BOC - 3
BOC stands for “Blanket of Coverage,” and BOC-3 is a form you must file to give the FMCSA proof that you have a process agent in each state you operate.
All trucking businesses must file a BOC-3 form with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This form designates a person or an office to accept service of process, legal documents, and other correspondence on your behalf in states you conduct business in or travel through. The process agents, also called trucking agents, are third-party companies with the ability to grant BOC-3 filings.
A BOC-3 filing is often required before a transportation or logistics company is granted the authority to operate.The BOC-3 form filing serves as a means for the public to be able to reach you if you are involved in court proceedings.
It is required for carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders prior to receiving their authority. They will need to keep a copy of the BOC-3 form in their office files.
Can you file a BOC-3 yourself?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires your blanket process agent to file the Form BOC-3 on behalf of your motor carrier business. You cannot file the form yourself unless you are a freight forwarder or broker.
If you’re a motor carrier, then your BOC-3 process agent(s) will need to fill out your form(s) for you. Whether you’re able to file it yourself or not, you’ll need the following information:
- Name and address of the trucking company
- The name and title of the person authorized to sign on behalf of the company
- The name and address of the FMCSA BOC-3 process agent(s) for each state
How long does it take to file Form BOC-3?
Once the BOC-3 form has been properly completed and filed electronically with the FMCSA, they will issue operating authority and mail the document to you. Normally, operating authority documents are sent out within 3-4 business days. If 10 or more business days have passed since the grant date and you have not yet received the operating authority document, you can contact the FMCSA. You can also check whether your operating authority has been issued by visiting the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance website.
In certain instances—such as a name change, transfer of authority, or reinstatement of your motor carrier operating authority—your BOC-3 may need to be refiled.
How much does a BOC-3 agent cost?
The cost of a BOC-3 agent if you want to appoint a professional registered agent can be as low as $20 or more than $100 depending on the scope of service chosen (many SOP agents offer additional compliance services beyond just BOC-3 filing services).
The benefits of working with a blanket process agent
Companies may appoint a process agent for individual states or appoint a blanket process agent that covers every state. Appointing a blanket agent can help consolidate your company’s FMCSA obligations. The agent acts as your BOC-3 blanket process agent in each jurisdiction in which you operate. It is easier to keep track of notifications when they come from a single agent and receive prompt notifications if any regulatory changes occur, mitigating any potential penalties such as loss of good standing if you fall out of compliance with FMCSA.
If you choose a blanket process agent, you must select the agent from the FMCSA’s approved list of blanket service process companies.
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