How To Get Your Trucking Authority
Who is this for?
For anyone who wants to learn how to get your trucking authority or needs help setting up a USDOT.
What will you learn?
How to get your trucking authority being Intrastate or Interstate Authority.
Jump Straight In:
- How to get Your Intrastate Authority
- How to get your interstate Authority (MC)
- Free USDOT Insurance Quote Reference
Disclaimer:
We are NOT related to FMCSA. This guide was made to assist you and we are in no way advising you how to structure your company nor are we advising what your operations are, should, or shouldn’t be. We are providing information to help you with the process on learning how to get your trucking authority.
For additional resources head over to the last page. You will find more information on Drug and Alcohol Testing and New Entrant Program. We also go over this information in our youtube channel called: USDOT & MC Authority Permits: List Of Permits After Your USDOT & MC Number Application
Every trucking company that has obtain their own trucking authority will receive an audit within the first 12 months of obtaining your MC# or motor carrier authority. Please review the New Entrant Program to make sure your files are in order prior to your USDOT Audit. There is a link below that takes you to FMCSA New Entrant Audit website and has videos and resources to learn more.
Save $750 when you set up your own Authority
Starting a trucking company can be confusing. The companies that are there to help can cost quite a bit of money.
On average you can save $750 if you complete the authority on your own.
Don’t get tricked when you hear, “You can get your authority for only $300.”
We often hear, soon to be owner operators say “I was told from a process agent it cost ONLY $300.” This is partially true, don’t get stuck not knowing the full price up front and paying more at the end.
Yes you can obtain your MC # (we will discuss shortly) with just $300 which MC stands for motor carrier authority. However you need a few additional items to legally be able to drive on the road that will run you close to if not over $1,000.
This information will be broken up into 2 sections:
1.) Intrastate Operations (Driving within State Lines)
2.) Interstate Operations (Crossing State Lines – MC Authority)
Section 1
Intrastate Authority
Note: You do not need an MC# for Intrastate Authority unless you are a hazmat carrier, military equipment hauler, mail, or intermodal operations. ( you can check here at FMCSA to see who needs an MC in more detail )
Intrastate Price Summary
Items
Cost (Approx.)
Business Structure Formation
(Page 6)
$14 – $300 (Depending on county/state and structure type)
USDOT (Page 7)
Free
State Permit
Varies per state $0 – $300 per vehicle per year.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Page 9)
$0 – $550 (See HVU Tax Section)
DMV Registration (State Plates or Apportioned)
$800 – $1,600
Drug and Alcohol Consortium (Over 26,000lbs) (Page 21)
$59 – $150 (Can be done after authority is obtained)
DOT Physical Exam
$75 – $125
Total Cost
$1,498 – $3,025
Additional Items to Complete:
Insurance:
Required intrastate insurance can be anywhere from $3,999 – $15,500 for the year. Determined by commodities, experience, and business location.
The insurance is the final step in the process in order to activate your trucking authority.
For a USDOT trucking insurance quote over the phone, call:
Intrastate Authority
Intrastate authority is your motor carrier authority within state lines. It means you don’t cross state lines but operate as a motor carrier. All states are very similar in their requirements. For this example we will use Texas as the Home state. We have included steps 4.a and 4.b as additional steps for the TXDMV state permit process.
Items you need in order to obtain your Intrastate Authority or as They call it in Texas TXDOT (also know as TX DMV#)
1
Business Structure – Sole Proprietor, LLC, Incorporated or Partnership.
You must first apply with your local city hall for a DBA if you are a sole proprietor. You can google “how to file my dba in (your city name, and state)”. You can always call your local city hall for help.
For LLC , partnerships or corporations, you need to apply with the secretary of state. Every state is different. For Texas— You can do this online via their online portal. You would need to register first. Once registered you can pay the $300 in order to become an LLC, partnership or corporation. For all other states you would need to Google: Secretary of State incorporation “your State”. You can also outsource this type of work including with the next step below to companies like Incfile who provide self service options or a full service option to help you incorporate in your state.
2
FEIN # – You can obtain your USDOT without the FEIN # and use your social security number but your state will require an FEIN # when submitting the state application. Only takes 5 Minutes to apply. (easiest step) Submit your state application here
3
USDOT – The USDOT # is free. The process takes about 35 –45 minutes. You will answer specific questions in regards to your company. You will need your business name, owner information, physical and mailing address, cargo hauled, Intrastate or Interstate operation, social security or EIN. Please keep in mind if you are a sole proprietor with a DBA— make sure that you input the “legal name” as your first and last name followed by the DBA on the next tab. For LLC, corporations, or a partnership—“Legal name” is the name of your structure. I.E. “My Trucking LLC.” Don’t worry you will know what that is once inside the application.
