Where to get authority

Yes, you can use someones numbers if you lease on to them.

What is covered is up to the contract you sign.

 

If you make a dollar with that truck, you better have numbers on it

 

You have two options, either lease on with a motor carrier and run under their authority or get your own authority.

Leasing on is the simpler route, but for the simplicity you give a a bit of freedom and control. Companies like Landstar and Mercer are usually as close to having your own authority as you can get while still having a company do the back office and collection work.

If you want true independence then you need to apply for your own authority. It is a $300 one time application with the FMCSA, it will take your existing not for hire US DOT number and add for hire MC authority to it. At this point you will be a fully independent trucking company capable of booking your own loads direcrly with shippers and brokers, no other company required.
Getting Started with Registration
Of course, you will also be responsible for completw safety, management controls, insurance and everything else a motor carrier does.

 

FMCSA.dot.gov. just follow instructions, costs 300.00 and you have to have your insurance liability and cargo on file for 14 days and it will be approved. Join OOIDA for 45.00 and they will file your process agents paperwork for free. 750,000.00 liability insurance required or 1 million lisbility if you haul any hazmat or vehicles.no reason to pay service, you can do it all on the computer. The following day your phone will ring from people who see your application published in Federal Register and they will all want to sell you their services for IFTA, IRP prorate, insurance, drug test consortium, and on and on.