Compliance
MC Number
An MC (Motor Carrier) number is the FMCSA operating authority required to transport regulated commodities or passengers for hire across state lines.
While a USDOT number identifies the company, the MC (or 'FF' for freight forwarders, 'MX' for Mexican carriers) number is the actual operating authority. You need it before you can legally haul regulated commodities for someone else across state lines.
Getting one requires filing a BOC-3 process agent designation, proving public liability insurance (typically $750k minimum, $1M+ for many shipper contracts), and clearing a 21-day public-protest period.
Brokers verify MC status before tendering loads, and most freight TMS systems sync the FMCSA register nightly. A revoked or inactive MC means your trucks don't move.
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Related terms
Compliance
DOT Number
A DOT number is the unique identifier the FMCSA assigns to every interstate commercial motor carrier in the United States.
Finance
Factoring (Freight)
Factoring is selling your accounts receivable to a third party for immediate cash, typically at a 1-4% discount.
Operations
BOL (Bill of Lading)
A BOL is the legal contract and receipt issued by a carrier to a shipper, describing the freight being transported.