VerifyCarrier

MC Number Lookup

Look up any motor carrier by their MC number. Instantly access safety ratings, authority status, BASIC scores, and insurance information from FMCSA.

Data from FMCSA SAFER database. Need a DOT lookup instead? Use DOT Lookup

What is an MC Number?

An MC number (Motor Carrier number) is a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to for-hire carriers operating in interstate commerce. While a DOT number is required for all commercial vehicles, an MC number is specifically required for carriers that transport regulated commodities for compensation across state lines.

MC Number vs DOT Number

  • DOT Number: Required for all commercial vehicles for safety tracking
  • MC Number: Required for for-hire carriers operating across state lines
  • A carrier can have both a DOT and MC number
  • Private carriers typically only need a DOT number

Who Needs an MC Number?

  • For-hire motor carriers
  • Freight brokers
  • Freight forwarders
  • Carriers of household goods

Have a DOT number instead?

If you have a DOT number, use our DOT lookup tool for instant carrier verification.

Go to DOT Number Lookup

FMCSA Data

Real-time access to official FMCSA SAFER database with daily updates

MC to DOT Resolution

Automatically resolves MC numbers to DOT numbers for complete carrier data

Monitoring (Coming Soon)

Alerts for insurance lapses and safety rating changes — join the waitlist

MC number lookup FAQ

What is an MC number?

An MC (Motor Carrier) number, also called a docket number, is issued by FMCSA and grants a company for-hire operating authority — the legal right to transport regulated freight or passengers across state lines for compensation.

How do I look up an MC number?

Enter the MC number in the search box above (with or without the MC prefix, e.g. 123456 or MC-123456). You'll see the carrier's legal name, authority status, safety rating, out-of-service status, and fleet size from FMCSA records.

How do I check if a carrier's authority is active?

Look up the MC number above and check the Authority Status field. ACTIVE means the carrier can legally haul for-hire freight; INACTIVE or revoked authority is a red flag — brokers should not tender loads to a carrier without active authority.

Does every trucking company have an MC number?

No. Private carriers hauling their own goods and certain exempt operations don't need one. But every interstate for-hire carrier of regulated commodities needs operating authority (an MC number) in addition to a USDOT number.

Is this MC lookup free?

Yes. Web lookups are free with no account required. Developers can get 100 free API calls per month for programmatic access.

Where does the data come from?

All data comes from FMCSA SAFER web services — the same public records behind the government's Company Snapshot. VerifyCarrier is an independent tool and is not affiliated with FMCSA; the official source is safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

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