Licensing Applications for Motor Carrier Operating Authority

Instructions for Completing Form OP-1(FF)
Application for Freight Forwarder Authority
Topics
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.

Page

Overview of Operating Authority ................................................................................................................................................ 1
How to Apply ............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
What is the Cost? ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
What are the Steps in Getting Operating Authority? .................................................................................................................. 3
How to Complete the OP-1(FF) Application for Freight Forwarder Authority ............................................................................. 7
Information Sources ................................................................................................................................................................ 11

*If a sole proprietor owner/operator submits personal information for registration purposes to obtain a USDOT Number or Operating
Authority, this information will be publicly available on FMCSA W eb sites. This published information may include, but is not limited
to, the sole proprietor owner/operator’s home address, telephone number, and e-mail address when the home contact information
also serves as the business contact information.

I.

Overview of Operating Authority
Depending upon the type of business operation (Motor Carrier, Broker, Freight Forwarder, Shipper, Vehicle Registrant, and/or
Cargo Tank Facility) and what will be transported (property, hazardous materials, and/or passengers), companies may be required
to register for both Interstate Operating Authority (Form OP-1 series or Form OP-2) and USDOT Number (Form MCS-150 series).
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
(FMCSRs) and the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs), which govern safety and financial responsibility. FMCSA’s
registration requirements reflect the focus on both of these concerns.
FMCSA encourages all applicants with Internet access to go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/get-mc-number-authorityoperate and read the information about the filing process prior to starting the application. Applicants without Internet access
can call FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660 for assistance.

Who Needs Operating Authority?
Before beginning interstate operations in the United States (U.S.), all authorized for-hire Motor Carriers of non-exempt property
and passengers, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders based in the U.S. or Canada must obtain Operating Authority by submitting the
appropriate form(s) in the OP-1 series. For a description of the different types of OP-1 forms and the various FMCSA requirements
for obtaining Operating Authority, please see “W hat Are the Steps in Getting Operating Authority?” (Topic IV) in this packet.
NOTE:
• Hawaii-based Motor Carriers that transport household goods, property or passengers within a terminal area (see 49 USC
Part 13504) must obtain Operating Authority. Carriers that operate solely within the State of Hawaii and do not transport
household goods are not required to obtain Operating Authority.
• Mexico-based Motor Carriers should refer to www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/registration-forms#Operating-Authority.htm
for more information.
In addition to Operating Authority, some Motor Carriers of property or passengers must obtain a USDOT Number before beginning
interstate operations. Please consult “W hat Forms Do I Need?” at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/what-do-i-need-file, which
specifies the required forms for both Operating Authority and USDOT Number.

II. How to Apply
Applications may be submitted online or mailed to FMCSA. Compared to mailing, the online method reduces processing time by as
much as 2-3 weeks, thus enabling companies to begin their operations sooner. Remember, operations cannot begin until the
certificate, permit, or license for Operating Authority has been received. For more information, see “W hat Are the Steps in
Getting Operating Authority?” (Topic IV) in this packet.

Instructions for Form OP-1(FF)

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Apply Online
Applying online requires the use of a valid credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa). Those who do not wish
to submit their credit card information online must complete the application and payment by mail (see “Apply by Mail” below).
The following tips are encouraged:
•

Go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/get-mc-number-authority-operate and read the information about the filing
process prior to starting the application.

•

Utilize the form instructions during the completion of the online form. This will help to ensure that the application is
completed accurately.

NOTE:
• The applicant’s legal name (or the authorized representative’s name) must match the name and billing address of the
credit card.
• Record the MC or FF Number that is provided after approval of the application. This number will be needed on the
insurance and process agent forms that are required to complete the application process for obtaining Operating Authority
(for more details, see “W hat Are the Steps in Getting Operating Authority?” [Topic IV] in this packet). This number may also
be needed for any correspondence with the FMCSA.

