---
title: "Docket number"
url: https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/docket-number
description: "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."
---

# Docket 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.

Also called: MC/FF/MX number, Authority number. Category: FMCSA & freight.

The [MC number](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/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.

> **Red flag: Red flags** A docket on a rate con that belongs to a different USDOT than your client's. A broker docket on a carrier's paperwork. A docket you can't find in either the legacy or the Motus data.

## Related

- [MC number](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/mc-number)
- [USDOT number](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/usdot-number)
- [Operating authority](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/operating-authority)
- [Motus](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/motus)
- [Is the MC number going away? What's actually changing](https://carrierkyc.com/guides/is-the-mc-number-going-away)

## Sources

- [FMCSA Motus Carrier, All With History](https://data.transportation.gov/Trucking-and-Motorcoaches/Motus-Carrier-All-With-History/inys-ebih) (data.transportation.gov)
- [NGWA: FMCSA announces new online registration system, Motus](https://www.ngwa.org/detail/news/2026/08/27/fmcsa-announces-new-online-registration-system--motus) (Summary of FMCSA's Motus guidance, 2026-08-27)
- [Federal Register: Availability of Motus, FMCSA's New Registration System](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/29/2026-08334/availability-of-motus-fmcsas-new-registration-system) (FMCSA notice, 2026-04-29)