To apply for a USDOT head over to the FMCSA registration website.
4
State Permit (for this example we are doing Texas)– The TXDMV# or as some call it TXUSDOT (Not actual term) cost $205 for 2 years and $20 per each vehicle you add on. You need the TXDMV# if you are over 26,001 LBS. in gross-weight rating (trailer, vehicle, and load combined) or transport hazardous material, school busses and public busses, or you transport house hold goods.
Check this link for further details in regards to who needs a TXDMV#.
California is another large state, we also added a small example for California requirements. California state permits are called CA # and MCP, you would need to submit an application to Sacramento DMV.
At the bottom of the application is the instructions where to mail your MCP (CA# application) Total cost for CA# California is $120 – $300 depending on the distance you think you will run year one.
This is just an example of two of the largest state and required permits and pricing. TX takes just one week where California takes 5 weeks to aquire.
However, some states like Arizona, Florida, South Carolina, Idaho and a few more do not require any state permits, just that you carry a USDOT and follow FMCSA rules and guidelines. You can figure this out by calling your local DMV and asking they what state permits they need
4.a
In order to get started with your TXDMV #(Texas State Permit) you must first register via Texas Elinc. Register here.
This system will ask you questions that you have already answered from your USDOT. It will ask you for a TX -Tax ID, FEIN or social. When you register for an LLC , corporation or partnership you are instantly assigned a Texas Tax Id. You will be able to retrieve that number in this system. Do not be alarmed when it asks you for it. For sole proprietor your social or FEIN will work. Once approved you will head over to Texas MMC to complete your registration and add your vehicle.
Check this link for further details in regards to who needs a TXDMV#.
Once you register via Elinc. You will see a yellow light letting you know it is in process. If everything is fine you will get a 2nd email (2-24hours) stating to proceed and finish registration via a 2nd system with the same user name and passwords as your Elinc login information.
4.b
The 2nd system is Motor Carrier Credential System (MCCS).
At the end of this process you will receive a temporary number that ends with VOID. You must give that number to your insurance agent. Once approved, go to MCCS to continue registration.
Once inside the MCCS registration you will have an option that says “add vehicles.” Add your vehicle information. Once completed you have to wait for your insurance company to file form E—Intrastate Filing authority. Once your insurance agent files the Form–E than you can go ahead and log back in and pay the $225 (1 vehicle $20 per each additional) required by Texas, and you will instantly get your cab card and TXDMV#.
Heavy Vehicle Use
5
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax:
You will need to file Form 2290 HVUT with the IRS. You will select from various providers where you can file online for as low as $19 (this is for the filing only). The heavy vehicle use tax price is as followed:
If the gross taxable weight is from 55,000 to 75,000 pounds, the HVUT is $100, plus $22 per 1,000 pounds over 55,000 pounds. For over 75,000 pound vehicles, the maximum HVUT is $550 per year. The table below illustrates these categories.
Gross Taxable Weight
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Rates
Below 55,000 lbs
No tax
55,000-75,000 lbs
$100 plus $22 per 1,000
pounds over 55,000 lbs
Over 75,000 lbs
$550
For the IRS Filing website start here. It will take you to a webpage to select a provider to file IRS form 2290.
Click here to go directly to the webpage.
Finally, make sure you register your commercial vehicle with the DMV. An inspection will be required and you must take the vehicle to the DMV and get the registration there. Registration varies from $800 to as high as $1,600 for Apportion plates. (you do not need apportion plates for Intrastate operations)
End for Intrastate Authority
If YOU need Help with your intrastate Insurance quote give us a call at (917) 942-8755.
Trucking Insurance experts are ready to help you. Let Gold River Insurance know you are new and do not have a USDOT. They will help you out.
If you have any questions on how to get your state permit contact your local DMV they will be able to guide you
At the bottom of this blog you will find additional resources to further assist you in this process including drug and alcohol consortium guide and FMCSA chat contact information.
Interstate Authority
Interstate Authority allows you to cross state lines.
Items you need in order to obtain your MC( Motor Carrier) Authority.
This authority will allow you to cross state lines.
Item:
Cost (Approx.)
