Question 1

How long does it take to get my MC Authority approved?

Accepted Answer

FMCSA requires a mandatory 20–24 calendar day protest / vetting period after your Motor Carrier Authority (MC) application is filed. During this time the application is published in the FMCSA Register and reviewed. We use this window to make sure everything on your end — insurance filing, BOC-3, UCR — is locked in so your authority activates the day the waiting period ends.

Question 2

What happens during the 20–24 day FMCSA waiting period?

Accepted Answer

Our team works to bring every required item into compliance before the window closes:
• File your BOC-3 Process Agent designation with FMCSA
• Coordinate with your insurance agent to file the BMC-91 / BMC-34 (liability / cargo) Form E
• Register you for UCR if cross-state
• Verify MCS-150 and USDOT number match
• Keep you updated on any FMCSA correspondence

Question 3

How long does LLC formation take?

Accepted Answer

Most states process LLC filings in 3–10 business days for standard filings; expedited filing (1–2 business days) is available in many states for an extra state fee. California specifically takes 5–7 business days online.

Question 4

How fast can I get my EIN / Federal Tax ID?

Accepted Answer

EIN applications submitted electronically through the IRS are issued same-day in most cases — usually within hours. The EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) is available immediately as a PDF.

Question 5

How long does USDOT number registration take?

Accepted Answer

USDOT numbers are typically issued within 1–3 business days after filing MCS-150 with FMCSA.

Question 6

What is the 90-day compliance deadline?

Accepted Answer

FMCSA gives you 90 days from the date you file your MC Authority application to complete all compliance items — insurance filing, BOC-3, etc. If you do NOT complete these requirements within 90 days, FMCSA will DISMISS your application. You will have to re-apply and pay the application fee again ($300 at FMCSA as of filing). We track this deadline closely and push you toward compliance before it lapses.

Question 7

Do I need insurance before my authority is approved?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FMCSA will NOT grant operating authority until your insurance carrier files proof of coverage (BMC-91 for liability, BMC-34 for cargo, BOC-3 for process agent) with FMCSA. You should bind insurance early in your 20–24 day waiting window so everything is on file before the protest period closes.

Question 8

What happens if I miss the 90-day deadline?

Accepted Answer

Your MC Authority application is dismissed. You will lose the original application fee ($300) and must start the entire process over — new application, new fee, new 20–24 day waiting period, new 90-day clock. We strongly recommend completing compliance within the 20–24 day window to avoid this risk.

Question 9

How do I stay compliant after getting authority?

Accepted Answer

Required ongoing items include:
• MCS-150 Biennial Update (every 2 years)
• UCR renewal (annual)
• Maintain active insurance (cancellation = 30-day suspension notice)
• Drug & alcohol program enrollment (CSAT) with random testing
• Driver Qualification (DQ) files
• MCS-150 update within 30 days of any address, officer, or fleet-size change

Question 10

What does National Trucking Services, LLC do?

Accepted Answer

We help new-venture and existing trucking operators complete required federal, state, and DOT filings — LLC formation, EIN, USDOT, MC Authority, BOC-3, UCR, MCS-150 updates, CA DMV Motor Carrier Permit (MCP-65), CSAT drug/alcohol program guidance, and insurance request intake. We are NOT a law firm or insurance carrier; we coordinate with licensed providers on your behalf.

Question 11

What is BOC-3?

Accepted Answer

BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agents) is a mandatory FMCSA filing listing a process agent in every state where your authority operates. Process agents accept legal service on your behalf. It must be filed before your MC Authority becomes active.

Question 12

What is UCR?

Accepted Answer

Unified Carrier Registration — an annual fee-based registration for any interstate motor carrier. Fee tiers are based on your fleet size. Must be renewed every calendar year.

Question 13

What is MCS-150?

Accepted Answer

FMCSA Form MCS-150 is your carrier profile — USDOT number, company info, operation type, cargo carried, safety data. You must file an initial MCS-150 to get a USDOT number and update it every 2 years (biennial update) or within 30 days of any change.

Question 14

What is the CA DMV Motor Carrier Permit (MCP-65)?

Accepted Answer

California requires any commercial motor carrier operating over 10,000 lbs GVWR to hold a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP-65) and a CA Number. We help you apply, maintain liability/workers-comp compliance, and handle filings with the CA DMV Motor Carrier Permits unit.

Question 15

What is CSAT and EPN?

Accepted Answer

**CSAT** (Controlled Substances & Alcohol Testing) = the DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing program for CDL drivers. You must enroll in a consortium / TPA and complete pre-employment testing before a CDL driver can operate.
**EPN** (Employer Pull Notice) = California DMV program that auto-notifies you of any changes to your drivers' records. Required for any CA-based employer with CDL drivers.