Apply by Mail
Follow the steps below:
·

Applicants with Internet access are encouraged to consult “What Forms Do I Need?” at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/whatdo-i-need-file, which specifies the required forms.

·

Go to www.fmcsa.dot/gov/registration/registration-forms to download and print the appropriate form(s) and instructions.
Applicants may also call FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660 to request an application packet by mail.

·

Follow the instructions to complete the application form(s).

·

Save a copy of the application and all supporting documents for the company’s business records.

·

Mail the completed application form(s), any supporting documents, and payment to one of the following addresses
depending upon the type of payment (and method of mail delivery):
1)

Check or Money Order (make payable to the FMCSA in U.S. dollars)
First-Class Mail
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
P.O. Box 530226
Atlanta, GA 30353-0226
Overnight Express Mail (the site street address should only be used for lockbox remittances delivered via courier):
Bank of America
Lockbox Number 530226
1075 Loop Road
Atlanta, GA 30337

2)

Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa only)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE
MC-RS
Washington, DC 20590

NOTE: Sending payment to the wrong address will delay application processing by 2-3 weeks.

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III. What is the Cost?
Operating Authority ........................................................................................................... $300.00 each
•

•

•

Form OP-1
1)

Motor Common Carrier of Property (except Household Goods).

2)

Motor Contract Carrier of Property (except Household Goods).

3)

Motor Common Carrier of Household Goods.

4)

Motor Contract Carrier of Household Goods.

5)

Broker of Property (except Household Goods).

6)

Broker of Household Goods.

7)

United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo (except Household Goods).

8)

United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo.

Form OP-1(P)
1)

Motor Common Carrier of Passengers.

2)

Motor Contract Carrier of Passengers.

Form OP-1(FF)
1)

Freight Forwarder of Property (except Household Goods).

2)

Freight Forwarder of Household Goods.

For descriptions of the different types of Operating Authority, see “SECTION II — Type of Authority” under “How to Complete the OP1(FF) Application for Freight Forwarder Authority” (Topic V) in this packet.
NOTE:
• REFUNDS ARE NOT PERMITTED.
• Each type of Operating Authority requires an additional $300 fee. For example, an application for both Freight
Forwarder of Property and Freight Forwarder of Household Goods will require two $300 fees for a total of $600. Multiple
fees can be combined into a single payment.
• The FMCSA reserves the right to discontinue processing any application for which insufficient payment is received.

IV. What Are the Steps in Getting Operating Authority?
For Motor Carriers, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders based in the U.S. or Canada, the Operating Authority application process
includes the six steps shown below. Motor Carriers based in Hawaii or Mexico should see the NOTE in “Overview of Operating
Authority” (Topic I) in this packet.

Step 3
10-day protest period

Step 1
Applicant
submits
OP-1
and/or
OP-1(P)
and/or
OP-1(FF)

Instructions for Form OP-1(FF)

Step 2
Applicant
receives
MC or
FF
Number

Step 4
Insurance Company files
form(s) with FMCSA
Step 5
Applicant or Process Agent
files Form BOC-3 with FMCSA

(Revision 5/27/2014)

Step 6
Applicant begins
operation AFTER
receiving certificate,
permit, or license for
Operating Authority
from FMCSA

Page 3 of 12

Step 1 — Application for Operating Authority
Motor Carriers, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders begin the Operating Authority application process by submitting one (or more) of
the following forms with the appropriate application processing fee:
•

OP-1 — Operating Authority for:
1)

Motor Carrier (common property, contract property, common household goods, or contract household goods)

2)

Broker (property or household goods)

3)

United States-based Enterprise Carrier (international cargo or international household goods)

•

OP-1(P) — Operating Authority for Motor Passenger Carrier (common or contract)

•

OP-1(FF) — Operating Authority for Freight Forwarder (property or household goods).

