How to vet a carrier by MC number

An MC number is the docket FMCSA assigns with interstate for-hire operating authority; the USDOT number is the company's registration. Vetting means checking that the company on the phone is the company on the record, and that the record says it may haul your load today.

1. Look up the docket

Search the MC number in the FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot and in Licensing & Insurance (L&I). Note the legal name, DBA, USDOT number, physical address and phone. Or use the free MC number lookup.

2. Confirm carrier authority is active

In L&I, check that common or contract carrier authority is active — not only broker authority. A broker-only docket cannot haul the load itself.

3. Confirm insurance is on file

For general freight, federal minimum public-liability coverage for for-hire interstate property carriers is $750,000 (49 CFR 387.9; higher for some hazardous materials). L&I shows the insurer's filing (BMC-91 or BMC-91X) and any pending cancellation. Also get a certificate of insurance from the carrier and confirm it with the agent directly, using a phone number you find yourself.

4. Check for out-of-service orders and the safety rating

An out-of-service order means the carrier may not operate. SAFER also shows any safety rating (Satisfactory, Conditional, Unsatisfactory or none).

5. Match the contact details

Call the phone number on the FMCSA record, not the one in the email signature, and confirm the dispatcher works there. Mismatched email domains or a recently changed phone or address deserve a second look.

6. Keep a record

Save what you checked and when. CarrierVet returns a PASS / REVIEW / FAIL verdict with reasons and a dated receipt of each lookup.

Start free Free plan: 100 lookups a month, no card. Verified against official FMCSA records.

Sources

• FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot
• FMCSA Licensing & Insurance (L&I) public search
• 49 CFR 387.9 — Financial responsibility, minimum levels
• FMCSA: Out-of-service orders

Related

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Informational, not legal advice. Carrier data is derived from records maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is provided as-is, may be delayed or incomplete, and is not a consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Do not use it to evaluate a natural person for credit, insurance, employment, or any other purpose covered by the FCRA.