The term “operating authority” pertains to the legal permission granted to a motor carrier for operating a commercial motor vehicle throughout the U.S. for the following purposes:
- Operating as for-hire carriers (for a fee or compensation).
- Transporting passengers or arranging their transport in interstate commerce.
- Transporting federally regulated commodities or arranging for their transport in interstate commerce.
Companies engaging in the these activities must get an interstate operating authority (MC number) along with a DOT number.
