The agent acts as your BOC-3 blanket process agent in each jurisdiction in which you operate. Before a BOC-3 can be filed, you must first designate a service of process agent, also known as an “FMCSA agent”, who resides in all states where you do business. Remember to research and select qualified process agents, obtain the latest version of the BOC-3 form, and accurately complete and file the form with the FMCSA. Keep your filing information current and promptly notify the FMCSA of any changes to your process agents. If you live in the state where you are filing and can arrange to be available during regular business hours to accept legal papers, then it is possible for you to act as your own process agent.
There are some exceptions as to who is required to file for a BOC-3, but these apply only to specific business structures and operations. Most commonly, the FMCSA will typically mail you the Operating Authority documents three to four days after receiving the completed BOC-3 form. Typically, these names are the names of companies, but they can also be the names of individuals, depending on how you plan to operate. The BOC-3 is a requirement for everyone in the transportation industry.
What is a BOC-3 filing for transportation companies?
Failure to do so may result in non-compliance and potential legal consequences. How much it costs to file your BOC-3 depends on the processing agent. If you choose to get your motor carrier authority through Motor Carrier HQ, we’ll take care of the BOC-3 as part of our trucking authority package. If you are a motor carrier, only a BOC-3 designation of process agent can file for you, and it must be filed online.
Do You Need to Refile the BOC-3 Form?
You cannot file your own BOC-3 if you are a motor carrier hauling loads in interstate commerce. Starting your own trucking company begins with filing official documents. Once your trucking company is operating you regularly need to renew those documents to stay compliant. We even include an Apex trusted partner we recommend for your BOC-3 filing needs. Contact the FMCSA if more than 10 business days have elapsed since you applied and still haven’t received your operating authority document.
What Is a BOC-3 For & Who Needs to File It?
The Blanket of Coverage (BOC) filing is a designated process to assign a process agent to a trucking authority. The form will essentially show who is responsible for the trucking authority’s legal documents. The BOC-3 Process Agent, or FMCSA agent, is a business or individual that you appoint to receive any legal documents on your behalf, such as legal summons or complaints. If you plan to operate your trucking business in more than one state, you must have a BOC-3 agent in every state that you plan to operate in. The only exception is a broker or freight forwarder without commercial vehicles, who may be eligible to self-file. Ready to streamline your BOC-3 filing process and ensure compliance with legal requirements in the transportation industry?
- And, you cannot file for yourself if you are planning on driving a truck for your company.
- Ensure the process agent is registered and familiar with each state’s requirements.
- BOC-3 filing is required for all trucking authorities including motor carriers, freight forwarders, and freight brokers.
- BOC-3 only needs to be refiled if there’s a change in your designated process agent(s).
A completed BOC-3 form should include information on all states for which agency designations are needed, and it’s imperative to keep a copy of the form at your registered business address at all times. You can input the names and addresses of those that are authorized to receive documents on your behalf in all 50 states. They also file hundreds of BOC-3 forms, so they know exactly what is necessary. You can switch to a new blanket company or agent at any time, but you must refile a new BOC-3 to make it official. Carriers cannot submit this form on their own, and only one completed form can be on file at a time. Filing multiple versions can result in delays or rejection of your application.
Do I need to file a BOC-3 form for each state individually?
Motor carriers are responsible for moving goods from one location to another using trucks or other motor vehicles. Whether they operate on a local or interstate level, motor carriers must file a BOC-3 form and designate a process agent in each state. This ensures they can be held accountable for any legal matters arising from their transportation services. If you’re a transportation company in the United States you must file a BOC-3 with the FMCSA before you’re permitted to legally operate. So, if you’re a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder and plan to conduct business across state lines you’ll need a designated process agent in every state.
Typically, an agent completes the BOC-3 filing for you, but we’ll talk more about that later. Using a single, reliable agent simplifies all the administrative tasks involved in running a trucking company. This is especially important for startups and owner-operators who may not have a dedicated back-office team. Dive deeper into our training with our Freight Broker Basics Course, designed for all freight broker business models and positions.
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- Additionally, you must provide the names and addresses of your designated process agents for each state.
- So, let’s start covering its definition, purpose, process, and frequently asked questions to ensure you understand this essential aspect of the trucking industry.
- This is a federal motor carrier safety measure designed to ensure legal accountability in interstate commerce.
- If you choose to get your motor carrier authority through Motor Carrier HQ, we’ll take care of the BOC-3 as part of our trucking authority package.
A BOC-3 form is a legal document that identifies the person or entity to whom legal papers can be delivered on behalf of an interstate trucking company. The filing fee can be as low as $25 whereas some operating state fees can be around $100. This is highly dependent on the number of states you operate in and the processing agency you choose. Depending on the processing agency that you choose, the cost of filing a BOC-3 Form can fluctuate. Additionally, some processing agencies provide discounted prices for trucking authorities that operate in fewer than five states.
Where to file the BOC-3 form?
This ensures legal compliance and accountability within the industry. All transportation companies, motor carriers, and freight forwarders are required to file a list of process agents with the FMCSA. Process agents must be able to receive legal papers at a verifiable address during business hours. Carriers should ensure they choose agents with a history of responsiveness and reliability. BOC-3 process agents are representatives authorized to receive government and legal documents on behalf of motor carriers hauling loads from state to state. When choosing the right process agent service company to represent your trucking company, make sure they are FMCSA-certified or your operating authority may be in jeopardy.
A BOC-3 form is a form you must fill in with the names and addresses of those authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of your business in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. While filling in a physical BOC-3 form is possible, most filing is now done online. The purpose of BOC-3 filing is to ensure accountability and legal compliance within the transportation industry. By designating a process agent in each state, businesses can be held accountable for any legal actions or obligations that may arise. This contributes to the overall integrity of the industry and ensures that businesses operate within the boundaries of the law.
The BOC-3 Process Agent
If you are a freight forwarder applicant without commercial vehicles, you may be allowed to file your own BOC-3 directly, though this is the exception. Our Mission is to provide services and resources that address our client’s unique needs. You can learn more about us online at and stay tuned with industry updates by following us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Ensuring all the information provided in the documents is accurate and current is crucial.
Not only do they help in BOC-3 filing, but they also aid in corresponding with the FMCSA (in case of delays). Hence, business owners do not have to worry about obtaining the operating authority because a process service agent does that for you. Each of these process agents must have their office in that particular state. You can also provide a blanket description, which means that one process agent will be available to the trucking business in all the states. Once you have selected your process agents, you must obtain the BOC-3 form. The FMCSA provides this form, which anyone can download from their official website.
Seek out a compliance partner and provider that offers more than the minimum, such as impeccable customer support and innovative tools to keep you on top of essential compliance obligations. BOC-3 agents charge anywhere from $20 to more than $100, depending on Faithful Finance the type of service you require. Trucking companies must comply with FMCSA regulations by filing a BOC-3; without it, they’re not authorized to operate. To work with us, simply click here, provide us with the carrier’s legal name, MC number, and DOT number (as applicable), add your BOC-3 filing order to your cart, and check out. FreightWaves Ratings reference a list of approved sources for use of research to support editorial research and drafting.