If you are an intrastate motor carrier, meaning you only haul loads in one state, you do not need to file a BOC-3 form. A BOC-3 process agent, also known as an FMCSA agent, is an individual or business appointed by you to receive legal documents on your behalf. This means that should you receive a summons, complaint, or another form of legal communication; they will receive that information first.
- All trucking businesses must file a BOC-3 form with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- It is likely they will receive a lot of phone calls from companies saying they specialize in BOC-3s and other permits.
- If you want more help starting your company, get in touch with one of the coaches at Motor Carrier HQ.
- The process agent receives all legal documents on behalf of the trucking business and forwards them to the designated person.
- Hence, business owners do not have to worry about obtaining the operating authority because a process service agent does that for you.
FreightWaves Ratings reference a list of approved sources for use of research to support editorial research and drafting. BOC-3 forms do not need to be filed as part of your biennial updates. The filing of the Form BOC-3 is part of the process of acquiring your Operating Authority from the FMCSA. For information about how we use any personal information we collect for our own purposes, please review our Notice at Collection. The BOC-3 is a requirement for everyone in the transportation industry.
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. However, you can choose a blanket process agent that covers you in each state your business operates. It’s often much easier to have one person or company handle it than finding a different processing agent for each state. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to have a BOC 3 on file with the FMCSA in order to get your authority granted. A BOC Filing is also required in order to reinstate an MC or FF number that has been revoked.
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We can create a custom gameplan for your business, including helping you get your operating authority, pass the new entrant safety audit, and much more. The Form BOC-3 can indicate individual states where a motor carrier requires coverage, or blanket coverage if the carrier wishes to be represented in every state. Companies may select any blanket company on the process agent list (they are not limited to the state in which they are domiciled). Each blanket company has a process agent they work with in each state. 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. This website is not affiliated with the Unified Carrier Registration Plan.
How often do you have to file BOC-3?
It is essential to use the most up-to-date version of the form to avoid complications during the filing process. However, it is recommended that you get a processing agency for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The cost of doing so usually includes a filing fee, a fee for the number of states filed in, and an annual fee of a processing agency for your trucking authority.
The fee can be paid online using a credit card or electronic funds transfer. Be sure to keep a record of the payment confirmation for future reference. However, in some cases, you can have one agent that covers you in multiple states. Any adult person who resides or maintains an office in the state for which they are designated for.
Brokers and freight forwarders are required to appoint a process agent in each state in which they have an office and in which they write contracts. One signed copy of the BOC-3 form should be filed with each state in which a trucking company operates. That company should also have a copy of the BOC-3 at their primary office. Any changes to designated agents will require the filing of a new BOC-3 with the FMCSA and with the related states.
You can input the names and addresses of those that are authorized to receive documents on your behalf in all 50 states. Our Mission is to provide services and resources that address our client’s unique needs. You can learn https://traderoom.info/ 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.
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. The Apex Startup Program has a longtime trusted BOC-3 partnership with Service of Process Agents, Inc. (SPA). SPA has been providing qualified attorneys specialized in representing the trucking industry as resident agents since 1979. Service of Process Agents provides BOC-3 process agents in each state with 40 years of experience.
How to Select the Right Process Agent?
A lot of data goes into a BOC-3 form, so we wanted to shed some light on what these blanks mean and how their presence will impact your business. The trucking industry is a 700 billion dollar industry and a crucial part of the American economy. No matter the size of your company, Foley has the hiring and compliance solutions to help you thrive. Foley’s background checks promote better hiring practices and give you the peace of mind you deserve. Unlock the power of your driver, safety, and compliance data to build a higher standard of risk mitigation.
How Much Does a BOC-3 Agent Cost?
To help alleviate this concern, first check the FMCSA list of registered process agents. If you need your motor carrier authority, then you need to file a BOC-3, as it is part of getting your MC Number. BOC-3s are required for all motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. Depending on where your company is operating, you may also need to have a processing agent in each state you regularly do business. A process agent for motor carriers is the individual or company designated to accept service of process on behalf of the motor carrier in the event of a lawsuit.
Wolters Kluwer is a global provider of professional information, software solutions, and services for clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. You can file your own BOC-3 if you are a broker or a freight forwarder, but you do have to file for each primary state of operation. And, you cannot file for yourself if you are planning on driving a truck for your company. By visiting the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance website, you can also determine whether your operating authority has been issued. 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. BOC-3 filing requires the payment of a filing fee, which is currently set at $50.
If you need a processing agent, you can have us file it for you for just $60. Once it’s filed, you must keep a copy of the form at your principal place of business so you have a copy that proves you’ve allowed that agent to work on your behalf. Here are a few other commonly asked questions about the BOC-3 and processing agents.
Check to make sure your BOC-3 filing provider is on this list of certified providers by the FMCSA. Some agencies offer coverage in all 50 states as well as options for trucking authorities to choose which states to have coverage in. Moreover, it is important to take the added fees, the company’s customer service, and overall transparency into account fxopen broker review when choosing a processing agency. A process agent is the person, company or organization that receives services of process for clients in a particular state. Each person or company that is designated for a specific state must reside in that state. A carrier, broker or freight forwarder may designate themselves for the state in which they reside.