An MC number is the docket number FMCSA issues to for-hire motor carriers and brokers along with their operating authority. Enter one to see whose it is and the FMCSA record behind it: authority status, insurance on file, inspections, crashes, safety against peer carriers, the fleet, and where the carrier runs.
MC numbers, explained
What is an MC number?
An MC number, also called operating authority or a docket number, is FMCSA's grant of permission to operate for hire. It reflects what a company is allowed to do and with what. The USDOT number, by contrast, identifies the company and tracks its safety record across inspections and crashes.
Who needs an MC number, and who doesn't?
You need operating authority if you haul federally regulated freight or passengers for compensation across state lines, or if you arrange that transport as a broker or freight forwarder.
You don't need it if you're a private carrier hauling your own goods, you haul only exempt commodities, or you operate purely within one state. Plenty of legitimate carriers have a USDOT number and no MC number.
What do MC, FF, and MX mean?
Operating-authority numbers carry one of three prefixes: MC for motor carriers and brokers, FF for freight forwarders, and MX for carriers domiciled in Mexico. More in USDOT vs MC number.
MC number vs USDOT number
The USDOT number identifies the carrier and can't be transferred; the MC number is for-hire authority and can be. For the full breakdown, see USDOT number vs MC number, or run a free DOT number lookup.
Is FMCSA getting rid of MC numbers?
Not yet. In May 2026 FMCSA moved registration to Motus. The USDOT number is the identifier; MC numbers remain on existing records and on load boards. More in USDOT vs MC, and what Motus changes.
What you see when you look up an MC number here
Because an MC number maps to one carrier's USDOT record, fleetfax resolves it and pulls the whole file: authority status, insurance filings, peer-relative safety, the inspection and crash record, the observed fleet, an operating map, and named risk flags. Enter a number above to run one. New to the terms? The carrier vetting glossary defines every field on the report.
Sources
- FMCSA, What is Operating Authority (MC number) and who needs it?
- FMCSA Licensing & Insurance (MC/FF/MX prefixes).
- Federal Register, Availability of Motus (Apr 29, 2026).
fleetfax reads public FMCSA data and is not affiliated with FMCSA or the U.S. Department of Transportation.
