Operating authority
['Operating Authority']

Federal and state governments have a responsibility to ensure the smooth and efficient transportation of persons and property in U.S. commerce and to provide a level of public protection from damage that may result from this transportation.
Operating authority is a form of “business license” for for-hire motor carriers, and is required in addition to vehicle licensing (International Registration Plan [IRP]), fuel tax (International Fuel Tax Agreement [IFTA]), and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) safety requirements.