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Free MC Number Check

Verify any carrier's MC number, authority status, and insurance coverage in seconds — before you book the load. No sign-up required.

FMCSA database · Updated daily · 4.4M+ carriers

What Does an MC Number Check Tell You?

An MC number check pulls the carrier's complete record from the FMCSA database. It tells you whether a carrier is legally authorized to haul freight, whether their insurance is active, and whether their safety history raises any concerns. These are the five things every broker and shipper should verify before tendering a load:

Authority Status
Active or Inactive — must be Active to haul legally for hire
Authority Age
How long the MC has been active — under 6 months is high risk
Insurance on File
BI&PD and cargo coverage amounts, insurer name, and policy status
Pending Cancellations
Active insurance cancellation filings — coverage may lapse mid-shipment
Safety Rating
Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory — from FMCSA reviews
Inspection History
Driver and vehicle OOS rates vs national averages

5 Red Flags to Look for When Checking an MC Number

Not all active MC numbers are safe to book. Here's what to watch for in a carrier's FMCSA record before you tender a load:

Inactive or Revoked Authority

The single hardest stop. If authority status is anything other than Active, the carrier cannot legally haul freight for hire. Do not book — period.

Pending Insurance Cancellation

FMCSA shows active cancellation filings before they take effect. A pending cancel means coverage could lapse while your freight is in transit. This is a hard no.

Authority Granted Less Than 6 Months Ago

New carrier authorities are statistically higher-risk. Less than 6 months of operating history means limited vetting data. Use with extreme caution on high-value loads.

Unsatisfactory Safety Rating

An Unsatisfactory rating is FMCSA's lowest and is issued after a compliance review. Many shippers' contracts prohibit using carriers with this rating.

High Out-of-Service Rates

Driver OOS rates above 5.5% or vehicle OOS rates above 20.7% (national averages) indicate persistent compliance issues. Compare the carrier's rates on their CarrierChk profile.

Double-brokering warning: If a carrier's MC number doesn't match what was on their rate confirmation, or their FMCSA contact details don't match what you have on file, stop the load. These are signs of potential identity fraud or double brokering.

How to Check an MC Number — Step by Step

1

Get the MC Number Directly from the Carrier

Ask for the MC number or USDOT number directly. Don't rely on what's in a load board profile — verify from the carrier's own documentation or dispatch email.

2

Enter It Above and Click Check

Select "MC Number" from the dropdown, enter the digits only (no "MC-" prefix needed), and click Check. Results load in under 2 seconds.

3

Confirm Authority Is Active

Authority status must show Active. If it shows Inactive, revoked, or pending revocation — stop here. Don't book regardless of what the carrier tells you.

4

Check for Pending Insurance Cancellations

Look for any red alerts about pending insurance cancellations. If one exists, verify the effective date — your load may still be at risk even if coverage shows active today.

5

Cross-Check Contact Info

Compare the phone number, address, and company name on FMCSA against what the carrier gave you. A mismatch is a red flag for fraud or identity theft.

Check an MC Number Now

Free FMCSA data · No account needed · Results in seconds

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MC Number Check — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if an MC number is valid?
Enter the MC number at CarrierChk.com — select "MC Number" from the dropdown and click Search. A valid, active MC number will show "Active" authority status. If it returns "Inactive" or "Not Found," the carrier does not have current operating authority.
Can I check an MC number for free?
Yes. CarrierChk is completely free. Enter any MC number or USDOT number and get the carrier's full FMCSA record instantly — authority status, insurance, safety rating, and inspection history. No account or payment required.
What does an MC number check tell you?
An MC number check reveals the carrier's authority status (Active or Inactive), how long they have held operating authority, their insurance coverage and any pending cancellations, their FMCSA safety rating, out-of-service rates, fleet size, and contact information on file with FMCSA.
What are red flags when checking an MC number?
Key red flags: inactive or revoked authority, pending insurance cancellation, authority granted less than 6 months ago, an Unsatisfactory FMCSA safety rating, and out-of-service rates well above national averages. Any one of these warrants extra scrutiny or avoiding the carrier entirely.
Is an MC number the same as operating authority?
An MC number is the identifier; operating authority is the status tied to it. A carrier can have an MC number that is inactive — meaning the number exists but the carrier is not currently authorized to haul freight for hire. Always verify the status shows "Active," not just that the number exists.
How often is the MC number data updated?
CarrierChk syncs with the FMCSA database daily. Authority status, insurance, and safety data are updated every 24 hours — the same frequency as the official FMCSA SAFER system.

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