Do you have a trucking company or planning to make a new one? If yes, then you must follow the guidelines of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the USA. Because it is obligatory for trucking companies to file a BOC 3 form to comply with the FMCSA rules and regulations. An FMCSA approved BOC 3 form from all states of the USA helps you to run your operations smoothly. If you are running or going to start a trucking company, this blog is for you. I will guide you through the BOC-3 form, process agent, and how to file it. Read it till last to understand the process completely.
What is the BOC-3 Form?
The full form of BOC is “Blanket of Coverage”.This is a type of form that lists the addresses and names of the people who receive the legal authority on behalf of their trucking business. It is compulsory for all businesses to file it from all states of the USA via a process agent. However, the basic purpose of this form is to provide proof to every business that they have a process agent in each state to run their operations legally. A BOC 3 form requires the following information:
- Name of the freight forwarder, carrier, and broker.
- Address of the carrier, freight forwarder, and broker.
- Process agent name and address who has the authority to represent the business.
How to File the BOC-3 Form?
You need to choose a process agent who files the BOC-3 form on behalf of your business. An FMCSA process agent will fill out the form that you designate to represent your company from each state. However, this form can be filed both physically and online. The benefit of hiring a process agent is that they are trained and well-versed regarding the rules and regulations of FMCSA that might confuse you.
Above all, you need to update your form whenever there is any change in your business to avoid any legal notice or penalty in the future. After filing the form, you will get the authority within three to five business days. Contact FMCSA in case, if you have not received your authorized document within ten days.
Does the BOC 3 Form Expire?
No, the BOC 3 form does not expire till you update your status of trucking operations. In terms of any change, keep your form updated.
Who is the FMCSA Process Agent?
A company or a person that receives the legal documentation on behalf of the freight forwarder, motor carrier, and broker for legal proceedings is a process agent. Any business that is registered under the FMCSA needs to select the person and list the address and the name according to the requirements. There are uncountable benefits to hiring a process agent for your trucking company. Some of the benefits are:
- A process agent is a responsive person who responds to requests quickly and provides the required prompt to all legal proceedings.
- A process agent knows the legal process and understands the complete procedure.
- An FMCSA process agent has experience in handling cross-border financial deals and can provide customized services.
- The main duty of the person is to be a representative who presents the court papers on behalf of your company.
- Also, a process agent maintains the contact information and database of appointments.
Concluding Remarks
Run your trucking company operations smoothly with the FMCSA approved BOC 3 form. Fulfill all the rules and regulations according to the requirements to avoid any inconvenience in the future. Remember that filing the BOC 3 form is crucial for your business.