---
title: "Common authority"
url: https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/common-authority
description: "Common authority is the operating authority status FMCSA records for a for-hire motor carrier serving the general public, as distinct from contract authority under shipper contracts."
---

# Common authority

**Definition:** Common authority is the operating authority status FMCSA records for a for-hire motor carrier serving the general public, as distinct from contract authority under shipper contracts.

Also called: Common carrier authority. Category: FMCSA & freight.

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.

> **Red flag: Red flags** Carrier status inactive while the client is invoicing loads. Status that changed recently, especially a reinstatement. Broker authority only, on a client presenting itself as a trucking company.

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](https://carrierkyc.com/tools/carrier-check) to see current status, and compare [contract authority](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/contract-authority).

## Related

- [Contract authority](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/contract-authority)
- [Operating authority](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/operating-authority)
- [MC number](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/mc-number)
- [Double brokering](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/double-brokering)
- [Carrier risk check](https://carrierkyc.com/tools/carrier-check)

## Sources

- [49 U.S.C. 14101: Providing transportation and service](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/49/14101) (Cornell LII)
- [FMCSA Carrier, All With History (legacy L&I)](https://data.transportation.gov/Trucking-and-Motorcoaches/Carrier-All-With-History/6eyk-hxee) (data.transportation.gov, last refreshed 2026-05-14)
- [FMCSA Motus Carrier, All With History](https://data.transportation.gov/Trucking-and-Motorcoaches/Motus-Carrier-All-With-History/inys-ebih) (data.transportation.gov)