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Interstate or Intrastate Operating Authority

Are you planning to embark on a new trucking company? Have you decided what and where you want to haul? If so, that’s great. Now you need to get appropriate licensing and registration before start hauling your first load. However, most trucking business owners often get confused between trucking regulations i.e., Interstate Operating Authority and Intrastate Operating Authority. In this blog, we are going to steer clear of your doubts.

Interstate Operating Authority

Interstate operating authority is required by those companies that haul loads across state or national borders or haul someone else’s property for a profit. However, if your company runs under these two criteria, you still may or may not need to get interstate operating authority due to some exceptions. For instance, if you haul your own property across state borders, then you probably don’t require interstate operating authority.

Intrastate Operating Authority

On the other hand, companies that prefer to haul only in one state are more likely to require intrastate operating authority. Such companies still need proper registration, such as a DOT Number, which you can get with the help of Global Multi Services.

Though some companies make a profit while running intrastate, you could be missing out on lucrative opportunities with huge loads that go through multiple states.

Difference Between Operating Authority and DOT Number

A DOT Number is like your driver’s license number while operating authority or MC Number is an extra registration step to run your business in more than one state. We have thoroughly covered the difference between a DOT Number and an MC Number in this blog post.

How You Can Get Started

Getting an operating authority requires a lot of paperwork, which further needs time and attention to detail. The experts at Global Multi Services can help you register for the operating authority that suits the best to your trucking business. If you want to get in-depth information about how we can add value, feel free to approach us at +1 (209) 982-9996.


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Dot Number and Motor Carrier (MC) Numbers are prerequisites to starting your own trucking company. However, most people find these two regulations too complex to understand. They are unable to figure out if their company needs one, both, or none as getting something that we don’t need can waste our money. If you’re also trying to determine what you really need, you need to follow these general rules:

  • For interstate commerce, you need both the DOT Number and the MC Number.
  • For intrastate commerce, you need only a DOT Number.
  • To haul your own property or construction equipment, you need only a DOT Number.
  • To haul someone else’s property while working for hire, you need DOT as well as MC Number.

What is a DOT Number?

A DOT Number serves as a driver’s license for your trucking company. It is often used to verify that you’re commercially using a vehicle to haul your own products or move equipment with a qualified CMV.

What is an MC Number?

MC Number or operating authority is required if you are planning to work-for-hire in interstate commerce or haul hazardous products.

The MC Number is more expensive as compared to the DOT Number.

There are various types of trucking authority, including:
  • Motor Carrier of Household Goods
  • Motor Carrier of Property
  • Broker of Household Goods
  • Broker of Property

Since FMSCA doesn’t offer refunds in case you apply for the wrong authority type, it may cost you a lot. So, you must consult with experts to figure out the kind of authority you require.

Final Words

Not knowing the differences between DOT and MC can trouble your trucking company. A plethora of rules and exceptions make it hard for owners to determine whether to get a USDOT Number, an MC Number, or both.

If you want to get rid of your doubts and get these numbers, approach the experts of Global Multi Services. We can help you get what your business needs and save your money significantly.