broker surety bonds, and review federal Out-of-Service orders before tendering freight.