Business Structure Formation
(Page 6)
$14 – $300 (Depending on county and structure type)
MC Authority Endorsement (can be obtained with USDOT) (page 12)
$300
USDOT # (page 7)
$0 (Free)
STATE PERMIT
TXDMV# (TXDOT) (Page7)
$0 – 300
BOC-3 (page 18)
$35
UCR (page 17)
$62 first 2 vehicles
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Page 9)
$0 – $550 – See HVU Tax section
IFTA Sticker (over 26klbs) (page18)
$30-$50 per sticker
DOT Physical Exam
$75 – $125
Drug and Alcohol Consortium(over 26,000lbs) (page 19)
$59 – $79 (can be done after authority is obtained)
Combination Plates or IRP Apportion Plate (page 20)
$880-$1,600
Total Cost
$2,132 – $3,358.00
Interstate Authority / MC
1
USDOT/MC Authority:
An MC Authority is an additional endorsement (add on) that is attached to your USDOT. Your MC Authority allows you to cross state lines as a Motor Carrier or Freight broker.
You can get your MC authority at the same time you get the USDOT. Just make sure to select Interstate authority when you are asked what type of hauler you are. Click here to start the USDOT/MC process from the beginning.
Click here if you already have a USDOT and would like to add the MC Operating Authority.
and select: 
You will be asked for your USDOT Number, USDOT PIN, and EIN or Social Security.
If you do not know your pin. Head over to the FMCSA’s Safer site. You can also watch our video on “How To Get Your USDOT Pin Number”
Enter the required information. For a sole proprietor make sure you enter your first and last name under carrier name. It will ask you for a credit card to confirm your identity. Once done you will receive an email with your pin to the email you used to set up your USDOT.
One you receive your pin head back to the link on step 1A.
And select: 
You will be asked for your USDOT Number, USDOT PIN, and EIN or Social Security.
Select in section B your type of business. Most of your will choose Motor Carrier.
- C.—Select your State
- D—Type of operations – Most of you are “For-hire” (you get paid for delivery of other peoples goods)
- E—Select Interstate in order to obtain the MC authority. (If you want to learn about getting your Intrastate only then head back to Intrastate page 3.
- Hazardous Material Yes or No?
- G—If you do carry hazardous material select the type if not— skip
- H—Type of vehicle(s) you will be operating.
Select: 
The system will pick up that you need to file for the interstate for hire authority. The page lets you know that there will be a charge of $300 in order to get it.
You can scroll to the bottom and select: 
Note: Write down the registration tracking number and tracking identifier. In case you need the reference number for technical support. Technical support number is also on this page if you need it.
Next, you will be asked for the company official name and title. Select Continue when done.
You will be asked to confirm on the next page if the information is correct about your current USDOT. If so Select Yes. Scroll down and Select the Business Structure and Enter you’re the Owner (your) First and Last name
Select the one that applies to you:
The next section will determine the minimum liability limit required by FMCSA
Select:
This next section will remind you that you need to be in compliance with the items below:
- Has in place a system and an individual responsible for ensuring overall compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations;
- Can produce a copy of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations;
- Has in place a driver safety training/orientation program;
- Has prepared and maintains an accident register (49 CFR 390.15);
- Is familiar with DOT regulations governing driver qualifications and has in place a system for overseeing driver qualification requirements (49 CFR Part 391);
- Has in place policies and procedures consistent with DOT regulations governing driving and operational safety of motor vehicles, including drivers’ hours of service and vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance (49 CFR Parts 392, 395 and 396);
- Is familiar with and will have in place on the appropriate effective date, a system for complying with U.S. DOT regulations governing alcohol and controlled substances testing requirements (49 CFR 382 and 49 CFR Part 40).
Select:
The following section will ask you if you have been affiliated with any other USDOT. If so: list out who. This would mean that you some how owned a stock, member, or partner in another USDOT
Select:
Fill out the credit card information that you want to and select submit. You will be charged $300 and You will receive your MC number on the top left of the Screen. The one below is blacked out for privacy.
Congratulations!
You now have your MC.
We still need to get:
- UCR
- BOC-3
- IFTA (if over 26,000lbs)
- Drug and Alcohol Program (if not already completed)
- DOT Physical
- IRP
- Insurance
UCR - Interstate Operations
2
UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program is a Federally-mandated, annual state-administered registration program for interstate motor carriers. Anyone who does business on interstate commerce must apply.
Total Cost: 2018 Registration.
Select New Applicant. Enter your USDOT number and registration year.
Note: Remember that the UCR is due by 12/31 of each year. If you purchase 2017 registration in December 30th, you will need to purchase the 2018 renewal on December 31st. There are no refunds and you can not pro-rate the charge.
