Can You Sell Your MC Number?

MC numbers and DOT numbers often go hand in hand. Not all carriers need an MC number, but all carriers need a USDOT number. How do they differ? Can you sell your MC number during a major carrier shift? 

After exploring integral topics like “how to activate my MC number,” you want to know what you can and cannot do with your carrier’s identifiers. Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings can assist you in learning what you should know about your MC number, its limitations, and how it differs from your USDOT number. Learn answers to frequently asked questions about MC numbers below. 

What Is an MC Number?

A Motor Carrier number is synonymous with a carrier’s Operating Authority. It refers to the type of authority your carrier holds. It specifies goods your fleet can carry while adhering to federal compliance requirements. 

Your MC number allows you to transport goods across state lines. You must obtain one if:

• You are a for-hire carrier
• You travel with or arrange transport for regulated goods or hazardous materials
• You participate in interstate transportation in any way

If your carrier handles a combination or all of the above-listed specifications, it may require multiple MC numbers to remain compliant with the FMCSA. 

MC Numbers vs. DOT Numbers

Sometimes, people confuse DOT numbers with MC numbers. Since many carriers need both, they may conflate the two. But DOT and MC numbers have one key difference: where and how the carrier operates. 

All carriers need DOT numbers regardless of where they operate. A carrier needs a DOT number if it retains its fleet within its operation’s state lines. A carrier that frequently crosses state lines also needs a DOT number. The Department of Transportation uses this number to track each carrier’s safety compliance regardless of location.

An MC number, on the other hand, tracks only carriers that cross state lines. The type of MC number depends on a truck’s cargo during operation. The MC number helps federal trucking associates track regulated goods throughout the country. 

Why Would a Carrier Consider Selling or Transferring Its Numbers?

You might consider selling or transferring your unique carrier numbers under the following circumstances:

• Ownership changes
• Company buyouts
• Company mergers 
• Any transaction under which the company may change names or authoritative management

Since these circumstances will change pertinent information related to motor carrier operations, some speculate that selling or transferring their numbers will ease the process. 

Can you sell your MC number? What about your DOT number? Transferability depends on the number type and any licensing and operating authority changes that may occur throughout the shift. 

Can You Sell Your DOT Number?

No, you cannot sell or transfer a DOT number. The FMCSA assigns an individual number to each party involved in the trucking industry, including:

• Truckers
• Carriers 
• Brokers
• Organizations

The listed parties must keep their DOT numbers under their legal names. If a pertinent shift occurs between two parties, the party obtaining new property must register for their DOT number. The selling or transferring party may allow their DOT number to become inactive by forgoing the renewal process. 

However, the transferring party must keep their number active if they continue operating within the trucking industry. Otherwise, they will incur fines and other penalties. 

Can You Sell Your MC Number?

Yes, you can sell or transfer your MC number or Operating Authority. If your transferee plans to transport the same goods as your business, they can keep the same OA you once held. You and the transferee must update all information connected to the transfer as needed. 

However, the transferee may need to change their MC number if:

• They change the commodities they transport
• They add to the commodities they transport
• They eliminate some qualifiable commodities

You and the transferee can complete the associated paperwork as needed. Remember, you must keep your DOT number. To facilitate the transference, the transferee must apply for a separate DOT number or change their current number’s information.

What If You Dissolve Your Trucking Business?

Perhaps you plan to cease operations. In that case, you may undergo a voluntary revocation process regarding your USDOT number. The number will still connect to you. However, the FMCSA will change its status to inactive. 

You will also complete an MCS-150 form, updating all licensing information as needed and choosing the “Out of Business Notification” input option. This option alerts the FMCSA that your organization will operate no further. Complete the MCS-150 within 30 days of your official decision.  

Begin the Transfer Process at FMCA Filings

Can you sell your MC number? You can transfer your MC number during major operational shifts. However, DOT numbers stay connected with an individual forever. Learn more about changing ownership of a DOT number. Complete your MCS-150 with Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings for streamlined operational shifts.