Introduction
BOC-3 stands for Blanket of Coverage, and the 3 refers to the form number. Filing BOC-3 is an official requirement by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) so they can assign process agents to collect legal documents on behalf of your transportation company in every state of the U.S.
While filing, mistakes like entering the wrong MC (Motor Carrier) number, incomplete BOC-3 filing, or filing through an unverified agent can result in hefty fines, penalties, and suspension of the company’s operating authority.
In this blog, we will discuss common BOC-3 filing mistakes and how you can avoid them as a transportation business owner to get rid of huge fines.
09 Biggest BOC-3 Filing Mistakes And Their Solution
1- Using Information That Does Not Match FMCSA Records
Your BOC-3 form must have a correct MC number and USDOT number that is in FMCSA’s records. Due to this minor mistake of entering incorrect information, the FMCSA will reject your request and may halt the operating authority of the business.
How To Fix It
To avoid this mistake, make sure to recheck the MC number and USDOT before filing for BOC-3. Besides that, copying it from the official state DOC, verifying it from the FMCSA record, and hiring a BOC-3 filing for truckers agent will save you from financial loss.
2- Using a DBA Instead of the Registered Legal Business Name
Many people make a mistake of entering a DBA (Doing business as name) instead of the legal business name. This can cause huge confusion, and FMCSA may restrict your transportation company’s operations in the relevant state.
How To Fix It
To fix this issue, first you must know that a DBA is a common name used for branding and the public. While a legal business name is used in legal documents and tax returns and is based on the owner’s legal name for a unique identity.
To avoid this mistake, make sure to use the correct name available on the FMCSA record and official documents.
3- Choosing an Unreliable or Improper Process Agent
An experienced and reliable BOC-3 agent is crucial to file the BOC-3 without any mistakes. An agent without appropriate coverage or reliability can result in
- Pending operational authority activation
- Show cause notice and revoked or suspended operational authority
- Roadside violations due to revoked operational authority
How To Fix This
The only solution is to verify that the service provider assigns an appropriate agent with expertise and experience before proceeding.
4- Providing Incomplete BOC-3 Filing Information
Some mistakes may seem minor, including typos, missing details, and information that doesn’t match FMCSA’s records. Incorrect or incomplete information often leads to unnecessary delays or rejection of BOC-3 filing for brokers.
How To Fix This
First, make sure to review all the information twice before submitting a BOC-3 form. If you find any error, contact the service provider or your processing agent to find out how it can be corrected.
5- Filing a Duplicate BOC-3
Many transportation businesses file for BOC-3 without checking the previous request’s status. Although there is no major legal violation in submitting the BOC-3 form twice, it creates confusion, and FMCSA recommends that businesses have only one active request.
How To Fix This
To avoid confusion and delayed acceptance of the BOC-3 request, make sure to check the current status in the FMCSA’s records first.
6- Waiting Too Long for BOC-3 Filing for Truckers
Some new truck carriers wait until other steps of the process are complete before filing for BOC-3. Delaying this step can create further problems, as it is a time-sensitive process and you are working to get operational authority.
How To Fix This
Plan your BOC-3 filing beforehand and determine where it can fit into your registration process. If you are unsure, check FMCSA’s requirements or hire a reliable processing agent.
7- Not Keeping a Copy of Your BOC-3 Filing Information
After arranging a BOC-3 filing, some applicants do not prefer to keep copies of the information and documents related to it. Now, when any objection is raised on a BOC-3 application, they are unable to resolve it because they have no records.
How To Fix It
Always keep copies of the information provided during the filing process and any confirmation you receive to verify details and resolve potential issues easily.
8- Assuming a BOC-3 Automatically Activates MC Authority
If you are thinking that filing for BOC-3 ultimately activates MC authority, then you are wrong. Depending completely on BOC-3 filing alone may create unrealistic expectations.
How To Avoid This
Consider filing BOC-3 as one step in getting a working authority process. Check your authority status and confirm that all other requirements have been completed as well.
9- Assuming a Payment Means BOC-3 filing for brokers Is Complete
Paying for a BOC-3 service does not mean that the filing has been completed and recorded. An error may occur, such as an incomplete filing, which creates unnecessary delays in your filing status.
How To Fix This
Ask your process agent for confirmation and verify the status through the appropriate FMCSA records when available. Keep any confirmation or documentation for your records with you.
Conclusion
Mistakes can occur while submitting a legal form like the BOC-3. The most serious mistakes that you must avoid are providing inaccurate information, making typos, or hiring an inexperienced or unprofessional processing agent.
Need Help With Your BOC-3 Filing?
Get in touch with star4truckers.com , we here,
- Help you with the BOC-3 filing process
- Make sure you avoid common information errors
- Make sure that your BOC-3 filing is not rejected
FAQ
1- What are the most common BOC-3 filing mistakes?
Most common BOC-3 filing mistakes are an incorrect MC or USDOT number, the wrong legal business name, incomplete state designations, bad process agent information, or assuming the filing alone activates authority.
2- How can I avoid BOC-3 filing errors when registering a company?
Identify the specific error, contact your process agent, get it corrected, and verify the update shows correctly before assuming it’s resolved.
3- Can I correct BOC-3 filing mistakes after submission?
Yes, the mistakes can be corrected, but not on the same form. You need to fill out the new form from the FMCSA.
4- Why is my BOC-3 showing inactive or cancelled on the Motus portal?
It’s just because of the FMCSA transition to a new system called Motus.
If you want to get your BOC-3 in less than an hour, contact Start4truckers.com
