What is an authority in trucking?

An authority in trucking is federal permission to operate a trucking company. To make sure that not just anyone can start their own trucking company, the federal government - via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) - issues operating authorities to approved truck drivers and their companies. This operating authority comes in the form of a Motor Carrier (MC) number, and it's recognized in all U.S. states as well as Canada. To obtain operating authority, truck drivers have to file proof of insurance, pay their Heavy Use Vehicle Tax (HUVT), sign up for a drug and alcohol testing program, and file for a number of other permits. All of this is intended to make sure that the trucking companies approved to carry freight around the country will do so safely and will pay all of their taxes. For drivers and trucking companies, having an operating authority allows them to hire employees and find their own freight.