When it comes to the trucking industry, there are a lot of regulations and paperwork that companies must adhere to. One important document that companies need to obtain is a BOC-3 filing.

BOC-3 stands for “blanket of coverage” and refers to a document that trucking companies must file with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The BOC-3 filing designates legal agents in each state where a trucking company operates, giving them the authority to accept legal documents on the company’s behalf.

Why is a BOC-3 filing necessary?

A BOC-3 filing is necessary because it helps ensure that legal documents, such as court orders or legal complaints, are properly served to a trucking company.

Without a BOC-3 filing, a company may not be notified of legal actions taken against them, which can result in serious consequences. This is why a BOC-3 filing is a required step to activating your operating authority.

Learn more about the steps to getting your USDOT number and operating authority in this article.

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How to obtain a BOC-3 filing

Obtaining a BOC-3 filing is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: You Choose A Process Agent

A process agent is a company that will act as your legal agent in each state where you do business.

You can choose from this list of FMCSA-approved process agents and they will file Form BOC-3 on your behalf. The service costs roughly $100 – $300, depending on the agent.

You can choose specific states, but we recommend you file in all 48 continental US states so that you’re not limited to one particular geographical region.

Step 2: Your Processing Agent Completes And Submits The BOC-3 Form

The form requires information about your business, including your name, address, and DOT number, as well as the name and address of your designated process agent(s).

You will need your 7-digit MC number to process the BOC-3. You can either wait for the mailed confirmation from the FMCSA or check the status of your authority on the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance Public using your USDOT number. Your MC number will show under “Docket Number”.

Once the form is complete, your process agent will file it with the FMCSA.

Step 3: Wait For Confirmation

Once the FMCSA has received and processed your BOC-3 form, they will send you a confirmation letter. This letter will confirm that your filing has been accepted and that your process agent(s) have been designated in each state where you do business.

You will also receive a copy of the BOC-3 form for your records as well as a list of process agents in every state.

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Obtaining a BOC-3 filing is a necessary step for any trucking company that wants to operate legally in the United States. By designating legal agents in each state where you do business, you can ensure that legal documents are properly served to your company, which can help protect you from legal consequences.

While the process of obtaining all the permits and licenses required for your business can be daunting, this one is a relatively straightforward process, completed with the help of a third-party filing service.

Learn about all the licenses and permits required for your business in this article.