Do I Need a DOT Number and MC Authority… or Just One?
If you’re planning to go independent, one of the first things you’ll hear about is the DOT Number and MC Authority. But no one explains the difference in plain English.
Do you need both? Does one come first? What do they even mean?
Let’s break it down—real talk, no government jargon.
What’s a DOT Number?
You need a DOT Number if:
- You’re hauling loads for pay
- Your truck weighs over 10,000 lbs
- You’re operating in Texas or out of state
What’s MC Authority?
You need MC Authority if:
- You’re running your own show
- You want to cross state lines
- You’re not leased onto someone else
What’s the Difference?
- DOT = Your ID number
- MC = Your permission to get paid hauling freight for others
You usually apply for both at the same time if you’re starting your own business.
What If I’m Only Hauling in Texas?
The Bottom Line
Leased onto a carrier? → They cover it.
Running your own authority? → You need both.
Crossing state lines for freight? → You need both.
We’ll Get You Set Up, Fast
We file DOT and MC numbers for truckers every day. We also take care of your BOC-3, Drug & Alcohol enrollment, UCR, and more—so you stay on the road, not buried in paperwork.
Ready to roll?We’ll get your DOT and MC authority handled fast and done right.Call us or message us now.