A BOC-3 is a United States federal filing that designates legal agents upon which process may be served. It pertains mostly to individuals or companies in the transportation and logistics industry, and it is often required before certain federal operating authorities can be granted within the United States. BOC stands for “blanket of coverage” and it typically assigns a person or business in each of the 50 US states to receive and forward legal documents.
All FMCSA motor carriers,brokers, and freight forwarders are required to have a BOC-3 on file with the FMCSA in order to get their authority granted. A BOC-3 is also required in order to reinstate an MC or FF number that has been revoked.
Expand your options as a truck driver by getting an interstate trucking authority, a business license that allows you to travel across state lines. You choose which clients you wish to serve (consumers or businesses) and what sort of cargo you want to transport.
File form BOC-3. This form designates someone to be your representative and receive any court orders or other paperwork filed against you as the Freight Broker. This is to ensure that in the event criminal or civil charges are filed against you, your designated representative will be required to be notified while you are on the road.
Guidelines:
1. Apply for a freight brokerage license with the FMCSA. Return a completed OP-1 form, known as the Motor Property Carrier and Broker Authority application, and the required $300 filing fee to the FMCSA. Upon receipt, the FMCSA will give the applicant a docket number that will be used to complete the licensing process. OP-1 applications can be found at the FMCSA website (see Resources).
2. Obtain the required surety bond and file proof with the FMCSA. A $10,000 surety bond is required before licensing is completed. File Form BMC-84 with the FMCSA to document the purchase of the surety bond. Form BMC-84 is provided by the insurance company and not the FMCSA. The form is also known as the property broker’s surety bond.
3. File form BOC-3. This form designates someone to be your representative and receive any court orders or other paperwork filed against you as the Freight Broker. This is to ensure that in the event criminal or civil charges are filed against you, your designated representative will be required to be notified while you are on the road.
4. Make a list of each state the broker will be working in and file a Designation of Process Agent form for each. This form is designated BOC-3 and is required in case legal action is taken against the broker. A license cannot be approved until a BOC-3 is returned to the FMCSA.
5. Return all additional forms to the FMCSA to complete the application process. This includes all BOC-3’s and the BMC-84. The FMCSA provides several mailing addresses on its website for returning documents. Contact the FMCSA at 800-832-5660 with further questions.
