MC Number Lookup
Enter an MC (docket) number to see whether the carrier's operating authority is active, along with its USDOT registration, out-of-service status, safety rating, BASIC percentiles and insurance filings.
What an MC number tells you
An MC number is an FMCSA docket number. It carries operating authority: permission to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines. A USDOT number identifies the company for safety records. Interstate commercial carriers need one, and some states require it for intrastate carriers too. A USDOT number alone is not for-hire authority.
Usually needs an MC number
- For-hire carriers hauling regulated freight interstate
- Freight brokers (broker authority)
- Freight forwarders
- Household goods movers
Usually does not
- Private carriers hauling their own goods
- Carriers of exempt commodities only
- Carriers operating only within one state
How to read an MC lookup
- Docket number
- The MC, FF or MX number FMCSA assigns to an operating authority. One USDOT number can hold more than one docket, so match the docket on the carrier packet and rate confirmation to the one the lookup returns.
- Operating authority
- Permission, tied to an MC docket, to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines. Common authority covers the general public, contract authority covers specific shippers, and broker authority lets a company arrange freight. A USDOT number alone is not for-hire authority. See how to read suspended, revoked and inactive authority statuses.
- Authority status
- Active, pending, inactive or revoked, shown per authority type. Pending means FMCSA has the application but has not granted it. Revocation can be voluntary, at the carrier's request, or involuntary, most often after the required insurance filing lapses.
- Insurance on file
- The liability and cargo filings FMCSA holds for the carrier. A pending cancellation shows the date it takes effect. A filing is not a certificate: confirm limits and named insureds with the agent. See what each BMC insurance filing form code means.
- BOC-3 process agent
- The filing that names an agent for legal papers in each state where the company operates. FMCSA requires it before it grants authority, so an active docket with no BOC-3 on record is worth a question.
- Broker authority and bond
- Broker authority lets a company arrange freight, not haul it, and requires a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund on file. A company with broker authority only should not be the carrier named on your rate confirmation.
The result also shows the USDOT registration and safety record. The DOT number lookup explains how to read those fields.
Before you tender a load
An MC lookup answers five questions. If any answer is no, stop and confirm with FMCSA.
- The docket on the carrier packet and rate confirmation is the one the lookup returns.
- Common or contract authority is active on that docket, and it is not broker-only.
- Liability insurance is on file and no cancellation takes effect before delivery.
- No revocation is pending and a BOC-3 is on record.
- The USDOT registration behind the docket is active, with no out-of-service order.
A lookup is a snapshot. Authority and insurance can change after you book. The $49/month carrier watch emails you when FMCSA posts a cancellation or suspension on up to 50 carriers you use.
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 (with or without the MC prefix, e.g. 123456 or MC-123456). The result shows the carrier's legal name, USDOT number, operating authority, registration and out-of-service status, safety rating, BASIC percentiles and insurance filings. Each result has its own link you can share.
How do I check if a carrier's authority is active?
Look up the MC number and read the Common authority and Contract authority rows. Active means FMCSA shows for-hire authority on file. Inactive, None or Pending means the carrier cannot haul regulated for-hire freight yet, so do not tender a load until FMCSA shows it active. Broker authority alone does not let a company haul freight.
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.