“What is a BOC 3?” is a very important question in the US trucking industry. Here is what BOC 3 refers to:

• A BOC-3 form, also known as a Motor Carrier Identification Report, is a filing that must be completed by motor carriers operating within the United States.
• This report provides information to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that includes identification of all business names and addresses used by the carrier in the conduct of operations and contact information for those responsible for compliance with applicable federal regulations.
• The purpose of this registration is to help the FMCSA keep an updated record of motor carriers involved in interstate commerce so they can be easily contacted if needed.
• All trucking companies must file this form before they are allowed to operate across state lines, and it must be renewed annually.

Who Must File BOC 3 Forms?

Process agents must be appointed by carriers or brokers, if applicable, to legally register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. BOC-3 Filling For Trucking Business. Form BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agents) is used to designate process agents and should be filed only by the applicant.

Brokers or freight forwarders who do not operate commercial motor vehicles can file Form BOC-3 on their own behalf; however, only one completed form per carrier/broker can be on file. Learn more about Starting a Trucking Company. All states for which agency designations are required must be included in the form. Additionally, the carrier or broker is responsible for maintaining a copy of this form at its principal place of business.

Under FMCSA policy 49 CFR 366, regulations for designating persons to receive and process legal documents are in place. Every state in which a carrier, broker, or freight forwarder operates must have an agent appointed. UCR And BOC-3 Compliance Requirements For Trucking Companies. The designated agents should reside within the same state they serve and may even be self-designated by the carrier, broker, or freight forwarder if that's their home state. Additionally, individuals in public office can also act as an agent only when an explicit agreement is provided with this designation. It is important to note that post office boxes are not accepted for these purposes.

What Are Filings for BOC 3?

A BOC-3 filing, known as the “Designation of Agents for Service of Process,” is an important federal filing in the United States. It assigns a process agent to accept legal documents on behalf of a transportation or logistics company in each state they operate in. Do you Want to know the BOC-3 Filing? This requirement must be fulfilled before a transport or logistics firm can gain authority to operate within that state. A BOC-3 filing ensures companies are prepared to handle any potential legal proceedings and documents efficiently.


When you submit your BOC-3 form, you'll need to provide the name and address of the carrier (or broker or freight forwarder), as well as information about the authorized person who will sign and their title. A Step-by-Step Guide For Trucking Companies. Additionally, you must include the names of all SOP agents assigned to each state, either listed individually or by way of a blanket designation. A blanket designation is when one association or corporation is registered with the FMCSA to serve as the process agent for all states and the District of Colombia on behalf of the applicant.

What’s a Process Agent?

If you operate a transportation company, designating a Service Process agent is essential. Referred to as an "FMCSA Agent", this individual or business organization must be authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of your company and must have a physical presence in every state you are licensed to conduct business. Learn more about Biennial Update. It's important that they remain available at the designated address during regular business hours. By having an FMCSA Agent who meets these requirements, your company can ensure that it remains compliant with relevant laws and regulations.


Once appointed, the process agent has been given authorization to receive and forward on any official court or legal paperwork for your company in the specified state(s). Starting A Trucking Company Cost. Do you want to know Dot Authority? Generally, this includes the service of process documents such as a summons or complaint, which notify the named defendant that legal action is being initiated and require them to comply with subsequent steps.


Maintaining updated process agents is important for companies to ensure they remain in compliance with legal regulations and receive all necessary notifications effectively. Read more about the Broker Freight Package. By having up-to-date information about their process agents on file, companies can rest assured that any service of process documents will be accurately handled. This helps to protect businesses from any potential risks associated with not receiving important notifications.