MC number (Motor Carrier number)

An MC number is the operating authority registration number FMCSA issues to motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders authorized to operate in interstate commerce.

MC numbers follow the format MC-######. The MC number ties to a specific authority type (motor carrier of property, motor carrier of household goods, broker, freight forwarder). A single entity can hold multiple MC numbers for different authority types.

MC numbers are public and searchable through FMCSA SAFER. The MC number on a carrier's rate confirmation should match the active operating authority in SAFER; mismatches are a fraud indicator and a documentation gap.

Why this matters for freight brokers

Booking under a wrong or inactive MC number is a litigation exhibit. Capture the MC number on the rate confirmation and verify against SAFER at booking.

Related terms

• FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) — FMCSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that regulates motor carriers, freight brokers, and freight forwarders operating in interstate commerce.
• DOT number — A DOT number is the unique identifier assigned by USDOT to companies operating commercial vehicles in interstate commerce, used to track safety information.
• SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records) — SAFER is the FMCSA public-facing carrier lookup system that displays motor carrier registration, operating authority status, insurance, and safety rating.
• OP-1(P) — OP-1(P) is the FMCSA application form a freight broker files to obtain property broker operating authority.

Sources

• FMCSA broker registration