Operating authority
FMCSA permission that defines what kind of freight or passengers a carrier may transport for hire — common, contract or broker authority.
Operating authority is the FMCSA's grant of permission for a company to operate for hire. It comes in types — common carrier, contract carrier, and broker authority — each tied to a docket (MC) number.
Active authority is a core signal of a legitimate, insurable, bookable carrier. Fraktix surfaces authority status (active / none) on every US carrier profile, joined from FMCSA licensing data.
Related terms
MC number
An FMCSA 'motor carrier' operating-authority number that shows a carrier is authorized to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines.
BIPD insurance
Bodily Injury and Property Damage liability insurance a for-hire carrier must keep on file with the FMCSA to maintain active operating authority.
Out-of-service (OOS)
An FMCSA order barring a carrier, driver or vehicle from operating until a serious safety or compliance problem is resolved.