Before filing the BOC-3, a transportation company must select its process agent(s). Companies can appoint individual agents in specific states or utilize a “blanket process agent” service that covers all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Using a blanket agent can simplify compliance by consolidating representation under a single entity.
- It’s all about peace of mind, knowing your legal bases are covered nationwide.
- Typically, these names are the names of companies, but they can also be the names of individuals, depending on how you plan to operate.
- Any business that’s involved in interstate transportation needs to file this document.
- The FMCSA then updates its records, and the operating authority application can proceed.
After submission, the FMCSA updates the registration within 24 to 48 hours. Retain a copy of the filed BOC-3 form at the company’s principal place of business for records. The Apex Startup Program has a longtime trusted BOC-3 partnership with Service of Process Agents, Inc. (SPA). SPA has been providing qualified attorneys specialized in representing the trucking industry as resident agents since 1979. Service of Process Agents provides BOC-3 process agents in each state with 40 years of experience.
The filing fee can be as low as $25 whereas some operating state fees can be around $100. This is highly dependent on the number of states you operate in and the processing agency you choose. Depending on the processing agency that you choose, the cost of filing a BOC-3 Form can fluctuate.
Blanket Agent vs. Individual Agents
The filing is often a prerequisite for a transportation entity to receive authority to operate across state lines. It ensures that legal documents can be properly served to a company. The process agent receives legal documents, such as court papers, complaints, and government notices, on your behalf. This ensures that your trucking company doesn’t miss important legal communication that could affect your registration or operating authority. Their one critical job is to have a physical address and be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on your behalf.
It’s a fascinating piece of history, but it’s completely separate from your FMCSA compliance needs. Navigating all areas of DOT compliance can feel tricky, and a handful of common misunderstandings about the BOC-3 filing often create some real headaches. Let’s clear the air on a couple of the biggest myths so you can steer clear of simple but costly mistakes.
So, What Exactly is a Process Agent?
Each state where you operate must have its own designated agent, or you can appoint a blanket company with a blanket designation to cover all states. The agent essentially acts as your company’s legal presence in each jurisdiction. Only a process agent can file Form BOC-3 on behalf of a motor carrier. 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. The “BOC” stands for “blanket of coverage,” and filing this form essentially provides proof that you have a processes agent in each state that you plan to operate in.
The BOC-3 Process Agent
BOC-3 filing is required for all trucking authorities including motor carriers, freight forwarders, and freight brokers. This form will be filed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as a part of the trucking authority getting their motor carrier (MC) number. A BOC-3, meaning “Blanket of Coverage,” is a required federal filing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It designates a process agent in each state where your company operates. Without it, the FMCSA will not issue your operating authority documents for your motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder business.
How to File Your BOC-3
- Good news for your budget—the BOC-3 filing is a small, one-time fee.
- 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.
- 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.
- Typically, an agent completes the BOC-3 filing for you, but we’ll talk more about that later.
Your process agent gets the documents, forwards them to you immediately, and gives you the chance to respond and protect your business. This simple electronic filing is what keeps you legally connected and compliant on a national scale. It’s one of those small but critical pieces of the compliance puzzle.
It is crucial that you have an updated address at all times in case your processing agency sends you court proceeding papers in order to avoid a potential default judgment. 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. FMCSA Regulation 49 CFR Part 366 details more about the designation of process agents by motor carriers and brokers. This is a federal motor carrier top forex pairs safety measure designed to ensure legal accountability in interstate commerce.
Why do we recommend Service of Process Agents for BOC-3 filing?
However—and this is a crucial detail—you are required to refile it if you change your business name, update your address, or switch to a different process agent service. It could easily lead to a default judgment against your company simply because you never knew you had to show up in court. This is exactly why choosing a reliable, professional process agent service is an important decision you’ll make.
Once you’ve picked your agent, you’ll just need to give them a few basic details about your company so they can file everything correctly. They’re going to do all the heavy lifting, but they need the right info from you to get it done. Ultimately, filing your BOC-3 is a foundational step that proves your business is set up to handle its legal responsibilities, no matter where the road takes you. We’re based in Garden City, Idaho, but we support carriers nationwide with dependable, accurate service. If there is no BOC-3 form or no insurance on file with the FMCSA, there will be no authority issued.
If that is the case and you are waiting for more than 10 days since the information was sent out, contact FMCSA to see where your documentation might be. Let FCCR take care of the legal side, so you can focus on running your business. Contact us or talk with one of our professionals today to learn more. Starting a new company is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming.
A BOC-3 is only required for companies operating across state lines and seeking a motor carrier authority (MC number). If you are involved in logistics or planning to start interstate commerce, then you will definitely hear the term BOC-3 frequently. Our goal is to give you general information about the initial steps you need to complete before you start your activity in interstate logistics and transportation. Understand the FMCSA-required form that keeps your operating authority active. You can only act as your own process agent in the single state where your company is physically based.
