Glossary · FMCSA & freight
Docket number
Also called: MC/FF/MX number, Authority number
Definition
A docket number is the FMCSA identifier for an operating authority, written with a prefix: MC for carriers and brokers, FF for freight forwarders, MX for certain Mexico-domiciled carriers.
The MC number most people know is a docket number. One USDOT number can hold several dockets, for example carrier authority under one and broker authority under another. The legacy system allowed several authorities on a single docket; Motus assigns a unique docket number to each newly granted authority.
Motus also randomizes newly issued docket numbers, while the MC, FF and MX prefixes stay the same. FMCSA left the elimination of MC and FF numbers out of the Motus Phase II release, so dockets remain in use.
For a factor, key your records on the USDOT number and store dockets under it. Match every docket on a rate con or invoice back to the USDOT it belongs to, because a docket copied onto a document proves nothing by itself. Legacy files zero-pad numbers, so normalize them before matching.
Sources
- 01FMCSA Motus Carrier, All With History · data.transportation.gov
- 02NGWA: FMCSA announces new online registration system, Motus · Summary of FMCSA's Motus guidance, 2026-08-27
- 03Federal Register: Availability of Motus, FMCSA's New Registration System · FMCSA notice, 2026-04-29