Motor Carrier Authority Letters & Certificates
A motor carrier authority letter is the official FMCSA document proving your legal right to
operate as a common carrier or contract carrier in interstate commerce. Also known as an MC
authority certificate or operating authority letter.
Motor Carrier Letters delivers your authority certificate directly from FMCSA records within
minutes. Used by trucking companies, shippers, brokers, attorneys, and lenders to verify an MC
number's operating status, grant dates, and authority type.
What is a Motor Carrier Authority Letter?
A motor carrier authority letter, also known as an MC authority certificate or operating
authority certificate, is a document that proves your company has been granted legal authority
to operate as a motor carrier in interstate commerce. Your certificate of authority includes
your MC number, company name, and the type of authority granted (common carrier, contract
carrier, broker, etc.) and for which type(s) of cargo (property, passengers, household goods).
Operating authority is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Types of Motor Carrier Authority
- Common Carrier Certificate — Authority to transport property for
compensation for the general public. This is the most common type of motor carrier authority.
- Contract Carrier Permit — Authority to transport property under contract
with specific customers rather than serving the general public.
- Freight Broker License — Authority to arrange transportation of property
by motor carrier for compensation, acting as an intermediary.
- Freight Forwarder License — Authority to consolidate and arrange
shipments for transportation by motor carriers.
Why You Need Your MC Authority Letter
- Proof of Legal Authority — Brokers, shippers, and customers need
verification that you're legally authorized to transport goods across state lines.
- Required for Load Booking — Most freight brokers and load boards require
a copy of your MC authority letter before they'll allow you to book loads or haul freight.
- DOT Compliance & Audits — During DOT inspections and compliance
reviews, you may be required to produce your original authority documentation.
When You Might Need Your Authority Letter
- You lost or misplaced your original authority certificate
- A broker or shipper is requesting proof of your operating authority
- You're registering with a new load board or freight matching service
- You need documentation for insurance purposes or bonding requirements
- You're preparing for a DOT audit or compliance review
- The mail is taking too long to send your original certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly will I receive my authority letter?
Most authority letters are delivered within minutes of your search. You can download them
immediately or receive them via email.
Will brokers and shippers accept this document?
Yes. It's fully accepted by brokers, shippers, and load boards, who can also independently
confirm your active authority through the FMCSA's SAFER Company Snapshot.
What if my authority letter isn't in your database?
We have nearly every motor carrier authority letter ever issued. When you search, you'll see
the documents we have available instantly for your MC number.
Search your MC number to find and purchase your authority letter.
Related guides: What Is an MC Authority Letter? |
MC Number vs. DOT Number