Instantly verify any motor carrier's authority, insurance, and safety record by MC number or USDOT number — free, no sign-up required.
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What Is an MC Number?
An MC number (Motor Carrier number, also called a docket number) is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to carriers that transport regulated commodities for hire across state lines. It is the primary identifier used to verify a carrier's operating authority in the United States.
Any for-hire motor carrier operating in interstate commerce must have an active MC number. Brokers, shippers, and logistics companies use MC numbers to verify that a carrier is legally authorized before booking a load.
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MC number vs USDOT number: All commercial carriers in interstate commerce need a USDOT number. Only carriers transporting regulated commodities for hire across state lines also need an MC number. Both can be searched on CarrierCheck.
How to Look Up an MC Number
1
Get the MC Number from the Carrier
Ask the carrier for their MC number. It is typically formatted as "MC-123456" or just the digits. You can also ask for their USDOT number — both work.
2
Enter It in the Search Box Above
Select "MC Number" from the dropdown, enter the number (digits only), and click Look Up. Results appear in under 2 seconds from the FMCSA database.
3
Check the Four Critical Fields
Authority status must show Active. Insurance must show no pending cancellation. Authority age should be 6+ months. Contact info should match what the carrier provided you.
What an MC Number Lookup Shows
CarrierCheck pulls the carrier's complete FMCSA record when you search by MC number. Here's what you'll see:
Authority Status
Active, Inactive, or None — must be Active to haul legally
Authority Age
How long the MC number has been active — under 6 months is higher risk
Insurance Coverage
BI&PD amount, cargo insurance, and any pending cancellations
FMCSA Safety Rating
Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory
Inspection History
Driver and vehicle out-of-service rates vs national averages
Fleet Size
Number of trucks, trailers, and drivers on file
Contact Information
Phone, address, and email on file with FMCSA
Cargo Types
What types of freight this carrier is authorized to haul
Look Up an MC Number Now
Free FMCSA data · No account needed · Results in seconds
An MC number (Motor Carrier number) is a unique identifier issued by the FMCSA to carriers that transport regulated commodities for hire in interstate commerce. It is required for all for-hire carriers operating across state lines and is used to verify operating authority.
Is MC number lookup free?
Yes. CarrierCheck is completely free to use. Enter any MC number or USDOT number and get the carrier's full FMCSA record instantly — no account, no subscription, no payment required.
What's the difference between an MC number and a USDOT number?
A USDOT number is assigned to all commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce — including private carriers. An MC number is specifically required for carriers that transport regulated commodities for hire across state lines. Both can be searched on CarrierCheck.
What does it mean if a carrier's MC number shows inactive?
An inactive MC number means the carrier's operating authority has been revoked, surrendered, or suspended. They are not legally permitted to haul freight for hire in interstate commerce. Never book a load with a carrier showing inactive or no authority.
Can I search by company name instead of MC number?
CarrierCheck currently searches by USDOT number, MC number, or email address. Company name searches are not supported because multiple carriers often share similar names, making results unreliable. Always get the MC number or USDOT number directly from the carrier before searching.
How current is the MC number data?
CarrierCheck 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.