Confused about DOT and MC number...

I'm looking at leasing on to a one of a few companies but they all require me to have my own DOT number. That is fine, I will get that done. Now... Since I will be going through the process of obtaining a DOT number and my own insurance I want to be able to pickup loads from the load boards. Do I need an MC number for that? I want to get everything done and over with in one application. So basically my question is, do I need an MC number to pickup from load boards? Thanks guys

 

If you are leasing on to someone you do not use your own MC number. Having your MC number means that you are a motor carrier and you have Federal Authority.

When you lease on to someone they are the motor carrier, and you are working under their Federal Authority.

If you want to be independent and get loads from load boards you have to have your own MC number and Authority.

If you are leased onto someone, then all of your loads have to go through them. There are some situations like mag carriers, that if you lease on to them and work through their Authority you can book whatever loads you are interested in. You pay them a percentage to be able to work under their Authority and for whatever office work they do for you.

There are other situations where when you lease on to a company you only work for them and you only pull their Freight, like say the local Container company. You also work for them on a percentage.

You get 100% with your own authority and MC number and if you have the freight you can lease people on under you.

For a DOT number you do not need Motor Carrier Authority.

 

Also, if you are leasing on to someone the only insurance that you really need is bobtail insurance and whatever occupational or workman's comp your state or that company requires.

Your own authority and MC number requires the big money insurance.

 

Yes.

The first question a broker is going to ask is what is your MC#. You won’t get to 1st base without it.

Setting that aside for a moment, some load boards won’t even let you sign up without handing over your MC and insurance info

 

Why do you need your own DOT if you are leasing on. When you lease on, you use the company’s DOT number. Registrant only DOT numbers are ancient history now.

 

Some are requiring a DOT# to insure independent contractor status.

 

miss classification of owners operators; a couple of states are trying to make all owner operators out to be employees to chase the unemployment and such taxes not collected form 1099 drivers who are not really owner operators.

NJ [now in court] ignored any Owner Operator with a type 'S' corporation but the jury is still out on the rest.

Teamsters [Fred Potter] wants to organize the port drivers but 80%, or more, of the 8500 daily gate moves are 'owner operators' but he thinks if he can get Trenton to 'make' them employees; he's gonna get a whole bunch of new Teamsters...problem is the NJ politicians are smoking the same stuff.....

 

Exactly. I will need own DOT # and insurance to run under them and pull their loads. They mentioned s brokerage agreement. Thank you all for clarification

 

NJ is after the money as always. I have an S-corp and I sure dont want the state in my business.

When it comes to Teamsters I've heard a lot of complaints. Union dues are taken out but nothing ever gets done.

 

What is Operating Authority (MC number) and who needs it?