Authority

Carrier authority revoked: what it means for your load

What it means when a carrier's FMCSA operating authority is revoked or shown out of service, why it happens, and what a broker should do before tendering freight.

By CarrierSentry · Published June 13, 2026 · Updated August 3, 2026

Quick checklist

  • Authority status confirmed active in current FMCSA records.
  • Insurance filings present and current.
  • Reinstatement verified at the source, not by the carrier's claim.

Revoked vs. out of service

Revoked authority means FMCSA has withdrawn the carrier's permission to operate for hire. 'Out of service' is a safety order that prohibits operation. Either status requires direct verification with FMCSA before tendering a load.

Common causes

Revocation can result from a lapse in required insurance filings or other compliance issues. Confirm the current status and any reinstatement directly in FMCSA records rather than inferring the cause from the status alone.

What to do

If a carrier you booked shows revoked authority, pause the load and confirm reinstatement in FMCSA records — not just the carrier's word. A daily re-check can notify you after a monitored authority field change is detected.

Verify a carrier now

Run a free FMCSA lookup by USDOT, MC number or company name. Then put the carriers you book on watch for a daily re-check and an email when a monitored field change is detected.

Primary sources

Use this guide as an operating checklist, then confirm the current carrier record in official sources before acting.

Data sourced from public FMCSA/SAFER records. CarrierSentry is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. DOT or FMCSA. Verify at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before making business decisions.