NOTE:
• For descriptions of the different types of Operating Authority, see “SECTION II — Type of Authority” under “How to
Complete the OP-1(FF) Application for Freight Forwarder Authority” (Topic V) in this packet.
• To identify the required form(s) for Operating Authority as well as USDOT Number, see “What Forms Do I Need?” at
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/registration-forms.

Step 2 — Grant Letter and MC/FF Number
Applicants will receive a grant letter after FMCSA processes and accepts the Operating Authority application as follows:
•

If applying online, a Motor Carrier (MC) or Freight Forwarder (FF) Number will be provided immediately and the
confirmation grant letter will arrive via mail.

•

If applying by mail, the grant letter should arrive via mail in approximately 4 weeks. This letter will include the MC or FF
Number. Applicants have the option of checking the status of their application online. See “Information Sources” (Topic VI)
in this packet for instructions.

Insurance Companies and Process Agents will use the MC or FF Number to make the appropriate filings on behalf of applicants to
complete the application process for obtaining Operating Authority.
NOTE: Although an MC or FF Number has been assigned by FMCSA, this does not represent Operating Authority. The
company may not begin to operate until it has received the corresponding certificate, permit, or license for Operating
Authority described in Step 6.

Step 3 — 10-day Protest Period
At the same time the grant letter is mailed, each company’s application for Operating Authority will be published in the FMCSA Register.
This publication initiates the 10-calendar-day protest period, during which any individual can file a protest with FMCSA stating why a
company should not be issued Operating Authority. FMCSA will accept protests sent by mail as long as they are postmarked by the last
day of the protest period. FMCSA will provide the applicant with information on the adjudication process if any protests are filed. During
this protest period, Insurance Companies and Process Agents can file the necessary documents detailed in Step 4 and Step 5 below.
To view the FMCSA Register, go to http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov and then follow the steps below:
·

Read the introductory page and then click the “Continue” link.

·

Select the “FMCSA Register” option in the dropdown menu and click “Go.”

Step 4 — Insurance
This step can begin any time after an applicant receives its MC or FF Number as described in Step 2 above and is not dependent
on Step 3 being completed. An Insurance Company must file the appropriate insurance form(s) on behalf of the applicant within 90
days of the date the application for Operating Authority was published in the FMCSA Register. Otherwise, the application for
Operating Authority will be dismissed and the application fee will not be refunded. The applicant will receive a warning letter about
the 90-day deadline if FMCSA has not received the required documentation within 20 days.

Instructions for Form OP-1(FF)

