MC Number Lookup: How to Verify if a Carrier is Active or Revoked

The Critical Importance of MC Number Verification

Every day, thousands of businesses entrust freight to motor carriers without verifying their operating authority – a gamble that can lead to cargo theft, damaged goods, or legal liability. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that over 25,000 motor carrier (MC) numbers are revoked annually, with inactive carriers contributing to 17% of freight disputes. For shippers, brokers, and logistics professionals, verifying a carrier's MC (Motor Carrier) number isn't just due diligence; it's a financial safeguard against catastrophic losses.

An MC number (officially "Motor Carrier Number") is a unique identifier issued by the FMCSA to carriers engaged in interstate commerce. Unlike a DOT number (required for all commercial vehicles), an MC number specifically authorizes carriers to transport regulated goods or passengers for compensation. Confusion between these identifiers leads to critical oversights: While all MC holders have DOT numbers, not all DOT-registered carriers have MC authority.

Read more: Top 5 Reasons Your MC Number Could Get Revoked (and How to Fix It)

How to Perform an MC Number Lookup

Verifying an MC number takes less than two minutes through the FMCSA's SAFER System:

1. Navigate to the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance website
2. Select "Carrier Search" under the SAFER System menu
3. Enter the MC number (e.g., "MC-123456") in the designated field
4. Click "Search" to display the carrier's operating status

Critical status indicators to check:

• ACTIVE: Valid operating authority with current insurance
• INACTIVE: Authority suspended for insurance lapse (carrier cannot legally operate)
• REVOKED: Permanent termination of authority for violations
• OUT-OF-SERVICE: Immediate suspension for imminent safety hazards

Always cross-verify that the legal name and address match the carrier's documentation.

Interpreting MC Lookup Results

A valid active MC number report will show:

• Operating Status: Confirmation of "Active" authority
• Insurance Status: Current liability coverage meeting FMCSA minimums ($750k for general freight)
• Inspection History: Crash and violation data via CSA scores
• Authority Type: Specifies commodities authorized (e.g., household goods, hazardous materials)

Red flags indicating risk:

• "Not Authorized" status under Interstate Authority
• Insurance filings older than 90 days
• "Revoked" or "Inactive" in Operating Status History
• Mismatched business names or addresses

Why MC Verification Matters Legally

Brokers face up to $10,000 in penalties per load for using unlicensed carriers under 49 U.S.C. § 13904. Shippers lose cargo claim rights when carriers operate without active MC authority. In a 2023 California case (TransLogistics v. Coastal Freight), a broker was held liable for $187,000 in stolen goods after failing to verify the carrier's revoked MC number.

Regular MC checks protect against:

• Cargo theft: Uninsured carriers leave no recourse for losses
• Legal liability: Vicarious responsibility for unlicensed carrier accidents
• Reputation damage: Association with non-compliant carriers
• Freight fraud: "Double-brokering" schemes using inactive MC numbers

FAQs About MC Numbers

What's the difference between an MC number and a DOT number?

A DOT number registers a carrier for safety compliance. An MC number authorizes transporting regulated goods for compensation. Trucking companies need both for interstate hauling.

Do private fleets need an MC number?

Private carriers moving their goods (e.g., retail company fleets) generally only need DOT numbers. MC authority is required if you transport others' goods for pay.

Can I buy an existing MC number?

No. MC numbers are non-transferable per 49 CFR §365.109. "MC numbers for sale" offers are scams. New owners must apply for fresh authority.

How long does MC number approval take?

Processing takes 4-6 weeks after submitting Form OP-1 and proof of insurance. Expedited 7-day approval costs $300 via FMCSA's Priority Program.

When do I need an MC number?

You need MC authority if you:

• Haul regulated commodities across state lines for compensation
• Transport passengers interstate
• Arrange freight transportation as a broker

How often should I verify MC numbers?

Check every carrier:

• Before the initial contract
• Quarterly for recurring partners
• Immediately after any safety incident

Can carriers operate with "pending" MC status?

No. Operating before MC approval can trigger $15,000 daily fines. Carriers must wait for "Active" status.

Conclusion

Verifying a carrier’s MC number is a critical step for shippers, brokers, and logistics professionals to ensure compliance and protect against financial and legal risks. By using the FMCSA’s SAFER System, you can quickly confirm a carrier’s operating status, insurance, and authority type. Regular MC checks help prevent cargo theft, legal liabilities, and freight fraud, safeguarding your business’s reputation and bottom line.

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