What is an MC number?

An MC (Motor Carrier) number is a docket number assigned by the FMCSA authorizing a company to engage in for-hire interstate transportation of regulated commodities or operate as a licensed freight property broker.

What is the difference between Common Carrier and Contract Carrier authority?

Common Carrier authority allows a carrier to offer transportation services to the general public under published tariffs and uniform terms, while Contract Carrier authority permits dedicated transport under specific continuing agreements with defined shippers.

What is the BMC-84 $75,000 bond requirement?

Under MAP-21 federal statute 49 U.S.C. 13906, licensed freight brokers must maintain an active Form BMC-84 surety bond or Form BMC-85 trust agreement of at least $75,000 to guarantee freight payment obligations to carriers.

Official FMCSA Operating Authority Registry

MC Number Lookup & Operating Authority Search

Verify Motor Carrier (MC) and Mexico (MX) docket numbers. Inspect active for-hire operating authority, common vs. contract carrier classifications, BMC-91X liability filings, and BMC-84 broker surety bonds.

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USDOT Registration vs. MC Operating Authority

While every commercial vehicle operator must have a USDOT number for safety tracking, an MC (Motor Carrier) number is specifically required for companies transporting passengers or federally regulated cargo in interstate commerce for compensation.

Property brokers arranging freight also hold MC docket authority and are federally required under 49 U.S.C. 13906 to maintain a \$75,000 surety bond (Form BMC-84) or trust fund (Form BMC-85).

Read USDOT vs MC Authority Guide

What Information Does an MC Lookup Reveal?

Authority Status: Confirms if Common, Contract, or Broker authority is Active or Revoked.
Insurance Filings: Form BMC-91X primary public liability (\$750K–\$5M) and cargo policies.
Broker Bond Verification: Verifies active BMC-84 \$75,000 surety bond filings for property brokers.
Linked USDOT Profile: Connects to the associated USDOT census and safety records.

Related Authority & Registration Tools

USDOT Lookup

Check vehicle safety registration and fleet metrics.

Broker Lookup

Verify BMC-84 $75K bond and property broker licensing.

Forwarder Lookup

Check FF dockets and BMC-34 cargo liability filings.

Authority Check

Deep-dive into active vs revoked operating filings.

MC Number Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an MC and an MX number?

MC numbers are assigned to U.S. and Canadian based for-hire motor carriers and brokers. MX numbers are assigned to motor carriers domiciled in Mexico operating cross-border commercial transport into the United States.

Can a company have an active USDOT number but revoked MC authority?

Yes. If an insurance policy lapses or required fees are not paid, FMCSA may revoke the carrier's MC operating authority while their USDOT census registration remains on file. Operating without active authority is a serious federal violation.

How do I search or check an MC number online?

Use our MC lookup tool and MC number search by entering the docket number (e.g., MC-123456) or company name above. Our MC number database lookup queries the official FMCSA registry in real time to verify motor carrier authority, operating status, and active BMC-91X or BMC-84 filings.

How do I lookup a trucking company or carrier by MC number?

When you find a company or carrier by MC number on TransportTrace, you can verify active MC authority, confirm their linked USDOT census safety record, inspect driver and vehicle inspections, and confirm active insurance before booking freight.