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NOTE:
• Applicants may not file insurance forms on their own behalf. Therefore, FMCSA does not provide insurance forms to applicants.
• An authorized representative from the home or branch office of an Insurance Company must file the required insurance
form(s) on the applicant’s behalf.
• To minimize processing delays, FMCSA recommends filing forms electronically.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up with the Insurance Company to verify that FMCSA has received and approved
the required insurance form(s).
• Failure to promptly submit required forms and documentation will delay application processing.
• Check the status of insurance filings by either accessing the FMCSA W eb site (see “Information Sources” [Topic VI] in this
packet for instructions) or calling FMCSA toll-free at 1-866-637-0635 or 202-385-2423 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. EST).
FMCSA requires all Freight Forwarders to maintain minimum levels of cargo insurance in the following amounts:
•
$5,000 for loss of or damage to property carried on any one motor vehicle
•
$10,000 for loss of or damage to property occurring at any one time or place.
For proof of cargo liability insurance, an Insurance Company must file Form BMC-34 on behalf of Freight Forwarders within
90 days of the date the application for Operating Authority was published in the FMCSA Register.
In addition, FMCSA requires Freight Forwarders that will operate commercial motor vehicles (CMV) to maintain minimum levels of
bodily injury and property damage (BI & PD) insurance and environmental restoration coverage. For proof of BI & PD insurance, an
Insurance Company must file Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X with FMCSA on behalf of Freight Forwarders that will operate CMVs.
Minimum requirements for BI & PD insurance coverage vary as follows:
•
Freight Forwarders of Property (excluding Household Goods) that will operate CMVs with a gross vehicle weight rating
(GVW R) of 10,000 pounds or more:
1) $5,000,000 minimum liability insurance for transporting hazardous materials referenced in FMCSA’s insurance
regulations at 49 CFR 387.303(b)(2)(b).
2) $1,000,000 minimum liability insurance for transporting hazardous materials referenced in FMCSA’s insurance
regulations at 49 CFR 387.303(b)(2)(c).
3) $750,000 minimum liability insurance for transporting only non-hazardous commodities.
•
Freight Forwarders of Property (excluding Household Goods) that will only operate CMVs with a GVW R under
10,000 pounds:
1) $5,000,000 minimum liability insurance for transporting any quantity of Class A or B explosives, any quantity of poison gas
(Poison A), or highway route controlled quantity of radioactive materials as referenced in FMCSA’s insurance regulations
at 49 CFR 387.303(b)(2)(d).
2) $300,000 minimum insurance for transporting only commodities not referenced above.
•
Freight Forwarders of Household Goods that will operate CMVs:
1) $750,000 minimum liability insurance regardless of the GVWR of the company’s vehicles.
Freight Forwarders that will not operate CMVs may request a waiver of BI & PD insurance requirements by selecting the
appropriate response in Section III of the OP-1(FF) Application for Freight Forwarder Authority. To qualify for this insurance waiver,
Freight Forwarders must certify that all of the following conditions are true in its forwarding operations:
•
Will not own or operate any motor vehicles used on highways in the transportation of property.
•
Will not perform transfer, collection, or delivery services.
•
Will not have motor vehicles operated under its direction and control in the performance of transfer, collection, or
delivery services.
NOTE:
Freight Forwarders that are approved for a BI & PD insurance waiver will receive an Operating Authority permit that
indicates that BI & PD insurance requirements have been waived. This waiver is conditional and valid only as long as the
Freight Forwarder remains in compliance with the operating conditions noted above.
•
For questions regarding insurance requirements and waivers, contact the FMCSA Insurance Team, Office of Registration
and Safety Information, at 1-866-637-0635 or 202-385-2423.
•
FMCSA’s insurance/financial regulations are available at 49 CFR 387. To view this information, go to
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/part/387.
•

Instructions for Form OP-1(FF)

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Self-Insurance
Freight Forwarders, Motor Carriers, and U.S.-based Enterprise Carriers may qualify as a self-insurer against bodily injury, property
damage, and cargo liability claims by submitting Form BMC-40 (Application for Authority to Self-Insure) and evidence to the
FMCSA to demonstrate the existence of the following:
•
Adequate tangible net worth that will cover any liability claims in the event of a loss.
•
Sound self-insurance program.
•
Adequate safety program.
FMCSA will approve an application to self-insure subject to appropriate and reasonable conditions. For more details about selfinsurance, see 49 CFR 387.309 and 387.411.

Step 5 — Process Agent
This step can begin any time after an applicant receives its MC or FF Number as described in Step 2 above. FMCSA requires each
applicant for Operating Authority to designate a Process Agent in every State in which it conducts business or maintains an office.
A Process Agent is a representative upon whom court papers may be served in any legal proceeding brought against a Motor
Carrier, Broker, or Freight Forwarder.
Freight Forwarders that will operate CMVs and Motor Carriers of Property and/or Passengers:
•
Must designate a Process Agent in each State that they operate in or through.
•
Can act as their own Process Agent in the State in which they maintain a physical office (P.O. Box address is not
considered a physical office).
Freight Forwarders that will not operate CMVs and Brokers:
•
Must designate a Process Agent in each State in which they maintain an office or establish contracts.
•
Can act as their own Process Agent in the State in which they maintain a physical office (P.O. Box address is not
considered a physical office).
Either the applicant or Process Agent, on behalf of the applicant, can file Form BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agents) with the FMCSA.
This form must be filed within 90 days of the date the application for Operating Authority was published in the FMCSA Register. Failure to
meet this deadline will result in dismissal of the Operating Authority application and loss of the application fee. The applicant will receive a
warning letter about the 90-day deadline if FMCSA has not received the required documentation within 20 days. To minimize processing
delays, FMCSA recommends electronically filing Form BOC-3 at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/form-boc-3-designation-agentsservice-process.
For a fee, many commercial companies will arrange a Process Agent in any State. Some companies offer “blanket coverage,”
which designates a Process Agent in every U.S. State. For a list of Process Agent companies, visit the FMCSA W eb site at
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/process-agents. For more details about Process Agent designation, see 49 CFR 366.

