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FAQs
Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the difference between interstate and intrastate?
- What are the differences between a broker/common/contract/freight forwarder?
- What is a BOC-3?
- What is a process agent?
- What states require additional permits?
- When will I be able to use my authority?
- What do I need to do for my insurance?
- What is UCR?
Interstate is when cargo or passengers are transported across state lines. Intrastate is in cargo or passengers stay within a single state.
A broker is a person or company that arranges for the transportation of goods and requires a $10,000 bond. A common carrier is a company that transports property or passengers for the common public and requires cargo insurance. A contract carrier is a carrier that transports property on a contract basis with shippers and does not require cargo insurance. A freight forwarder is a company that purchases freight and then arranges for the transportation of that freight.
A BOC-3 is a form that designates an agent for process in the event legal papers are ever served. It is required for carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders prior to receiving their authority. You will need to keep a copy of the BOC-3 form in your office files.
A process agent is a representative upon whom court papers may be served in any proceeding brought against a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder.
Some states require additional permits based on your GVW. These states are Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon.
The FMCSA has a mandatory protest period that can last up to 20 days. Assuming your insurance has completed the required filings, your authority will be granted in about 20 days from the date it was issued. You are not able to use your authority until you receive the certificate either by mail or by using our expedited service.
You will need to provide your insurance with your MC number. Your insurance will then need to file the appropriate insurance forms with the FMCSA. The required forms will differ for different types of authorities. They are BMC-91 or BMC-91x for liability, BMC-34 for cargo, BMC-84 for a surety bond, and BMC-85 for a trust fund bond.
The UCR Agreement is established by federal law in the UCR Act, which is part of the federal highway reauthorization bill known as the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, A Legacy for Users ("SAFETEA-LU"), Public Law 109-59, enacted August 10, 2005. The registration for UCR began in September of 2007 and is required of all motor carriers, private motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies that will conduct any interstate operations. Most states will impose fines or withhold renewals and new account applications for those that are not current with their UCR.
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