Verify Operating Authority
Drivers, shippers, and brokers use our free tool to verify that a carrier has active operating authority before signing on or tendering freight.
Is This Carrier Legit?
Active operating authority is legally required for most for-hire transportation. Our tool immediately connects to the FMCSA database to read the carrier's registration status, ensuring your business does not unknowingly contract with inactive or penalized carriers.
Why Operating Authority Matters
Operating authority is the foundation of a carrier's legal right to transport goods or passengers for hire. The FMCSA grants this authority through the Unified Registration System, and carriers must maintain it by meeting ongoing requirements including minimum insurance levels, process agent designations, and timely biennial updates.
When a carrier's authority lapses or is revoked, they are legally prohibited from hauling freight for compensation. Despite this, some carriers continue to operate without valid authority — putting shippers, brokers, and the general public at risk.
Why you should always verify
- Insurance coverage may be void if a carrier operates without authority
- Cargo claims become extremely difficult to recover
- Shippers and brokers face joint liability for using unauthorized carriers
- Fraud risk increases — unauthorized carriers are more likely to be double-brokering loads
Understanding Status Codes
The FMCSA Census database assigns a status code to every registered carrier. Here is what each code means:
A — Active
The carrier holds valid authority and is authorized to operate. Safe to do business with (pending safety review).
I — Inactive
The carrier's authority has lapsed, been revoked, or was voluntarily surrendered. Do not tender freight.
An active status does not guarantee safety — it only confirms the carrier has met the minimum registration requirements. Always combine authority verification with a safety score check before booking loads.
How to Keep Your Own Authority Active
If you are a carrier, maintaining active authority requires ongoing attention to several compliance areas:
- File your MCS-150 biennial update on time. The FMCSA deactivates carriers who miss their filing window. Read our MCS-150 guide for deadlines.
- Maintain required insurance minimums. Your insurer files proof of coverage (Form BMC-91) directly with the FMCSA.
- Keep your driver qualification files current. Expired medical cards, lapsed MVRs, and missing drug test records can trigger compliance actions. See our DQF checklist.
- Respond promptly to FMCSA notices. Ignoring warning letters or compliance orders accelerates enforcement timelines.
Related Tools
DOT Number Lookup
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Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is operating authority?
- Operating authority (also called MC authority) is the legal permission granted by the FMCSA for a motor carrier to transport passengers or cargo for hire in interstate commerce. Without active operating authority, a carrier cannot legally haul freight across state lines for compensation.
- How do I check if a carrier has active authority?
- Enter the carrier's USDOT number in the search box above. Our tool queries the FMCSA Census database in real time and returns the carrier's status code. An "A" or "ACTIVE" status means the carrier is authorized to operate. Any other status (such as "I" for Inactive) means the carrier should not be hauling freight.
- What happens if a carrier operates without authority?
- Operating without active authority is a federal violation. Penalties include fines of up to $16,000 per violation, impoundment of the vehicle, and potential criminal charges for repeated offenses. Shippers and brokers who knowingly use unauthorized carriers also face liability.
- Why would a carrier's authority become inactive?
- Operating authority can become inactive for several reasons: failure to file the MCS-150 biennial update, failure to maintain required insurance minimums, voluntary revocation by the carrier, or FMCSA enforcement action due to safety violations. Carriers must maintain continuous compliance to keep their authority active.
- Should I verify authority before hiring a carrier?
- Yes. Verifying operating authority is a critical step in carrier vetting. Shippers and brokers have a legal obligation to ensure the carriers they hire are properly authorized. Using an unauthorized carrier can void insurance coverage and expose you to significant liability in the event of an accident or cargo loss.
- What is the difference between operating authority and a DOT number?
- A USDOT number is a unique identifier for safety tracking and is required for all commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. Operating authority (MC number) is separate and specifically grants permission to transport freight or passengers for hire. A carrier can have a DOT number without operating authority if they only haul their own goods (private carrier).