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.

Understanding the Purpose of BOC-3 Filing

• One such requirement that trucking companies must fulfill is BOC-3 or the Blanket of Coverage; if you need to familiarize yourself with this term or are unsure about its implications, worry not!
• For instance, maybe they’ll only have a one-time fee or they could charge one per additional document.
• Failing to file a BOC-3 form in these instances can result in delays or even the denial of operating authority.
• Now that we have covered the basics of BOC-3 filings let’s discuss why they are important.

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 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.

In conclusion, BOC-3 filing is a crucial requirement for businesses operating in the transportation industry. The BOC-3 filing is part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)-required process of starting a trucking company and getting active operating authority. Additionally, the BOC-3 filing allows motor carriers to find trusted process agents to receive government papers on their behalf if any legal action against the trucking company. A BOC-3, meaning “Blanket of Coverage,” is a required federal filing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It designates a process agent in each state where your company operates. Without it, the FMCSA will not issue your operating authority documents for your motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder business.

What happens if my process agent changes?

Learn at your pace and sharpen your skills to source more leads and move more freight. We know that Form BOC-3 is a required step that you need to take care of when starting a freight brokerage, and now you know how easy it really is to accomplish this step. If this blog helped out you, share it with someone else that you think could benefit from it. TruckingHQ is here to help transportation companies navigate regulation, compliance, and back office paperwork. It is required to submit the BOC-3 form within 90 days from the date the Operating Authority application was published in the FMCSA Register. Failing to meet this deadline will lead to the dismissal of the Operating Authority application and forfeiture of the application fee.

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• They facilitate the transportation of goods by matching shippers with suitable carriers.
• We provide a fast and easy filing process here at Foley, so if you want to simply enter your details and sit back and relax, we’re here to help.
• It is required to submit the BOC-3 form within 90 days from the date the Operating Authority application was published in the FMCSA Register.
• Each state where you operate must have its own designated agent, or you can appoint a blanket company with a blanket designation to cover all states.
• This has to be done before your MC Number becomes active or else your number will be dismissed.

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.

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.

What’s a BOC 3 Filing?

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.

What is a BOC-3 form?

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 Black Edge 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.

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.

How to Set Up a Trucking LLC

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?

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.

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.