Step 6 — Certificate, Permit, or License of Operating Authority
After FMCSA has approved the application, insurance, and process agent filings, and the protest period has ended without any
protests, applicants are issued Operating Authority in the form of a certificate (Motor Carrier), permit (Freight Forwarder), or license
(Broker). Applicants may not begin operations until this official record of Operating Authority is received by mail.

State Regulations and Requirements
In addition to Federal requirements, all applicants must comply with registration, fuel tax, and other State regulations and
procedures. Before beginning new or expanded interstate operations, applicants must familiarize themselves with the various State
rules applicable to interstate companies in each State in which they plan to operate. Begin this process by contacting the
transportation regulatory agency for the State in which the applicant is located.

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V. How to Complete the OP-1(FF) Application for Freight Forwarder Authority
These instructions will assist companies in accurately completing the application. Incomplete or incorrect applications will be
delayed or suspended until the applicant has been contacted and the problems have been resolved. If an application is
rejected, the application fee will not be refunded.
NOTE FOR APPLICATIONS THAT WILL BE MAILED:
• Please print clearly in ink or type all information.
• If more space is needed to complete any section on the application form, please attach a separate sheet of paper and label
each page with the applicant’s legal business name, section number on the form, and item description.
• Retain a copy of the completed application form and any supporting attachments for the company’s business records.
• For additional mailing instructions, please see “Apply by Mail” under “How to Apply” (Topic II) in this packet.

SECTION I — Applicant Information
All Freight Forwarder applicants must complete this section.
1. FMCSA Authority
Select the “Yes” response if either of the following conditions is true:
•
Operating Authority was previously issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), Federal Highway
Administration (FHW A), Office of Motor Carrier Safety (OMCS), or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
•
An application for Operating Authority is currently being processed by FMCSA.
If neither of the conditions above applies, then select the “No” response.
If the “Yes” response is selected, indicate the MC/FF Number (for example: MC-999999), which is also called the lead docket
number. To search for the MC/FF Number, follow the instructions provided under “MC/FF Number” in “Information Sources” (Topic
VI) in this packet.
2. Legal Business Name
Enter the full legal name of the business entity (i.e., corporation, sole proprietor/individual, or partnership) that owns/controls the
Freight Forwarder operation. This should be the same name that appears on the incorporation certificate, partnership agreement,
tax records, etc. Examples are as follows:
•
Corporation — Enter the full legal name on the incorporation certificate. This name must include the type of corporation,
such as: John Doe Inc. or John Doe LLC.
•
Sole Proprietorship/Individual — Enter the full legal name, such as: John A. Doe.
•
Partnership — Enter the full legal names of all partners, such as: John A. Doe and Jane B. Smith.
NOTE: To avoid delays in obtaining Operating Authority, the Legal Business Name on the OP-1(FF) application must match
the name submitted on insurance documents, Form BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agents), and Form MCS-150 (Application
for USDOT Number, which is required for Motor Carriers only).
3. Doing Business As Name
Leave this item blank unless the “Doing Business As” (DBA) Name or “Trade” Name is different from the Legal Business Name
entered above. For example: enter “John’s Trucking Company” here if the business operates under this name, but “John A. Doe” is
the Legal Business Name.
NOTE: It is important to spell, space, and punctuate the business name the same exact way each time it appears on an
application; any difference will be considered a different company. For example: John Jones Trucking Co., Inc.; J. Jones
Trucking Co., Inc.; and John Jones Trucking are considered three separate companies.