BOC-3 - Interstate Operations
A process agent is a representative upon whom court papers may be served in any proceeding brought against a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder. “FMCSA”
Because you are driving in several states. Should you get sued from any state other than your home state. The courts need to be able to get a hold of someone to serve your papers to. Your process agent will do that for you in 48 states.
Total Cost: $35 – $75
There are several process agents out there. Google “Boc-3 Process Agent” You will get several as low as $25 competing for your price. Call at least 3.
4
IFTA – International Fuel Tax Agreement
An agreement that helps distribute the gas tax accordingly to where you pumped and where you are driving actually using the gas in. See more here:
Total Cost: $35 – $50 (IFTA Stickers)
Total wait time: 3-4 weeks (that’s how long it takes to receive the decals)
For the state of Texas, here is the IFTA home page (see next page for application link)
For California here is the IFTA home page.
Select Register for an International Fuel Tax Agreement. Follow application.
For any other state google: IFTA application “your state”
Here is the download link for the Writeable PDF IFTA application for Texas.
You already have most of the questions to this application as they pertain to your USDOT and operations. Select the states you believe you will enter. This can always be updated and will be used to get your Apportion Plates. You must have IFTA prior to applying for your apportion plates with DMV.
Once completed— email over to: IFTATAX@cpa.texas.gov (Texas only)
They should contact you within 7 business days to confirm application and make a payment for the IFTA stickers.
Call the IFTA department up 1-2 hours after you email your application to make sure they received it. Call: 512-463-3678
IRP - International Registration
5
IRP – International Registration
Each state has their own process of processing IRP. (IRP is a easier way to register commercial vehicles that are crossing state lines and register with IFTA.)
This example will be for Texas and California
California:
Forms you will need to complete are:
California IRP Carrier Data (Schedule A/B-MC 2117 I) (Basic company info select state you will drive into)
California IRP Vehicle Data (Schedule C-MC 2118 i) (Vehicle information)
Call 916-657-7971 California IRP if you get lost. Email the applications to
IRP_Customer_Response
@dmv.ca.gov
Call them 1-2 hours after and check in to make sure they receive it.
Texas:
Once you have IFTA processed you can go to your local DMV and when registering they will set you up with your IRP account.
Once your application is set up you can request for changes or apply for your renewal here.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax must be paid prior to registering your vehicle. (page )
You will be doing this portion at the DMV but your IFTA and Heavy vehicle must be done prior to.
Drug and Alcohol Consortium Program
6
Drug and Alcohol Consortium Program
Intrastate and Interstate operations require that you enroll all drivers into an alcohol and drug consortium program. This is a pool where at any time any random driver can be called in for a drug test. (CDL drivers who operate of 26000 pounds)
Total Cost: $59 – $140 (check for additional drivers)
You can google “ drug and alcohol consortium program” a handful of companies will pop up.
The objective is to sign up with a consortium program and your pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Remember every employee and owner operating a vehicle must take a drug and alcohol test and be enrolled in the consortium program. Every hire must obtain a drug test and enrolled into the consortium program under your company.
7
Driver Medical/Physical
You must take a physical in order to determine that you are healthy enough to safely perform the demanding job of a commercial driver and keep our nations roads safer.
Check Here to see a medical examiner near you. [This link is currently broken: FMCSA is updating the page.]
Cost:$75-$125
You can google DOT Medical Exam near me. And/or try a few of the links below.
DOTPhysicalDoctor is a small search engine for DOT Exams near you.
CVS: ($109)
End for Interstate Authority (MC)
If you have any questions on how to get your state permit contact your local DMV they will be able to guide you. If you need help with the federal authority reach out to FMCSA or go online to obtain your USDOT at FMCSA website
Commercial Truck Insurance: HELP
Interstate Insurance prices vary from 8,997 – $17,500 for the year. Determined by commodities, experience and business location.
For a quick FREE Quote over the phone
Trucking Insurance experts are ready to help YOU.
Download your Free Trucking Permit Checklist & Price Guide
Resource to Help You
Truck Tips from TXDMV – Quick Infographic
New Entrant Guide Packet (Be Prepared for the USDOT Audit within 12 Months)
Driver Qualification Checklist (You will need this on file for each driver, you can edit this version and add your company logos)
Step by step guide for the online USDOT/MC Application process –(pictures included)
Texas Comptroller IFTA Application
Drug and Alcohol Testing FMCSA Weblink
FMCSA Customer Service (Chat available)
