Authority Co-Pilot Program

Few journeys are as rewarding as starting your own business. Getting your operating authority can be a complicated process – it helps to have a co-pilot.

DAT has been supporting freight businesses for over 45 years. We’ll guide you through it all with expert advice, and then support you after your venture begins.

The co-pilot you didn’t know you needed

There’s no reason to start your journey alone. We’ll guide you through the hard stuff - handling the proper paperwork and permits - and then stay with you once you hit the road.

Let us take care of the hard stuff

We'll guide you through the entire process, file your federal and state permits (including IFTA and IRP), and walk you through state applications.

Need more support?

Set yourself up for success with free online courses at DAT University.

Stay covered with the lowest rates

Get a free commercial trucking insurance quote from Marquee Insurance Group.

Save over $600 per month on fuel

Find the cheapest fuel with the DAT One Fuel Card.

Book the best loads

Stay loaded no matter where you are on DAT One, North America's largest load board network.

Get paid fast with no risk

Get paid in as little as 24 hours with factoring by OTR Solutions.

Starting your own freight brokerage

We’ll shepherd you through the process of getting your brokerage off the ground, plus access to tools to grow quickly.

Get authority fast and hassle free

Let us secure your DOT registration and FMCSA MC docket number.

Eliminate headaches

We’ll file your BOC-3 process agent.

Expert guidance at your fingertips

Feel support every step of the way, even after you’re up and running.

Need more help?

Set yourself up for success with Freight 360’s freight broker training, available at a discount through DAT.

Carrier and broker combo

Expanding your business? We can help you have all the authorities needed to move and broker freight.

Access everything in one place

We’ll help with DOT registration and your MC number, along with federal and state permits

Say goodbye to paperwork

There’s no need to deal with government agencies – we'll handle everything for you

Get expert guidance

Find support throughout the whole process, even after you're up and running

Avoid delays

Let us take care of the legal stuff so you can start moving freight and making money

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FAQs

A few things you might be asking yourself

Before you can begin operating as a carrier, there are a few things you need to get in order. Check out our Carrier Startup Guide first to make sure you’re checking all the boxes. Trucking authority is the permission granted to you by the government to get paid to move freight. After you’ve received trucking authority, you can begin operating under your own MC number or the DOT number assigned to you by the Department of Transportation. Carriers are also required to register for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and apply for state-specific permits as needed.

Broker authority is the permission granted by the government that allows you to facilitate load deliveries between shippers and carriers. Trucking operations and brokerages alike need to receive MC numbers before they can begin operations. Brokers also need to apply for an FF (or freight forwarder) number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and a DOT number from the U.S. Department of Transportation).

Your MC number is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and is the certification that allows you to cross state lines while getting paid to move freight. Your DOT number will be issued by the Department of Transportation and is the primary number used for tracking your trucking business. This number registers your drivers, truckers, and overall safety rating, but doesn’t actually count as trucking authority.

Typically, it takes a minimum of five to seven weeks to complete the state and federal approval process. Federal approval alone can take around 16 business days. Pair that with filling out BOC-3 process agent forms (which are required for federal authority), obtaining adequate insurance policies, and paying registration fees, and the process might be a bit more complicated than you think. Trust us with your trucking authority and we’ll make your job easier, simple as that.

Need help deciding?

Tools from DAT Freight & Analytics help trucking companies in every aspect of their business.

Already have your authority?

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Load Board

Find the right load for the right truck, anywhere

Factoring

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