Whom You Can Trust Regarding FMCSA Approved BOC 3 Form
One of the key requirements in gaining interstate operating authority for your trucking company is to file an up-to-date FMCSA approved BOC 3 form. The “BOC” stands for “blanket of coverage.” A BOC-3 form gives your carrier a legal presence in any state where your trucks haul freight. The BOC-3 designates legal or “process” agents in every state where a trucking company operates. These agents can be individual or a business authorized to represent the company and receive legal documents. Your BOC-3 form authorizes a process agent to receive court documents related to the lawsuit filed in a particular state.
Many trucking companies hire a “blanket agent” that can provide process agent coverage in every U.S. state. A blanket agent saves time and eliminates the need to find individual agents in each of the states where your trucks or cargo travel. But, only a process agent, on behalf of a carrier, can file a FMCSA approved BOC 3 form. When selecting your process agent, make sure that individual or business is authorized to file BOC-3 forms and can cover your company in every state where you operate. The FMCSA provides a list of blanket agent companies that have process agents in every state. Many of these businesses can help you acquire other government permits required for your operating authority. The cost of filing an initial BOC-3 typically ranges between $20 and $40.
One signed copy of the FMCSA approved BOC 3 form should be filed with each state in which your trucking company operates. Your company should have a copy of the BOC-3 on file as well. Any changes to designated agents will require the filing of a new BOC-3 with the FMCSA and with the related states. Beware of businesses on the Internet that pose as blanket agents but are not authorized to file a BOC-3. Once your application for motor carrier and U.S. DOT numbers is posted by the FMCSA, you may also receive phone calls from companies claiming to specialize in BOC-3s and other permits. The FMCSA’s list of BOC-3 blanket agents is a good place for you to start. When selecting a blanket agent, do some research and go with a company such as A+ Agents of Process, Inc
.