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How to Become a Carrier

How to Become a Commercial Motor Carrier in Arizona

Starting a commercial trucking company in Arizona requires completing both federal and state registrations. Below is a step-by-step overview of what you’ll need to operate legally and stay compliant. Once you complete the initial set-up, you can make an appointment and we will guide you through the remaining steps.

1. Establish Your Business Entity

Before applying for operating authority, you must form a legal business.

Requirements:

  • Register your business entity (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, etc.)
  • Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
  • Secure a physical business address (no P.O. Boxes for FMCSA registration)

Resources:

2. Determine Interstate vs. Intrastate Authority

You must determine how you will operate:

Interstate Carrier (Crossing State Lines) Requires:

  • USDOT Number (Free)
  • MC Number (Operating Authority – $300 fee)
  • Federal insurance filings
  • BOC-3 Process Agent filing
  • UCR Registration
  • IFTA (if applicable)

Intrastate Carrier (Arizona Only) Requires:

  • May require a USDOT number (depending on weight and operation)
  • Must comply with Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and ADOT regulations

FMCSA Registration Portal (Unified Registration System – URS) »

3. Obtain a USDOT Number & MC Authority

All interstate carriers must register through FMCSA.

Fees:

  • USDOT Number: Free
  • MC Number (Operating Authority): $300 per authority type

What You’ll Need:

  • EIN
  • Business formation documents
  • Vehicle information
  • Cargo classification

FMCSA Registration (URS) »

4. Secure Required Insurance

Your operating authority will not activate until insurance is filed with FMCSA.

Minimum Federal Requirements:

  • $750,000 Auto Liability (general freight minimum)
  • Up to $1,000,000+ depending on cargo type
  • $100,000+ Cargo Insurance (common for general freight)

Insurance must be filed electronically (Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X) by your insurance provider.

Important: You have 90 days after receiving your MC number to file insurance, or your authority will be revoked.

FMCSA Insurance Requirements

5. File a BOC-3 (Process Agent)

You must designate a process agent in every state where you operate.

  • File Form BOC-3 through an approved process agent company.
  • Cannot be self-filed unless you are a designated blanket company.

FMCSA BOC-3 Information »

6. Arizona State Requirements – Make an Appointment at ATA MVS

Once federally registered, Arizona carriers must complete additional state-level registrations. Make an appointment by calling 602.850.6007 and our team will help you with establishing:

IRP (International Registration Plan)
Required for interstate commercial vehicles over 26,000 lbs. Learn more »

IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement)
Required for interstate carriers operating qualified vehicles over 26,000 lbs or with 3+ axles. IFTA Phone: 602.712.8473. Learn more »

UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)
Annual federal registration for interstate carriers. Learn more »

Additional Carrier Resources

Arizona Oversize/Overweight Permits (If Applicable): If operating oversize or overweight vehicles, learn more about permitting here »

Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS): Arizona DPS enforces commercial vehicle compliance and inspections. Learn more » 

New Entrant Safety Audit: All new interstate carriers must pass a New Entrant Safety Audit within the first 12 months of operation.

You must:

  • Maintain driver qualification files
  • Maintain Hours-of-Service records
  • Conduct pre-employment drug testing
  • Maintain vehicle maintenance and inspection records
  • Register with the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse »

Additional Requirements to Be Operational

  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for applicable driver
  • ELD (Electronic Logging Device), if required
  • Vehicle inspections (annual DOT inspections)
  • Proper vehicle markings (USDOT number displayed)
  • Arizona TPT (Transaction Privilege Tax), if applicable per Arizona Department of Revenue»

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Missing the 90-day insurance filing deadline
  • Incorrect vehicle weight classification on MCS-150
  • Failing to update MCS-150 every two years
  • Not registering for UCR annually
  • Poor record keeping during the New Entrant period
  • Operating before authority becomes “Active” in FMCSA SAFER

Check Carrier Status here» 

Important Disclaimer: Regulations frequently change at both the federal and state levels. Always verify requirements directly through official government websites such as FMCSA (www.fmcsa.dot.gov) and ADOT (www.azdot.gov), or consult with ATA Motor Vehicle Services for guidance.