One of the most critical checks before booking a load is verifying that the carrier has active operating authority. A carrier can have a USDOT number, trucks on the road, and a professional website — and still be operating illegally without active authority.
Use CarrierCheck to instantly check any carrier's authority status. Enter their DOT or MC number and the authority status is shown prominently at the top of the results.
What Is Operating Authority?
Operating authority (officially called "Operating Authority to Transport Property") is the FMCSA-issued permission that allows a carrier to transport goods for compensation across state lines. It is separate from a USDOT number and is identified by an MC (Motor Carrier) number.
Without active authority, a carrier is not legally permitted to haul freight for hire in interstate commerce — even if they have trucks, drivers, and insurance.
Types of Operating Authority
- Common Authority — allows the carrier to transport freight for the general public for hire. This is the most common type.
- Contract Authority — allows transportation under contract with specific shippers.
- Broker Authority — allows acting as a freight broker, arranging transportation between shippers and carriers.
Understanding Authority Status
Carrier is legally authorized to haul
The carrier has been granted authority by FMCSA and it is currently in good standing. Safe to proceed with normal vetting.
Authority has been revoked or surrendered
The carrier previously had authority but it has been taken away or given up. Do NOT book loads with an inactive carrier.
Carrier never obtained authority
The carrier either never applied for authority or their application was denied. They have no legal right to haul freight for hire.
What Is a Pending Revocation?
A pending revocation means FMCSA is in the process of taking away the carrier's authority. Even if the status still shows "Active," a pending revocation is a serious red flag. The authority could be fully revoked at any time.
Never book loads with a carrier that has a pending revocation. Even if their authority is still technically active, you risk having freight in transit when it gets revoked.
How to Check Authority Status — Step by Step
- Get the carrier's MC or DOT number — ask them directly. Any legitimate carrier will provide this without hesitation.
- Go to CarrierCheck or FMCSA SAFER — enter the number in the search field.
- Look at Common Authority status — it will show Active, Inactive, or None.
- Check for pending applications or revocations — look for any warning flags in the authority section.
- Note how long they've been active — carriers with authority under 6 months are higher risk.
Special Note on New Carriers
A carrier can have Active authority that was just granted last week. Technically they're authorized to operate, but they have zero safety track record. Many freight fraud schemes involve newly registered carriers with fresh authority. Always check the authority grant date and be extra cautious with carriers under 6 months old.
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Check Authority Status →Bottom Line
Checking authority status takes 30 seconds and should be non-negotiable before every new carrier booking. Active status with no pending revocations and a reasonable tenure (over 6 months) is the baseline. Anything less deserves extra scrutiny or an outright pass.