Do I need to have a truck before I get my MC Number?

No, you do not need to own a truck before you apply for your MC Number. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does not require a VIN number or proof of a specific commercial vehicle to start the MC authority application process. Many carriers apply for an MC number without a truck in hand, especially during the early stages of starting a trucking business. However, it is important to understand that while you can apply for your MC number without a truck, you cannot proceed with your MC authority activation until you’ve met certain requirements.

The FMCSA requires all MC authority applications to go through a 21-day public notice period. During this time, your motor carrier authority remains pending. Once that waiting period is over, you must have a BOC-3 process agent form and valid proof of trucking insurance on file in order for your MC authority to be granted. Since insurance providers will not issue coverage without a vehicle assigned to the policy, you will need to obtain or buy the truck before you can meet the insurance requirement. This means that while you can apply for an MC number and begin the FMCSA registration process without a truck, you will eventually need a commercial vehicle in order to complete your MC authority setup and operate legally in the trucking industry.