Obtaining Commercial Trucking Authority in Montana

To get your own trucking authority in Montana, you must register a business entity with the Montana Secretary of State and obtain a federal USDOT number and Operating Authority (MC number) through the FMCSA Unified Registration System. For operations confined within state lines, you must also apply for a Class E intrastate certificate from the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC). This process requires a $300 federal filing fee, proof of liability insurance, and a process agent designated via Form BOC-3. Establishing your own authority allows you to book loads directly and manage your own margins. DispatchTool helps Montana carriers navigate these requirements by integrating IFTA reporting for Big Sky Country miles and managing the digital documentation required for federal compliance. You can streamline your back-office operations and expense tracking by creating a free DispatchTool account to manage your new authority.

Registering a Montana Business Entity

Before applying for federal or state authority, you must establish a legal business entity with the Montana Secretary of State. Most owner-operators choose a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation to protect personal assets. The filing fee for a Domestic Limited Liability Company in Montana is $350. You must also obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is required for tax reporting and opening a business bank account. Ensure your business name is unique by checking the Montana Secretary of State’s online records search before filing documents.

Federal USDOT and MC Number Requirements

Any Montana-based carrier transporting property across state lines (interstate) must obtain a USDOT number and an MC number from the FMCSA. The application is submitted via the Unified Registration System (URS) and carries a mandatory $300 non-refundable filing fee per type of authority. Once the application is submitted, a 10-day protest period begins. During this time, you must fulfill insurance and process agent requirements. Failure to complete these steps within 20 days of the application can result in the dismissal of your request and the loss of your filing fee.

Montana Intrastate Authority (Class E)

If you intend to haul property for hire exclusively within Montana (intrastate), you must obtain authority from the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC). Most property carriers fall under 'Class E' authority. Unlike interstate authority, which is federal, Class E authority is regulated by the state under Title 69 of the Montana Code Annotated. The application fee is typically $100 for a new certificate. You must demonstrate that you have the financial fitness to operate safely and provide proof of insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements for property carriers.

BOC-3 and Process Agents

To activate your federal authority, you must file Form BOC-3 (Designation of Agents for Service of Process). This form lists individuals in every state where you operate who can accept legal documents on your behalf. Most Montana carriers use a process agent service, which typically costs between $20 and $50 for a blanket filing covering all 50 states. The FMCSA requires this to be filed electronically by the process agent service. Your authority will not be issued until this form is on file and verified by the federal government.

Insurance and Financial Responsibility

The FMCSA and the Montana PSC require specific levels of insurance coverage. For a standard freight vehicle over 10,001 lbs GVWR, you must carry a minimum of $750,000 in Primary Auto Liability insurance. However, most brokers and shippers require at least $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in Cargo insurance to book loads. If you are hauling hazardous materials, these requirements increase to $5,000,000. Montana also requires workers' compensation insurance if you have employees, as mandated by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

Montana is a participating member of the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) agreement. This is an annual fee paid to your home state to support highway safety and enforcement. Fees are determined by the size of your fleet. For 2024 and 2025, the fee for a carrier with 0 to 2 power units is approximately $37 to $59, though these rates are adjusted annually by the UCR Board. You must renew your UCR registration by December 31st each year to avoid fines if you are inspected at scales in Montana or other participating states.

Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290)

If you operate a vehicle with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more on Montana highways, you must file IRS Form 2290 and pay the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). The maximum annual tax is $550 per vehicle. You must present a stamped Schedule 1 from your Form 2290 when registering your truck for the International Registration Plan (IRP) at a Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) office. Without this proof of payment, the state will not issue your apportioned license plates.

International Registration Plan (IRP) and IFTA

Montana carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions must register for the International Registration Plan (IRP) for apportioned plates and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). Under IRP, your registration fees are distributed among the states based on the percentage of total miles driven in each. For IFTA, you must file quarterly reports detailing total fuel purchased and total miles traveled in each state. Montana MDT requires electronic filing for IFTA returns. Staying compliant requires meticulous record-keeping of every gallon and every mile to avoid audits and penalties.

Sources

FMCSA Registration Portal (2025) — https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration Montana Secretary of State (2024) — https://sosmt.gov/business/ Montana Public Service Commission (2024) — https://psc.mt.gov/ Montana Department of Transportation MCS (2025) — https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/mcs/

Frequently asked

How long does it take to get authority in Montana?

It typically takes 5 to 7 weeks. This includes the time for the FMCSA to process your application, the mandatory 10-day protest period, and the time required for your insurance company to file proof of coverage.

What is the total cost to start a trucking company in Montana?

The initial cost ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. This includes the $300 FMCSA fee, $350 state business filing, $37-$59 UCR fee, and the first month’s down payment on commercial insurance, which can range from $1,000 to $3,000.

Do I need a Montana PSC number for interstate hauling?

No, if you are only hauling goods across state lines, your USDOT and MC numbers are sufficient. The Montana PSC number is specifically for intrastate property movement within Montana borders.

How much insurance does Montana require for intrastate trucks?

For vehicles over 10,000 lbs, Montana requires a minimum of $750,000 in public liability for property, though most commercial contracts will require at least $1,000,000.

Where do I register for IRP and IFTA in Montana?

You register through the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) Motor Carrier Services (MCS) division. They offer an online portal called e-Part for electronic filing and renewals.