Keep the prefix with the number
FMCSA identifies operating authority with docket prefixes including MC, FF and MX. A company can have more than one authority. Preserve the full identifier when searching or recording the result.
Read the authority row, not only the identifier
Look at the authority type and its reported status, then check the source and time. A saved docket number is not a current status check. If the result is ambiguous, inspect the linked entities instead of guessing.
Resolve it back to the intended entity
Compare the returned legal name and USDOT with the business you meant to inspect. A mismatch is a question to resolve before using the record. Keep both identifiers in your working notes.
Official sources
Referenced for the definitions and source checks in this article. Check the official page for current instructions.
Start with an identifier.
Find the company, compare the facts and follow the source.
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