Authority Types: Carrier, Broker, Forwarder, HHG
There is no single "operating authority." The FMCSA issues four distinct types - motor carrier (MC), property broker (MC-B), freight forwarder (MC-FF), and household-goods (HHG) - and the file structure, financial-responsibility filings, and audit triggers differ across all four.
A motor carrier hauls freight on its own equipment under its own authority. The MC application is OP-1, the financial-responsibility filing is BMC-91 vehicle liability ($750K-$5M depending on commodity), and the BOC-3 is required for process-agent service.
A freight broker arranges the movement of freight without taking custody. The application is OP-1(P), the financial-responsibility filing is the BMC-84/85 $75K broker bond/trust, and the BOC-3 sits alongside.
A freight forwarder combines elements of carrier and broker - handles freight, may take custody, and brokers some movements. The application is OP-1(FF) with both BMC-91 (when carrier-equivalent) and BMC-84/85 elements.
Household-goods movers are a separate FMCSA category - interstate moves of personal effects require OP-1 plus FMCSA arbitration program participation, written estimate compliance under 49 CFR Part 375, and the standard HHG bond requirements.
The entity-type cluster below walks each authority type, what gets filed, what gets audited, and how the audit + insurance + bond compliance differs across the four.
Articles in this cluster
- Broker Authority vs Motor Carrier Authority
Broker authority and motor carrier authority are separate FMCSA filings with separate fees, separate bonds (BMC-84 vs BMC-91 primary liability).
Operating Authority · 8 min read · Updated 2026-06-12
- Freight Forwarder Authority Explained
Freight forwarders need MC-FF authority - distinct from broker (MC-B) or motor carrier (MC) authority. File on OP-1(FF) under 49 USC §13903; $300 fee.
Operating Authority · 7 min read · Updated 2026-06-11
- Operating Authority for HHG Movers
Household goods (HHG) authority is separate from regular property authority. HHG carriers file under 49 CFR §365.403, post BMC-84.
Operating Authority · 8 min read · Updated 2026-06-11