Authority Co-Pilot Program
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
Ready to take the first step?
Find out which DAT Authority package best fits your business needs.
Carrier Authority: Basic
Carrier Authority: Gold
Carrier Authority: Platinum
Broker Authority: Basic
Broker/Carrier Authority
* DAT Authority prepares the state applications for you but does not file them. You will need to sign the application and submit them with the required state fees. State fees are not included in the package price and must be paid separately.
Or call us at 866.265.3172
What our customers are saying
“They took me by the hand and led me through all of the difficult and confusing steps to ensure that I started off on the right foot. I cannot say it any clearer than these folks know what it’s all about.”
Gregg Knight, LTL Trucking
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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
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Load Board
Find the right load for the right truck, anywhere
Factoring
Get paid fast and improve your cash flow