Authority in the context of commercial motor vehicles refers to the legal permission granted to a person or company to operate commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, for transporting goods or passengers for compensation. Authority is usually obtained by obtaining a certificate, permit, or license from the appropriate government agency, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the United States.
There are two types of authority for commercial motor vehicles:
Operating Authority: This type of authority allows a company to provide transportation services in the U.S. or between U.S. and foreign points. A company must have operating authority to engage in for-hire transportation, which means transporting goods or passengers for compensation.
ICC Authority (Interstate Commerce Commission Authority): This type of authority was replaced by the FMCSA in 1995, but it is still commonly used as a term to refer to operating authority for commercial motor vehicles. ICC authority was a license that allowed a company to operate commercially across state lines, and it was required for all commercial motor vehicles that transported goods or passengers in interstate commerce.
In summary, authority for commercial motor vehicles is a necessary requirement for companies and individuals that operate commercial vehicles in the transportation industry. It helps to ensure that commercial vehicles are operated in a safe and responsible manner and to prevent illegal or unauthorized transportation activities.