FMCSA Transfer of Operating Authority

Whether you’ve spent years trucking down the highway or you’re ready for a new adventure, you may have found a reason to need an FMCSA transfer of operating authority. You’ll need to process a lot of paperwork for unified carrier registration and transferring your MC number.

FMCA Filings can make this process easy for you. There are many forms to choose from, and transferring your operating authority requires some waiting and financial responsibility. Work with us, and we’ll make the process smoother.

Understand the MC Number

When you undergo an FMCSA transfer of operating authority, you transfer the motor carrier number, or MC number. Depending on your operating authority, the number may also be listed as an FF or MX number.

What Does an MC Number Do?

An MC number determines the type of cargo the company trucks can carry. If you want to carry various types of freight, you may need multiple MC numbers to be allowed to carry them.

Company employees and members also need a USDOT number, but this number stays with the person. You will have to transfer the MC numbers if you change company names or owners, but you will never have to transfer a USDOT number since it is tied to you for life.

Can You Sell an MC Number?

Yes, you can sell your MC number if you want to change your company’s ownership. Both parties, the buyer and seller, must submit forms to complete the transfer.

How To Transfer Operating Authority

Completing an FMCSA transfer of operating authority requires plenty of paperwork from both parties involved. FMCA Filings will make this process easy. Here’s everything you can expect from the process.

Information Required

The seller and buyer will each need to provide the following information:

• From the seller: Name, address, and USDOT number associated with the MC number; the reason for transfer; and the date when the transfer should take effect
• From the buyer: Legal entity specification (sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation, for example), name, home address, USDOT number, and the date when the transfer should take effect

Both parties will need to provide their signature and the current date on the application.

Notification and Application

After gathering all the information you need for the paperwork, you can begin the MC number transfer process, which starts with notifying the FMCSA of the transfer. FMCSA notification is required to monitor regulatory compliance. They must ensure the trade is made legally and all rules and regulations are followed.

After notifying the FMCSA, the buyer and seller can submit their application forms. Each party will need specific forms. FMCA Filings has these forms available and will make the process easy to help you avoid mistakes.

Approval and Confirmation

The FMCSA will take time to review the applications from the buyer and seller and may reach out with questions if necessary.

If they approve, the FMCSA transfer of operating authority will be confirmed, and a letter will be sent to both parties as proof of the transfer. Keep your copy in a safe place in case you ever need to prove ownership or the transfer of ownership.

Insurance and Financial Responsibility

After the transfer is accepted, it will be listed as inactive to the buyer until they update insurance information, proof of financial responsibility, and process agent designation. Process agent designation will require a BOC-3 form, which FMCA Filings can provide and assist you with if you need help.

Financial responsibility includes the following:

• Insurance: The buyer must update their insurance policy to ensure they have coverage that will meet their new needs. The FMCSA will not activate the MC number until the minimum required insurance is met.
• Filing Fees: The FMCSA charges filing fees, which are included in your FMCA Filings price. We work with you to make the filing process as easy and transparent as possible so you can focus on your business operations or whatever other priorities require your attention.

The seller must settle any liabilities, such as outstanding fines, before the transfer will be completed. The seller should handle this as soon as possible to reduce paperwork and speed up the process.

Once the paperwork is submitted and approved, the status will change to active, and the buyer will be able to operate the company as the new owner.

FMCA Filings Simplifies the Process

FMCA Filings makes it easy to handle FMCSA transfer of operating authority and any other paperwork you may need, such as the DOT background check. We provide all the paperwork in one place, so you don’t have to spend hours researching what you need, where to find it, and how to send it. If you’re ready to transfer your MC number to another party, contact us, and we’ll help you get started.