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4-9. Principal Address (Principal Place of Business)
Enter the physical address of where the company is engaged in business operations related to the transportation of persons or
property and where safety records are regularly maintained. This address will be used by FMCSA for on-site visits to Motor Carriers
for the purpose of conducting safety audits, investigations, and other activities. A P.O. Box will not be accepted as a Principal Address.
NOTE: A P.O. Box may not be entered as the Principal Address on the OP-1(FF) form. Also, if applying for a USDOT
Number, this Principal Address must match the Principal Address on the MCS-150 application.
10-15. Mailing Address
Enter the mailing address where all correspondence from FMCSA should be sent. Leave this item blank if the Mailing Address is the
same as the Business Address.
NOTE: In order to receive pertinent FMCSA notices and verification that insurance documents have been filed on the
applicant’s behalf, please notify FMCSA of Business or Mailing Address changes by one of the following methods:
• Online at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW /PKG_REGISTRATION.prc_option.
• Fax information to 202-366-3477.
• Mail information in writing to 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, MC-RS, W ashington, DC 20590, Attention: Address Change.
Please include Legal Business Name and MC Number (also called lead docket number).
16-23. Representative
If someone other than the applicant is preparing the application, provide the representative’s name, title/position or relationship to
the applicant, business address, and business telephone and fax numbers. This representative will be contacted if questions
concerning this application arise.
24. USDOT Number
Enter the USDOT Number if one has been assigned. Freight Forwarders are not required to obtain a USDOT Number unless they
also operate as an interstate Motor Carrier or meet other specific conditions. For more information, please consult “W hat Forms Do I
Need?” at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/reg-forms to determine whether a USDOT Number must be obtained.
To find a company’s USDOT Number, use either method below:
•
Go to http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
1) Then click “Licensing & Insurance” under “FMCSA Searches”
2) Enter a Legal Name or DBA Name and the State in which the company headquarters are located
3) Click “Search.”
•
Call FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660.
NOTE: All applicants subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are required to register with the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation before beginning business operations. For more
information, please visit FMCSA’s W eb site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration or call 1-800-832-5660.
25-27. Form of Business
Select only one category and provide the requested information:
•
Corporation — Provide the name of the State where the corporation is incorporated.
•
Sole Proprietorship/Individual — Provide the full legal name of the individual who is the business owner. This name
should match the name entered under Legal Business Name.
•
Partnership — Provide the full legal name of each partner. These names should match the names entered under Legal
Business Name.

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SECTION II — Type of Operating Authority
All Freight Forwarder applicants must complete this section. Check all boxes that apply. A separate $300 fee is
required for each type of Operating Authority requested.
NOTE: The type(s) of Operating Authority requested will impact the type and level of insurance that is required by FMCSA.
Therefore, carefully select only the type(s) of Operating Authority relevant to the business. FMCSA does not refund
application fees.
28. Type of Authority Requested.
In general, Freight Forwarders provide interstate transportation of property or household goods for compensation and typically do all of
the following:
•
Perform or provide assembly or consolidation of less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments into full-truckload shipments at origin, then
disassembly and delivery of LTL shipments at destination.
•
Assume responsibility for the transportation of goods from origin to destination.
•
Use for-hire Motor Carriers to provide any part of the transportation.
•
Take possession of the property or household goods at some point during the transportation (often at a warehouse).
FMCSA issues the following two types of interstate Operating Authority for Freight Forwarders:
•
Freight Forwarder of Property (except Household Goods) – An individual, partnership, or corporation that arranges interstate
transportation of property (excluding household goods) belonging to others.
•
Freight Forwarder of Household Goods – An individual, partnership, or corporation that arranges interstate transportation
of household goods, unaccompanied baggage, or used automobiles belonging to others. Household goods are personal
items that will be used in a home. They include items moved from one household to another. They also include items
shipped from a factory or store, if purchased with the intent to use in a home, and transported at the request of the
householder who pays for the transportation charges.

