OP-1(P)

OP-1(P) is the FMCSA application form a freight broker files to obtain property broker operating authority.

OP-1(P) is filed online through the FMCSA Unified Registration System. Application fee is $300 as of 2026. After the form is processed, FMCSA assigns a docket number. Authority activates once the BMC-84/BMC-85 financial filing and BOC-3 process-agent designation are also on file.

There are variants: OP-1 (motor carrier), OP-1(MX) (Mexican motor carrier), OP-1(P) (property broker), OP-1(FF) (freight forwarder).

Why this matters for freight brokers

OP-1(P) is the first step in becoming a legal broker. Until the application is processed and the bond and process-agent filings are in place, the broker is not authorized to arrange interstate freight.

Related terms

• BMC-84 — BMC-84 is the surety-bond form a freight broker files with FMCSA to satisfy the $75,000 federal financial responsibility requirement.
• BMC-85 — BMC-85 is the trust-fund alternative to the BMC-84 surety bond for satisfying the $75,000 federal financial responsibility requirement for freight brokers.
• BOC-3 — BOC-3 is the FMCSA form on which a freight broker designates a process agent in every state where the broker arranges shipments.
• 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.
• 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.

Sources

• FMCSA Unified Registration System