BOC-3 (Blanket of Coverage)
A form filed with FMCSA designating process agents in every state where a motor carrier operates. Process agents accept legal documents on behalf of the carrier. A valid BOC-3 is required before FMCSA activates operating authority. CarrierOk includes BOC-3 agent details in carrier profiles.
Learn moreWhat is BOC-3?
The BOC-3 form (Designation of Agents for Service of Process) is a legal filing that names a process agent in each state where a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder is authorized to operate. These agents are authorized to accept legal papers — such as lawsuits, subpoenas, and government notices — on behalf of the company. Federal law requires a valid BOC-3 on file before FMCSA will activate any type of operating authority. Carriers can either designate their own agents in each state or, more commonly, hire a blanket process agent company that provides coverage in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia for a single annual fee (typically $50-$150). The BOC-3 must remain current for the life of the authority. If it lapses, FMCSA can revoke the carrier's authority. CarrierOk surfaces BOC-3 agent details — company name, attention line, and address — directly in the carrier profile so that legal teams can serve process without manually searching FMCSA records.
Why does boc-3 matter?
Insurance Underwriters
A missing or expired BOC-3 is an immediate red flag — it means the carrier's authority activation is incomplete or they've let a basic compliance requirement lapse.
Freight Brokers
If you ever need to serve legal papers on a carrier (claims disputes, cargo damage), the BOC-3 agent is your point of contact — having this on file saves days of research.
Developers & Platforms
BOC-3 fields (boc3_company_name, boc3_address) round out the compliance picture in carrier onboarding UIs — display them alongside authority status and insurance to show complete compliance posture.
BOC-3 in the CarrierOk API
This data is available via the /v2/profile endpoint. The following fields are returned in the carrier profile:
/v2/profileboc3_company_nameboc3_attnboc3_address_streetboc3_address_cityboc3_address_stateboc3_address_zipFrequently asked questions
What is a BOC-3 form in trucking?
A BOC-3 is a designation of process agents filed with FMCSA. It names a person or company in each state authorized to accept legal documents on behalf of the motor carrier. It is a mandatory prerequisite for activating operating authority. Most carriers use a blanket agent service that covers all states for an annual fee of $50-$150.
Do all carriers need a BOC-3 filing?
Any entity that holds FMCSA operating authority — whether common, contract, or broker authority — must have a valid BOC-3 on file. Carriers that only have a DOT number (intrastate or private carriers) do not need a BOC-3. The requirement applies specifically to for-hire interstate operations and brokerage.
Related terms
Operating Authority
FMCSA-granted permission for a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to operate in interstate commerce. Authority types include common (general for-hire), contract (specific shippers), and broker. CarrierOk tracks authority status changes same-day and flags monitored carriers when authority lapses or is revoked.
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
The federal agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that regulates the trucking and bus industries. FMCSA issues operating authority, sets safety standards, and maintains the databases — SAFER, SMS, MCMIS, L&I — that CarrierOk re-indexes the moment they publish updates, to power its carrier intelligence platform.
MC Number (Motor Carrier Number)
A docket number assigned by FMCSA to for-hire carriers and brokers when they register for operating authority. Unlike DOT numbers (required for all interstate CMV operators), MC numbers are specific to for-hire and brokerage operations. CarrierOk supports lookup by MC number, DOT number, or legal name.
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