Question 16

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

All payments are processed securely through Stripe — major credit cards accepted. Full payment is due before we submit filings.

Question 17

Are government filing fees included?

Accepted Answer

Our service fees cover our work and include the standard state / FMCSA application fees as listed in each service description (e.g., the $300 FMCSA MC Authority fee is included in the MC Authority service price). Expedited state-filing fees, optional add-ons, and any future renewals are not included unless stated.

Question 18

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Service fees are refundable before we begin work. Once a filing has been submitted to a government agency on your behalf, the corresponding government fee is non-refundable (the agency has it). Our service portion is refundable pro-rata for work not yet performed. Contact us at orders@nationaltrucking.com within 72 hours of purchase to request a refund.

Question 19

Is insurance included in the Full Authority Package?

Accepted Answer

No. Commercial trucking insurance is quoted separately by licensed insurance providers. We collect your information (via the "Need commercial insurance?" request) and connect you with quoting partners — you pay the insurance carrier directly.

Question 20

Can I start driving for hire while I wait for my MC Authority?

Accepted Answer

No. Hauling loads for money without active MC Authority is a serious violation — fines, citations, and cargo-delay penalties. Wait until your authority is active (the day the 20–24 day window closes, assuming all compliance items are on file). Private / not-for-hire operations do NOT need MC Authority, only USDOT.

Question 21

My insurance lapsed — what happens?

Accepted Answer

Your insurance carrier files a BMC-35 cancellation with FMCSA and you get a 30-day window. If you don't replace coverage, FMCSA will mark your MC Authority "Not Authorized" and you must stop operating. Reinstatement requires new insurance filing + potentially re-applying for authority. Contact us immediately if you get a cancellation notice.

Question 22

What's the difference between private and for-hire authority?

Accepted Answer

**For-hire** = you haul freight belonging to someone else for compensation (requires MC Authority + USDOT).
**Private** = you transport your own company's goods (no MC required, but USDOT still needed for interstate over 10,001 lbs GVWR).
**Exempt for-hire** = hauling specific exempt commodities (produce, livestock) — USDOT only, no MC.

Question 23

Do I need to register in every state I drive through?

Accepted Answer

No. The FMCSA USDOT + MC Authority covers interstate operation in all 50 states. However:
• **UCR** registration is annual (but only filed with your base state)
• **IFTA** (fuel tax) — separate registration if you drive across state lines (not a service we currently offer)
• **IRP** (apportioned plates) — separate registration for interstate trucks over 26,000 lbs (not in our current catalog)
• **State-specific permits** like CA MCP-65 are required only for that state

Question 24

How will I know my application was filed?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive status updates inside this app under "Your Filings" — each service has its own status chip (Not Started → In Progress → Submitted → Completed). You can also verify FMCSA filings at SAFER.fmcsa.dot.gov using your USDOT number once issued.

Question 25

Can I add more services after I purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can log back in anytime and place a new order for any additional service (MCS-150 Update, Change in Authority, CA DMV, CSAT Guideline, etc.). Each order tracks independently.

Question 26

Do you handle IFTA, IRP, or quarterly fuel tax filings?

Accepted Answer

Not currently. We focus on business formation, federal DOT authority, and state MCP registration. For ongoing IFTA / IRP / fuel tax services, we can refer you to a partner.

Question 27

What if my LLC name is rejected by the state?

Accepted Answer

We'll contact you with up to 3 alternative name suggestions based on your preferences. Most state rejections happen when a similar name is already registered — we'll help you pick a distinguishable name at no extra charge.

Question 28

Can I operate under a DBA (doing business as)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. DBAs are registered at the state / county level. We can add DBA filing as an à la carte service if needed — reach out and we'll quote it separately.

Question 29

Do I need a CDL to get MC Authority?

Accepted Answer

Only if your vehicle exceeds 26,001 lbs GVWR, carries hazmat requiring placarding, or has 16+ passengers. Many box trucks and smaller straight trucks operate under non-CDL authority. Our "Not sure?" wizard will tell you which applies to your setup.

Question 30

Do I need a DOT Medical Card?

Accepted Answer

Yes for all CDL drivers. A valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (medical card) from a certified medical examiner is required. It's typically valid for up to 24 months.

Question 31

Can I operate in multiple states?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Interstate operation requires USDOT + MC Authority + UCR + BOC-3. If you only operate inside one state (intrastate), state-specific requirements apply — we guide you on those too.