Do You Need an MC Number for a Box Truck?

Your operating authority requirements may vary depending on the type of vehicle you use and what cargo you carry. Therefore, you might have questions about what you need to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and other transportation organizations. For example, do you need an MC number for a box truck? 

Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings assists truckers and carrier supervisors in finding information about important topics, including "how to activate my MC number." You’ll learn more about MC requirements for your box truck below.  

What Qualifies as a Box Truck?

A box truck is any freight truck with a cab attached to a large, boxed trailer for cargo. Box trucks come in all sizes. They range from slightly larger than the average moving van to sizable cargo containers carrying thousands of pounds of goods.

Most commercial vehicles designated for transporting large quantities of goods are box trucks. Do all box trucks require MC numbers? 

What Is an MC Number?

The Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings assigns a unique motor carrier number to all carriers that use interstate access for transportation. The MC number establishes the carrier’s trucking authority when traveling from state to state. Some people confuse MC numbers with DOT numbers since most interstate carriers acquire both.  

However, an MC number differs slightly from a DOT number. A DOT number helps regulatory associations track and manage interstate commerce shipments. An MC number identifies commercial vehicles transporting commodities across state borders.

Commerce typically refers to raw, unmodified goods, while commodities have modifications or refinements. 

Who Qualifies for an MC Number?

Do you need an MC number for a box truck in your fleet? Or can you operate with just a DOT number? You should obtain both to avoid limitations on what you can transport throughout the country. 

Companies with the following characteristics should apply for an MC number:

• Labeled as “for hire”
• Transports passengers or regulated goods
• Travels across state or national borders with cargo
• Has vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds
• Transports hazardous materials

If your carrier falls under these categories, it needs an MC number to obtain operating authority. 

Do You Need an MC Number for a Box Truck?

You need an MC number for a box truck for numerous reasons. First, you want your company to comply with the regulations set by any state’s Department of Transportation and federal regulations. It helps transportation associations manage interstate safety for commercial trucks and other vehicles sharing the highways. 

Second, you could limit your company’s growth opportunities without one. Many shippers and brokers won’t hire carriers that lack MC numbers. Your number advertises your legitimacy as a carrier. 

It demonstrates that you care about safety and protecting any goods you carry. Therefore, obtaining the MC number could boost your trucking company’s reputation. 

Penalties for Operating Without an MC Number

What happens if you don’t obtain an MC number? If you do intrastate travels, you may not need one, depending on your home state’s requirements. However, you might not have the same opportunities as competitors with numbers. 

What if you operate under circumstances that require an MC number? You could face severe consequences, including:

• Company-wide penalties issued by the FMCSA 
• Costly fines of up to $50,000 per day without proper operating authority
• State-imposed penalties depending on the state’s government
• Government associations and other involved parties pursuing legal action
• Tarnished reputation as a trucking company
• Fewer opportunities to hire reputable drivers and staff members

Therefore, acquiring an MC number could make or break your carrier’s long-term success. 

How To Obtain an MC Number

Before applying for an MC number, register for a DOT number with the FMCSA. After the association awards your company with a DOT number, you can complete an MCS-150 form to apply for an MC number.

This form requires:

• Company contact and location information
• Goods and commodities you currently or will transport
• Your current safety score
• Proof of insurance
• Surety bond

Since MC number applications coincide with USDOT number registration, you can use a digital filing service to streamline the process. These solutions keep your information safe and secure. You’ll save and reuse your data through the portal, changing it as needed. 

Once you submit your application, the process takes 20 to 45 days to finish. After receiving your MC number, you can pay the fees needed to activate it. You must renew your number every two years to update any changed information or company details.  

Apply for Your MC Number at FMCA Filings

Do you need an MC number for a box truck? You probably do under most circumstances involving interstate operations.

Can you have a DOT number without an MC number? Very few situations allow you to operate without both. 

Find answers to other relevant trucking questions with FMCA Filings. You can also apply for or renew your MC number through our convenient services. Contact us today online via our website or our live chat feature with one of our professionals.