VETCARRIER

Glossary for freight brokers

Short definitions of the terms that appear on a carrier’s FMCSA record and in carrier onboarding, each from federal rules or FMCSA’s own pages, with an example of how it shows in a carrier check.

Last reviewed: November 1, 2026 · By VetCarrier

  • MC number

    An MC number is the docket number FMCSA assigns with interstate operating authority. What it means, how it differs from a USDOT number, and where to check it.

  • USDOT number

    A USDOT number is the number FMCSA assigns to a company when it registers. What it identifies, when it goes inactive, and how it shows in a carrier check.

  • Operating authority

    Operating authority is FMCSA registration to work as a for-hire carrier, broker or freight forwarder across state lines. The types and how to read them.

  • BOC-3 (process agent designation)

    A BOC-3 is the FMCSA form naming a company’s process agents, who accept court papers for it in each state. What it means when you vet a carrier.

  • MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report)

    The MCS-150 is the identification report every interstate carrier files with FMCSA and updates every 24 months. The schedule, the penalty and what brokers see.

  • CSA and the BASICs

    CSA is FMCSA’s safety compliance and enforcement program, and the seven BASICs are how its SMS groups safety data. What they are and which ones are public.

  • Freight broker vs carrier vs freight forwarder

    Federal law defines a motor carrier, a freight broker and a freight forwarder differently. The three definitions side by side, and how each shows on a record.

  • Cargo insurance vs liability insurance

    Liability (BIPD) insurance pays for injury and damage to others; cargo insurance covers the freight. Which one FMCSA requires and which a check shows.

  • Carrier packet

    A carrier packet is the set of documents a broker collects from a carrier before the first load. What federal rules do and do not require, and what to check.

How to act on these terms: Guides. Run a check: Tools.

This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice.