While the BOC-3 itself does not expire, updates are required under specific circumstances. These include a change in the company’s name, address, or a Bitcoin cfd transfer of operating authority. After this information is provided to FMCSA, they will issue operating authority and mail this documentation to your company. No, you cannot file your own BOC-3 Form if you operate an interstate business. A part of filing to become a trucking authority includes a section about the BOC-3 Form.

What is BOC 3 and how do you file it?

Typically, the BOC-3 process agent completes and files this form online. However, motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders can also file this form on their own behalf. When completing the BOC-3 form, you fill it in using the names and addresses of anyone you authorize to receive legal documents on your behalf in the U.S.

What is a blanket process agent?

Let’s break down the term “process agent.” It sounds a little formal, but the concept is pretty simple. Think of your process agent as your company’s official legal contact in every single state where you run. A good process agent makes this a quick and painless task, often getting the whole thing filed online in a matter of minutes once they have your details.

What Is a BOC-3 Form?

The form also requires the full name and address of the carrier, broker, or freight forwarder, along with the name and title of the person authorized to sign on behalf of the company. The official Form BOC-3 can be obtained from the FMCSA website or through a process agent service. The Blanket of Coverage (BOC) filing is a designated process to assign a process agent to a trucking authority. The form will essentially show who is responsible for the trucking authority’s legal documents. The only exception is a broker or freight forwarder without commercial vehicles, who may be eligible to self-file. The BOC-3 form is a legal document required by the FMCSA for all companies seeking interstate authority.

Blanket Agent vs. Individual Agents

Without a valid BOC-3, the FMCSA will not issue or activate the necessary operating authority, such as an MC number. A BOC-3 filing is often required before a transportation or logistics company is granted authority to operate. To facilitate the filing, the transportation entity provides essential information to the process agent service.

Get One Step Closer to Becoming an Operating Authority With BOC-3 Filing

This includes their legal name, business address, and their MC, FF, or MX number. The process agent service then gathers the necessary agent information for each state where the company operates or intends to operate. Once the form is completed, the process agent service electronically files it directly with the FMCSA.

Can I File My Own BOC-3 Form?

Contact us or talk with one of our professionals today to learn more. To help you get started, here is everything you need to know about BOC-3 filing.

Agents are considered trusted representatives who need to have a strong sense of responsibility and commitment. Another service that our BOC-3 agents provide is notifying you of any possible regulatory violations. In certain instances — such as a name change, transfer of authority, or reinstatement of your motor carrier operating authority — your BOC-3 may need to be refiled. Before a BOC-3 can be filed, you must first designate a service of process agent, also known as an “FMCSA agent”, who resides in all states where you do business. When applying for FMCSA certification, a key requirement for transportation companies is naming a service of process (SOP) agent.

Upon receiving legal documents, the agent is responsible for promptly forwarding them to the transportation company. This ensures the company is aware of any legal actions or requirements. The process agent acts solely as a point of contact for legal service and does not serve as a legal representative or advisor for the company. The BOC-3 form enables a process agent to provide legal services to a logistics company operating in each U.S. state. It also serves as an intermediary document between trucking companies and the FMCSA.

• By requiring a BOC-3, the FMCSA ensures that every authorized carrier, broker, and freight forwarder remains legally accessible.
• You can only act as your own process agent in the single state where your company is physically based.
• Once designated, the BOC-3 Process Agent’s primary function is to receive legal documents on behalf of the motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder.
• This ensures the company is aware of any legal actions or requirements.

The BOC-3 Process Agent

• No, you cannot file your own BOC-3 Form if you operate an interstate business.
• Without a local representative, those documents could get lost in the mail or never reach you, leading to huge problems.
• This agent must maintain a physical address in each state listed on the BOC-3 and be available during normal business hours to accept service of process.
• From BOC-3 coordination to driver qualification files and audit support, we’ve got your back.

The process agent designated by the BOC-3 plays a critical function in ensuring legal compliance. A process agent is an individual or company authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of the motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder. This agent must maintain a physical address in each state listed on the BOC-3 and be available during normal business hours to accept service of process. This role is essential for ensuring legal accountability and the proper service of process across state lines, preventing missed legal notices that could lead to default judgments or fines. The process agent then forwards these legal documents to the company.

Forgetting to update your BOC-3 after certain business changes isn’t a small oversight—it can put your operating authority at risk and cause major problems during a compliance review. For complete support, many fleet owners turn to full-service trucking compliance services that handle the BOC-3 filing and all their other regulatory needs without any hassle. For any new venture, this is a critical piece of the puzzle—just as important as passing your initial safety audit. If you’re just getting started, you can learn more about how this all fits together in our guide on the new entrant safety audit. And for any company trying to stay on top of the ever-changing rules, exploring top-tier regulatory compliance solutions can make all the difference. The cost of filing a BOC-3 form depends on several different factors.

For all other states you operate in, the FMCSA requires you to designate a third-party process agent. Keeping this filing active is also non-negotiable for your compliance record. A valid BOC-3 is essential for keeping your DOT number in good standing and supporting your legal authority to operate. By requiring a BOC-3, the FMCSA ensures that every authorized carrier, broker, and freight forwarder remains legally accessible. This protects the public by providing a clear legal path for recourse and protects you by ensuring you are always properly notified. That communication breakdown could easily lead to a default judgment against you simply because you were never properly notified.

At Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings, appointing and registering your BOC-3 agent costs you only $95, and we help guide you through every step with the help of our Live Agent services. After completing this form, whether by filling out a physical piece of paper or doing it online, you must file it with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Typically, an agent completes the BOC-3 filing for you, but we’ll talk more about that later. Typically, these names are the names of companies, but they can also be the names of individuals, depending on how you plan to operate. And while you’re managing your FMCSA filings, you might need to find your DOT PIN to handle other official tasks.

Brokers or freight forwarders without commercial motor vehicles may be able to file the form themselves. A BOC-3 filing is required for specific types of transportation entities engaged in interstate commerce. This includes for-hire motor carriers, freight forwarders, and brokers. Any new transportation company falling into these categories must have a BOC-3 on file before commencing operations within the United States. This requirement applies to businesses that transport goods or passengers for hire across state lines.