What is a BOC-3 and Do I Need One?
If you’re starting a trucking company or applying for your motor carrier operating authority, you’ve probably come across the term BOC-3. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important?
A BOC-3, meaning “Blanket of Coverage,” is a required federal filing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It designates a process agent in each state where your company operates. Without it, the FMCSA will not issue your operating authority documents for your motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder business.
This article breaks down the meaning of BOC-3, how it works, who needs it, and why it’s an essential requirement for maintaining compliance in the trucking industry. We’ll also cover how to file your BOC-3 form, what information you need, when to refile, and how a professional process agent like FCCR can help you navigate the entire process.
What Is a BOC-3 Form?
The BOC-3 form is a legal document required by the FMCSA for all companies seeking interstate authority. It designates a business appointed FMCSA agent to act as your service of process agent in every state where your company is active.
The process agent receives legal documents, such as court papers, complaints, and government notices, on your behalf. This ensures that your trucking company doesn’t miss important legal communication that could affect your registration or operating authority.
This requirement applies to:
- Motor carriers
- Freight brokers
- Freight forwarders
- Private carriers that operate in multiple states
Every business that operates commercial vehicles across state lines must file a BOC-3 before it can legally begin operations. This filing is also essential if you’re reinstating a previously revoked authority.
Why the FMCSA Requires a BOC-3
The FMCSA requires a BOC-3 filing to make sure every transportation company can legally receive service of process in every state in which they operate. Your BOC-3 form lists agency designations for every state, allowing court systems and federal agencies to know exactly where to send important legal papers.
Without a BOC-3, your DOT number, MC number, or FF number will not be activated, and you won’t be granted your FMCSA authority.
This is a federal motor carrier safety measure designed to ensure legal accountability in interstate commerce. It prevents scenarios where a company evades responsibility by simply not having a known, reachable legal representative in a given state.
What Is a Process Agent?
A process agent (sometimes called an SOP agent or service of process agent) is an individual or company that you authorize to receive legal documents on your behalf in each state where you operate.
These agents must:
- Be located in the state they represent
- Have a physical address (not a P.O. box)
- Be available during normal business hours or regular business hours
Each state where you operate must have its own designated agent, or you can appoint a blanket company with a blanket designation to cover all states. The agent essentially acts as your company’s legal presence in each jurisdiction. Only a process agent can file Form BOC-3 on behalf of a motor carrier.
Note: You may only act as your own process agent in your base state, provided you meet all FMCSA criteria, including a proper street address, accessibility during business hours, and capability to handle service of process.
FMCSA Regulation 49 CFR Part 366 details more about the designation of process agents by motor carriers and brokers.
Who Needs a BOC-3?
You are required to file a BOC-3 if you are applying for or reinstating any of the following:
- Motor carrier operating authority
- Broker authority
- Freight forwarder authority
This includes any carrier, broker, or freight business seeking DOT authority to operate commercial vehicles across state lines.
If you are a freight forwarder applicant without commercial vehicles, you may be allowed to file your own BOC-3 directly, though this is the exception.
To file, you’ll need the following information:
- Legal name and correct mailing address of your business
- Name and title of the person authorized to sign the form
- Name and address of the process agent(s) for each state
If there is no BOC-3 form or no insurance on file with the FMCSA, there will be no authority issued.
How to File Your BOC-3
How to File Your BOC-3
To file your BOC-3:
- Choose a BOC-3 process agent or blanket company
- Provide your company information and state-specific agent details
- The agent will file your BOC electronically using the FMCSA’s online system
Only a process agent may file a BOC-3. Carriers cannot submit this form on their own, and only one completed form can be on file at a time. Filing multiple versions can result in delays or rejection of your application.
The BOC-3 must be filed within 90 days of the Operating Authority application being published in the FMCSA Register. The FMCSA will issue authority once the BOC-3 form has been filed and any other requirements have been fulfilled. You should receive your operating authority documents within 3-4 business days. If more than 10 business days pass after your grant date, visit the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance website to verify your status.
When Do You Need to Re-file a BOC-3?
There are a few scenarios where you’ll need to re-file your BOC-3 with the FMCSA:
- You change your business name or structure
- You transfer or reinstate your authority
- You change your process agent or switch to a new blanket company
Filing a fresh BOC-3 ensures that all your legal communication and official service of process are handled properly. Failing to do so can result in suspension or revocation of your trucking authority.
Does a BOC-3 Expire?
A BOC-3 does not expire but must be updated for name changes, authority transfers, or reinstatements. Once it is on file, it remains valid unless:
- You make a change that requires a refile
- Your authority is revoked or deactivated
- Your process agent is no longer valid
That said, your company is responsible for keeping the BOC-3 up to date. If your process agent cannot be reached or their information is outdated, you may be considered non-compliant.
Maintaining Your BOC-3
To stay compliant with federal law, companies must:
- Keep their process agent contact information current
- Update their BOC-3 after any name, address, or structure change; Transportation companies need to maintain their correct mailing address with the FMCSA for receiving court proceeding documentation.
- Refile as needed after reinstating or modifying authority
All transportation companies, motor carriers, and freight forwarders are required to file a list of process agents with the FMCSA. Process agents must be able to receive legal papers at a verifiable address during business hours. Carriers should ensure they choose agents with a history of responsiveness and reliability.
Benefits of Using a BOC-3 Process Agent
Working with a professional BOC-3 process agent offers several advantages:
- Fast and accurate filing services
- Assistance with annual filings and registration, and safety information
- Support for changes in company structure, reinstatements, and name updates
- Help understanding FMCSA rules, authority documents, and compliance workflows
Many agents also offer additional services, such as:
- UCR registration
- Biennial MCS-150 updates
- Document scanning and forwarding
- Compliance reminders and alerts
Using a single, reliable agent simplifies all the administrative tasks involved in running a trucking company. This is especially important for startups and owner-operators who may not have a dedicated back-office team.
Why Choose FCCR as Your Process Agent?
FCCR is a licensed Process Service Agency and registered agent service that provides complete BOC-3 coverage in all 50 states. As a blanket company, we simplify your compliance across multiple states and ensure nothing gets missed.
When you work with FCCR, you get:
- Fast, electronic BOC-3 filing
- Nationwide coverage with one point of contact
- Guidance on filing your BOC and maintaining compliance
- Help with FMCSA authority filings and ongoing registration support
We’re based in Garden City, Idaho, but we support carriers nationwide with dependable, accurate service.
Let FCCR take care of the legal side, so you can focus on running your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
BOC-3 stands for “Blanket of Coverage” and refers to the federal form filed with the FMCSA to designate process agents across the U.S.
Only a registered process agent or blanket company may file a BOC-3. The only exception is a broker or freight forwarder without commercial vehicles, who may be eligible to self-file.
No. A BOC-3 is only required for companies operating across state lines and seeking a motor carrier authority (MC number).
If the BOC-3 is not filed within 90 days of applying for authority, your FMCSA application will be dismissed, and your fees may be forfeited.
You do not need to renew a BOC-3 annually. It stays on file until your business information changes, your authority is revoked, or you switch process agents.
You will need your company’s legal name, mailing address, a person authorized to sign, and the name and street address of the process agent in each state.
Yes. You can switch to a new blanket company or agent at any time, but you must refile a new BOC-3 to make it official.
No. A process agent does not have to be a lawyer, but they must have a physical address in the state they represent and be available during business hours.
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