BOC-3 (Blanket of Coverage):

Part of filing to get your trucking authority also includes filing your BOC-3. The BOC-3 stands for Blanket of Coverage and designates an agent for your company that can file legal documents on your behalf. The BOC-3 and choosing the right processing agent is important because you need someone to trust when handling notifications from the government, especially if your company is facing legal action.

Unlike filing your motor carrier authority, which can be done yourself, the BOC-3 can only be filed by a process agent designated by the carrier. However, a broker or freight forwarder (a company that won’t often be on the road) can file one for themselves if they won’t be on the road like a regular motor carrier.

 

Who Needs To File a BOC-3?

If you need your motor carrier authority, then you need to file a BOC-3, as it is part of getting your MC Number. BOC-3s are required for all motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. Depending on where your company is operating, you may also need to have a processing agent in each state you regularly do business.

However, you can choose a blanket process agent that covers you in each state your business operates. It’s often much easier to have one person or company handle it than finding a different processing agent for each state.

How To File a BOC-3

Unless you are a broker or freight forwarder, you need to designate a processing agent to file this for you. Just like when filing insurance, you’ll talk to your chosen processing agent who will then fill out and submit the appropriate paperwork. This has to be done before your MC Number becomes active or else your number will be dismissed.

Once it’s filed, you must keep a copy of the form at your principal place of business so you have a copy that proves you’ve allowed that agent to work on your behalf.

Want To Start Your Trucking Company?

The BOC-3 is just one piece of being compliant with the FMCSA. If you want more help starting your company, get in touch with one of the coaches at Motor Carrier HQ. We can create a custom gameplan for your business, including helping you get your operating authority, pass the new entrant safety audit, and much more.

We take care of the paperwork so you can keep your trucking business on the road! And, if you need more tips, don’t forget to check out our podcast Haulin Assets, where we started our own trucking company and walk you through it step by step.