A part of filing to become a trucking authority includes a section about the BOC-3 Form. Under federal law, the completion of this form is essential for those who want to become an operating trucking authority.
Today, we are going to outline the key components of the BOC-3 Form. That way, you will be equipped with the information you need in order to secure your trucking authority business in no time!
What Is a BOC-3 For & Who Needs to File It?
BOC-3 filing is required for all trucking authorities including motor carriers, freight forwarders, and freight brokers. This form will be filed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as a part of the trucking authority getting their motor carrier (MC) number.
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.
Additionally, if your trucking authority changed its name, had a transfer of authority, or reinstatement of MC operating authority, you are required to refile the BOC-3 Form with this updated information.
BOC-3 Processing Agent
A processing agent is a trucking authority’s legal representation to FMCSA. The processing agency is essentially a permanent address for FMCSA in order to send legal documents to the trucking company.
Additionally, these agencies will forward any legal documents that they receive about your company, like court papers. It is crucial that you have an updated address at all times in case your processing agency sends you court proceeding papers in order to avoid a potential default judgment.
Can I File My Own BOC-3 Form?
No, you cannot file your own BOC-3 Form if you operate an interstate business. You can be your own processing agent in your base state. However, for other states, a processing agent is required.
The reasoning behind this is that trucking authorities are on the road regularly, which can make it difficult to contact someone in the business for additional information. This is why a processing agent is needed to handle any documentation sent by the government to notify those who are on the road.
How Much Does it Cost to File a BOC-3 Form?
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.
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 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.
How to File a BOC-3 Form
Since filing a BOC-3 Form is essential in getting your motor carrier (MC) number, let’s take a look at the process.
Select a BOC-3 Processing Agent
Firstly, one must choose a processing agency to work with. Look at each processing agency’s different tiers to determine which one is best suited for you.
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 when choosing a processing agency.
Provide Your Personal Information
When filling out this form, you will need to provide your personal information to the processing agency. You have to complete this form before your MC number becomes active.
Here are some of the key documents and information needed to finalize this form:
- Name and address of the trucking company
- Person’s authorized signature and their title
- Name of the processing agency
- Street address for each state the trucking authority is operating in
Wait for Documentation
After this information is provided to FMCSA, they will issue operating authority and mail this documentation to your company. Typically, this will take approximately 3 to 4 business days.
However, it may take longer. If that is the case and you are waiting for more than 10 days since the information was sent out, contact FMCSA to see where your documentation might be.
Get One Step Closer to Becoming an Operating Authority With BOC-3 Filing
BOC-3 filing is an important step in becoming a trucking authority and is crucial when it comes to receiving legal documentation. These processing agencies are designed to help trucking authorities navigate through their legal documents and assist when needed.
Filling out the BOC-3 Form can be a simple and easy process when you choose the right agency. Get one step closer to becoming an operating authority by filling out your BOC-3 Form today!
