The direct cost to obtain your Motor Carrier (MC) number is $300.
Understanding the Cost of an MC Number
To legally operate as a for-hire carrier transporting regulated commodities or passengers across state lines, you are required to obtain operating authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This authority is identified by your unique Motor Carrier (MC) number.
The FMCSA charges a $300 fee to file the necessary paperwork and issue your operating authority. This single fee comprehensively covers the issuance of both your:
- Motor Carrier (MC) Number: Essential for businesses engaged in interstate for-hire transportation of regulated commodities or passengers.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) Number: A unique identifier assigned to commercial motor vehicle carriers by the FMCSA, required for all commercial vehicles over a certain weight or carrying specific passenger counts, regardless of interstate or intrastate operation.
This means that the $300 payment to the FMCSA covers the official federal filing and issuance of these crucial identification numbers, which are foundational to obtaining your trucking authority.
Breakdown of the Direct Cost
Here's a clear breakdown of the direct federal cost for your MC number and related authority:
| Item | Cost | Covered By |
|---|---|---|
| FMCSA Operating Authority Filing | $300 | Includes MC Number & DOT Number Issuance |
| Total Direct Federal Cost | $300 | For MC and DOT numbers, and authority issuance |
This $300 fee is the specific federal charge for acquiring your MC and DOT numbers as part of your operating authority. While establishing a trucking business involves other financial considerations (such as insurance premiums, state permits, and equipment costs), the $300 is the direct cost associated with filing the paperwork to receive your federal MC and DOT numbers from the FMCSA.