SECTION III — Insurance Information
All Freight Forwarder applicants must complete this section. Select only one of the following categories.
•
•
•

Applicant will operate one or more vehicle(s) having a gross weight rating (GVW R) of 10,000 pounds or more.
Applicant will operate only vehicles having a GVW R under 10,000 pounds.
Applicant seeks a waiver of liability (BI & PD) insurance requirements.

29. Minimum Amount of Coverage Required
Applicants that select a vehicle-operating category above should then check all boxes that apply within that category.
Freight Forwarders that will perform transfer, collection, or delivery service must maintain appropriate levels of bodily injury and
property damage (BI & PD) insurance and environmental restoration coverage. The BI & PD liability insurance coverage requirements
are based upon the GVWR of vehicles that will be operated and the classification of property (including hazardous materials) that will be
transported. To determine the required minimum amount of liability insurance coverage, identify the highest dollar amount in parentheses
among the insurance categories that are selected. For example, if the boxes for both non-hazardous commodities ($750,000) and hazardous
materials ($5,000,000) are checked, then the required minimum insurance coverage is $5,000,000 (not $5,750,000).
Freight Forwarders that will not operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) may request a waiver of BI & PD insurance
requirements by selecting the appropriate response in this section of the application form and certifying that all of the following
conditions are true in the Freight Forwarder’s operations:
•
Will not own or operate any motor vehicles used on highways in the transportation of property.
•
Will not perform transfer, collection, or delivery services.
•
Will not have motor vehicles operated under its direction and control in the performance of transfer, collection, or
delivery services.

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NOTE:
•
All Freight Forwarders must maintain minimum levels of cargo insurance (Form BMC-34 for cargo liability) in the
amount of:
1) $5,000 for loss of or damage to property carried on any one motor vehicle.
2) $10,000 for loss of or damage to (or aggregate of losses of or damages to property occurring at any one time and place.
•
Freight Forwarders of Household Goods that will operate CMVs must maintain $750,000 minimum BI & PD insurance
regardless of the GVW R of the company’s vehicles.
•
All Freight Forwarders require one of the following in the amount of $75,000:
1) Broker/FF Surety Bond (Form BMC-84) must be filed by an insurance company.
2) Broker/FF Trust Fund Agreement (Form BMC-85) must be filed by a financial institution. This form is available at
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/registration-forms or by request from the FMCSA Insurance Section at
1-866-637-0635 (toll-free) or 202-385-2423.
·
For more information about FMCSA’s insurance requirements, see “Step 4 — Insurance” under “What Are the Steps in
Getting Operating Authority?” (Topic IV) in this packet.

SECTION IV — Household Goods Certification
Only those applying for Operating Authority as a Freight Forwarder of Household Goods (in Section II of this
application) must complete this section.
30. Certification of Household Goods
Select the “Yes” response only if the applicant can certify that all statements in this section are true.

SECTION V — Safety Certification
Only vehicle-operating Freight Forwarder applicants must complete this section. Select only one response.
31-32. Safety Certification
Applicants that will only operate vehicles with a GVW R under 10,000 pounds and will not transport hazardous materials are exempt
from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Skip to the paragraph with heading “EXEMPT APPLICANTS,” read the
corresponding statement, and select the “Yes” response in this part only if the applicant certifies that the entire statement is true.
All other applicants that will operate vehicles with a GVW R of more than 10,000 pounds must read the statements under
“APPLICANTS SUBJECT TO FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS.” These statements describe the activities
that vehicle-operating Freight Forwarders must follow in order to comply with the FMCSRs. Select the “Yes” response in this part
only if the applicant certifies that all statements are true.

