Interstate Authority

Also referred to as an "MC","FF" or "MX" number, depending on the type of authority that is granted. Generally, 'for-hire' carriers engaging in interstate commerce are required to have Interstate Authority Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Interstate commerce is trade, traffic, or transportation involving the crossing of a State boundary.

Carriers not required to have operating authority:

• Private carriers, "for-hire" carriers that exclusively haul exempt commodities (cargo that is not federally regulated),
• Carriers that operate exclusively within a federally designated "commercial zone" that is exempt from interstate authority rules. Virginia/Maryland/Washington, DC is an example of a commercial zone, which is a geographic territory that includes multiple states bordering on a major metropolitan city.

More information can be found at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.