BOC-3 Process Agents: What You Need to Know
A complete guide to BOC-3 filings, process agent designations, and how they affect your motor carrier authority.
What is a BOC-3?
Form BOC-3 (Designation of Agents for Service of Process) is a federal filing that designates a process agent in every state where a motor carrier operates. This ensures that legal documents (lawsuits, summons) can be properly served regardless of where an incident occurs.
The filing is required under 49 CFR Part 366 for all carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders that hold or apply for operating authority from the FMCSA.
Blanket vs. Individual Agents
Blanket agents provide process agent coverage in all 50 states plus DC through a single filing. This is by far the most common approach — over 95% of carriers use a blanket agent.
Individual agents require separate designations for each state. This approach is rare and typically only used by very large carriers with their own legal presence in every jurisdiction.
Common Blanket Agents
The majority of U.S. motor carriers use one of these large process agent companies:
- CT Corporation — Wolters Kluwer subsidiary, largest process agent provider
- National Registered Agents (NRAI) — Part of the Corporation Service Company family
- Corporation Service Company (CSC) — Major registered agent and compliance provider
- Legalinc — Online-focused process agent service
- Northwest Registered Agent — Popular with new carriers
When Is BOC-3 Required?
- When applying for new motor carrier authority (MC number)
- When applying for broker authority
- When applying for freight forwarder authority
- Must remain on file for the duration of your authority
- Must be updated if you change your process agent
How to Check BOC-3 Status
Look up any carrier by USDOT number on TruckCodex to see their BOC-3 filing status. The carrier profile shows whether a BOC-3 is on file and identifies the process agent.