FMCSA registration pathways, MC authority planning, BOC-3 coordination, insurance filing readiness, and new entrant safety audit preparation for Canadian carriers.
Canadian carriers in US interstate commerce must hold FMCSA operating authority — a US DOT number, an MC number (for-hire carriers), a BOC-3 process agent in each operating state, and insurance filings meeting FMCSA minimums.
Canadian carriers entering US interstate operations are subject to FMCSA’s New Entrant Safety Assurance Program — an 18-month monitoring period with a new entrant safety audit. Failing the audit or accumulating violations during monitoring can result in operating authority revocation.
Canadian federal HOS regulations (SOR/2005-313) and FMCSA rules (49 CFR Part 395) differ significantly. A driver legal under Canadian hours may be in violation under US rules the moment they cross. The differences in daily limits, on-duty maximums, restart provisions, and exemptions create specific traps for cross-border operations.
A device on the FMCSA list is not automatically certified for Canada. CCMTA Technical Standard v1.3 (September 2025) is the current Canadian reference. Carriers operating in both countries must confirm certification status in both jurisdictions.
Service scope: Cross-border compliance support and documentation. For FMCSA administrative proceedings or US legal matters, retain US-licensed transport counsel.