How To Check Your BOC-3 Status

Some may be surprised by the amount of administrative work that trucking businesses must do to haul goods legally. For instance, filing a BOC-3 is one of the federal filing requirements that motor carriers must meet. As a motor carrier, you might search "How to check my BOC-3 status after filing" to ensure you comply with essential regulations. 

BOC-3 processing agents from FMCA Filings can help answer that question. Our comprehensive guide below explains all you should know about BOC-3 filing status, how to check it, and why it's important. 

What Is a BOC-3 Form?

A BOC-3 filing is a federal mandate that designates a representative to accept legal documents on behalf of entities in the transportation and logistics industries. Businesses submit this form to the federal government as part of the process of obtaining operating authority to haul goods or transport people. 

The document contains the names, titles, and current addresses of each authorized recipient of legal documents in each state you operate in. Other information on the form includes the full name and contact information of the motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder. 

What Is a BOC-3 Process Agent?

A BOC-3 process agent is a person or entity to which your business grants authorization to accept legal documents about your company on your behalf. The agent must be within the state where you operate your business and available at their listed address within business hours to collect documentation whenever necessary.

If you get a legal summons or complaint, your processing agent will get and hold the information for you. Sometimes, organizations with process agents can represent clients in all states. In other cases, you might have different agents in each state you service.

Why Consider a Process Agent for Filing Your BOC-3?

Although BOC-3 for intrastate trucking forms don't expire, motor carriers must update them whenever details about their companies change, including new names, authority transfers, and address changes. If a change occurs, you might ask, "How do I check my BOC-3 status?" A process agent can help with that. 

When a knowledgeable agent files your documents, you won't have to worry about losing your operating authority due to undeclared changes or details about your organization. Your representative will collect essential documents and information, such as your USDOT and MC numbers, to file the form with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on your behalf. They can also check the status of your BOC-3.

Can You File Your Own BOC-3?

The Department of Transportation's compliance requirements determine who files the BOC-3. Freight brokers who don't operate commercial vehicles can submit their own forms, but motor carriers must go through a process agent. 

The BOC-3 Filing Process

If you're a motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker, you should hire a process agent. The representative will complete the document using the following information:

• Your trucking business's name and address
• The names and addresses of each state's process agent for your company
• The name and title of the authorized representative to sign for the company

The agent will file the form within a few days after accepting your fee. 

What Happens After Filing Form BOC-3?

When your process agent from FMCA Filings submits the form to the FMCSA after ensuring its accuracy, the FMCSA will grant you operating authority. It typically takes about four business days for the agency to send the approval documents to motor carriers after granting authority. If ten or more days pass and you don't have the operating authority document, your process agent will check its status on your behalf. 

The Cost for Filing a BOC-3 Form

The price for filing this form differs from agent to agent because services may vary. You might only need the process agent to file the BOC-3, or you might obtain additional services from them that will increase your total expenses.

Yet, the value these representatives provide busy business owners is worth it. Their expertise in federal compliance for motor carriers is essential, especially for new businesses.  

Get Help With Your BOC-3 Filing Status From FMCA Filings

Are you still searching for answers to "How to check my BOC-3 status?" At FMCA Filings, we know how and when to file BOC-3 and how to check motor carriers' filing status throughout the country. As one of the nation's top services helping business owners within the transportation industry maintain their operating authority compliance, our process agents' lists include BOC-3 filing status for our clients. 

Let FMCA Filings take care of your FMCSA registration needs while you focus on running your business. Chat with our team to get started today.