Glossary

Operating authority

The federal permission a for-hire carrier or broker needs to transport regulated freight or arrange it across state lines. Haul Handbook publishes no state-by-state page for this term, across 26 live states, checked Aug 9, 2026.

By Evan Reid, Founder of Haul Handbook · Updated Jul 19, 2026

FMCSA grants it as one or more authority types tied to a docket (MC) number, separate from the USDOT number that identifies the company.

Where this term is defined

This definition follows the authority that defines the term. Read the source directly:

FMCSA, Get Authority to Operate

The full guide goes past the definition into the filings, deadlines, and steps: How to get your own authority.

Working the numbers already? Estimate your startup costs.

USDOT number

The unique identifier FMCSA assigns to a company that operates commercial vehicles in interstate commerce, used to track its safety record, inspections, and audits. Many intrastate carriers also need one under their state rules.

For-hire carrier

A carrier that transports freight belonging to others for payment. For-hire carriers of regulated commodities in interstate commerce need FMCSA operating authority, unlike private carriers hauling their own goods.

Apportioned plate

A single license plate issued under the IRP that lets a commercial vehicle operate in every member jurisdiction. The registrant pays each jurisdiction a share of the fee based on the miles the fleet travels there.

Base jurisdiction

The single state or province where a carrier registers under IRP and licenses under IFTA, chosen by where the fleet is based and keeps its records. The base jurisdiction collects the fees and taxes and settles them with the other member jurisdictions.

Back to the full glossary