FMCSA MC Number Phase Out: What This Means for You

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) motor carrier (MC) number phase-out has become one of the most discussed topics in trucking compliance. As part of a broader push for modernization, the FMCSA has proposed eliminating MC numbers, with the original intent to have no more MC numbers by late 2025. This potential shift raises important questions for both new and established carriers about how operating authority, registration, and compliance will be handled in the future.

What the FMCSA Proposal Actually Means

The FMCSA MC number phase-out is one of the most significant proposed changes to federal trucking compliance in over a decade. Many carriers are asking: Are MC numbers going away? The short answer is likely yes, but it’s still just a proposal and not yet finalized.

The Difference Between a Proposal and a Rule

A proposal is not the same as a finalized rule. In the FMCSA, a proposal (or Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) is a preliminary document outlining potential changes to regulations, while a rule is a final, enforceable standard that has completed the formal rulemaking process. The process moves from a proposed rule, with public comment, to a final rule that sets the agency's enforceable standards.

Current Status of MC Number Issuance

• MC Numbers Are Still Being Issued: If you apply for interstate operating authority today, you will still receive an MC number. The FMCSA has not yet finalized any rule to discontinue MC numbers, so they remain a standard part of the registration process for motor carriers.
• FMCSA May Phase Out MC Numbers in the Future: The FMCSA has proposed transitioning to a USDOT Number-only system, where individual operating authority types would be indicated by suffixes. This change is still under consideration and will not take effect until a formal rule is finalized. No current MC numbers will be replaced or revoked under the proposal.
• Authority Express Packages Include MC Numbers: Because the FMCSA is still presently issuing and requiring MC numbers, all complete trucking authority packages from Authority Express still include them. If and when the FMCA moves to no MC numbers, we will automatically shift to ensure applicants receive the proper operating authority under the new guidelines.

What the FMCSA is Proposing Instead

• MC Numbers Would Be Replaced by Suffixes: Instead of issuing separate MC numbers, FMCSA would attach suffixes to DOT numbers. For example, a DOT number might appear as 1234567-C (for carrier) or 1234567-B (for broker).
• Compliance Would Consolidate Under the DOT Number: All forms of authority and safety registration would link to a single DOT number, aligning with MAP-21 modernization goals.

Why the FMCSA Wants to Eliminate MC Numbers

The FMCSA cites several reasons for phasing out MC numbers.

Reducing Administrative Burden for Carriers

• Fewer Filings, Fewer Conflicts: Carriers today must manage two separate identifiers (MC and DOT). This leads to redundant filings and confusion. Eliminating MC numbers would simplify the process.
• More Clarity for New Entrants: New motor carriers often struggle to understand which number applies to which task. Consolidation would ease onboarding and reduce compliance errors.

Addressing Fraud and Gray Areas in MC Transfers

• MC Numbers Have Been Exploited: Fraudsters frequently resell dormant MC numbers or misuse them to avoid vetting. The FMCSA believes a unified DOT-based system can close those loopholes.
• No More Unclear Transfers: Since MC numbers were never meant to identify the carrier (only the authority type), their misuse has created a gray market. Removing them eliminates that ambiguity.

Simplifying DOT and FMCSA Workflows

• One System, Not Two: FMCSA currently maintains multiple overlapping databases for DOT and MC records. A suffix-based system would merge these, reducing redundancy and improving data integrity.‍
• Faster Processing: With only one number to update or verify, FMCSA can streamline identity checks, registration approvals, and system updates across the board.

Common Misconceptions and Misinformation

Misunderstandings and false claims continue to circulate about this proposed change.

False Claims About October 1 Enforcement

• No Official Date Has Been Set: Some posts and forums claim enforcement began on October 1, 2025, but this was simply the original proposed date for the shift, and the FMCSA has not finalized a date.
• Proposal is Still Under Review: The proposed rule has not yet completed the formal rulemaking process.

Misunderstanding the Difference Between MC and DOT Numbers

• They Serve Different Purposes: An MC number indicates the type of operating authority a trucking business has, such as Motor Carrier of Property, Motor Carrier of Household Goods, or Broker of Property. The DOT number is the unique identifier for all safety and compliance records.
• Only One Will Remain: The FMCSA plans to consolidate authority identification into suffixes on the DOT number, not to merge the functions of MC and DOT numbers into one.

What This Change Means for Trucking Companies

This proposed change has several implications for trucking companies.

Impact on Compliance and Insurance Requirements

• Insurance Filings Will Shift to DOT-Based Tracking: Compliance documents like the BMC-91X will tie to the DOT number with an authority suffix, not a separate MC number.‍
• You'll Still Need Coverage: Even if MC numbers go away, the requirement for liability insurance remains for for-hire interstate operations.

Transitioning Systems That Rely on MC Numbers

• ‍Software May Need Reprogramming: Many load boards, factoring systems, and TMS platforms search by MC number. These will need to adapt to the new DOT number formats.
• Time and Cost Considerations: Most well-known platforms that leverage MC numbers will be updated by their respective providers. However, you will be responsible for updating the information you’ve shared with these providers and will need to update any proprietary software or integrations you leverage.

Preparing for Potential Software and TMS Updates

• Ask Your Vendors Now: Contact your transportation software providers and ask how they're preparing for the FMCSA proposal.‍
• Get Ahead of the Curve: To minimize operational disruptions and streamline customer onboarding, it's advisable to make adjustments well before the deadline.

Timeline and Next Steps for Motor Carriers

The initial timeline proposed by the FMCSA involved a phased rollout beginning in late 2025. However, the FMCSA held multiple stakeholder days and determined that there was still much confusion about the process and concerns about system readiness. As such, “the phase out of MC numbers is TBD,” the agency reports.

While the new registration system that will allow for this and other upcoming changes is rolling out, the first release of this system will not include the elimination of MC numbers.

How to Stay Compliant During the Transition

• Keep Operating as Usual: Until changes are finalized, carriers must continue applying for MC numbers and maintaining BOC-3, insurance, UCR, and safety compliance under the current guidelines.‍
• Authority Express Will Guide You: Partner with Authority Express, and we will help ensure you are compliant with all regulatory guidelines, even as they change.

Let Authority Express Guide You

The FMCSA MC number phase-out represents a meaningful modernization effort that may benefit the industry by eliminating redundancy, tightening fraud controls, and aligning with statutory requirements.

While MC numbers going away may require adaptation, the long-term efficiencies can outweigh the initial burden. Carriers who plan will be better positioned for a smooth transition.

Authority Express is here to help with all your trucking compliance needs. If you’re starting a new trucking business, need to renew or reactivate your operating authority, or have other compliance concerns, let us know.