Common authority

Federal law requires a carrier providing regulated transportation to provide it on reasonable request (49 U.S.C. 14101(a)), the traditional mark of a common carrier. FMCSA's legacy authority data tracks common, contract and broker status separately for each docket, so one MC can show active common authority and inactive broker authority at the same time.

For a factor, the question is whether the authority that is active matches what your client actually does. A carrier hauling brokered freight needs active for-hire carrier authority, and a client that also brokers loads needs broker authority on top. A mismatch, such as a carrier with no active carrier authority invoicing for loads, deserves an explanation before you fund.

Motus assigns each newly granted authority its own docket number, so newer companies may show a separate docket per authority type. Run a carrier check to see current status, and compare contract authority.