SECTION VI — Control Relationships
All Freight Forwarder applicants must complete this section.
33. Control Relationships
Read the statement and select the appropriate response. If the “Yes” response is selected, provide the requested information.

SECTION VII — Affiliations
Only applicants with any relationship within the past 3 years to any business entity regulated/licensed by the
FMCSA, ICC, FWWA, or OMCS must complete this section.
34. Affiliations
Examples of an affiliation or relationship include, but are not limited to, owning another company (even a percentage of stock), providing a
loan to another company, managing another company, or having a family relationship with an owner or manager of another company.
Disclose any past or current relationship within the last 3 years by providing the following:
•
Description of affiliation or relationship.
•
Name of the company.
•
MC/FF Number.
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•
•

USDOT Number.
Latest DOT safety rating (for more information, see “Information Sources” (Topic VI) in this packet.

SECTION VIII — Applicant’s Oath
All applicants must complete this section. False certifications are subject to the penalties described in the oath.
35. Applicant’s Oath
Type or print the name and title of an individual authorized to sign documents on behalf of the company that is applying for Operating
Authority. The authorized signer is one of the following:
•
•
•
•

In the case of a sole proprietorship, the owner.
In the case of a partnership, an official partner.
In the case of a corporation, an authorized employee in the ownership structure.
An individual with power of attorney to act on behalf of the applicant (proof of the power of attorney must be submitted with
the application).

NOTE: If this application is not signed and dated by an authorized individual, the application will be rejected and Interstate
Operating Authority will not be issued.

VI. Information Sources
For general information and guidance regarding applications, please visit the FMCSA W eb site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov or call
FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660.

Status of Application, Insurance, and Process Agent Filings
To check the status, use either of the following methods after FMCSA has processed your application:
•

Go to the FMCSA W eb site at http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov and do the following:
1)
2)
3)

•

Read the introductory page and click “Continue.”
Select “Carrier Search” in the dropdown menu and click “Go.”
Follow the search instructions (for State, enter the location of the company headquarters).

Call FMCSA’s automated telephone system at 1-866-637-0635, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please have
your MC/FF Number (also called docket number) ready if it has already been assigned (for more information, see Step 2 in
“What Are the Steps in Getting Operating Authority?” [Topic IV] in this packet).

MC/FF Number
To find a company’s MC/FF Number, go to http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov and conduct a search as follows:
·
·
·

Read the introductory page and click “Continue.”
Select “Carrier Search” in the dropdown menu and click “Go.”
Follow the search instructions (for State, enter the location of the company headquarters).

Those without Internet access can call 202-385-2423 or 1-800-832-5660 for assistance.

USDOT Number Registration
To obtain a USDOT Number, either apply online or by mail as follows:
•
•

Apply online at https://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/PKG_REGISTRATION.prc_option, which provides a USDOT
Number immediately after successful completion of the online form.
Go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/registration-forms, print the appropriate MCS-150 form(s), and mail the completed
form(s) to FMCSA.

Those without Internet access should call 1-800-832-5660 to request forms by mail.

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Hazardous Materials Regulations
To determine whether any of the commodities you intend to transport are considered to be hazardous materials, refer to the Federal
Hazardous Materials Regulations in Parts 100 through 185 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), particularly the
Hazardous Materials Table at 49 CFR 172. These regulations are available online at phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat. Contact the FMCSA at
202-366-6121 if assistance is needed.
To obtain information about DOT hazardous material transportation registration requirements, call 202-366-4109.

Safety Rating
If a safety rating has already been assigned, view your status online at www.fmcsa.dot.gov (click “Company Safety Snapshot”) or call
1-800-832-5660.
To request a safety fitness review, please contact your local FMCSA field office. To find contact information for your local field office, either:
•
•

Visit the FMCSA W eb site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/field-offices.
Call 1-800-832-5660.

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