What is Form BOC-3?
Form BOC-3, known as the Designation of Agents for Service of Process, is essential for transportation businesses like motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. This document designates a person or entity in each state authorized to receive legal notices, including lawsuits, on behalf of the company. By ensuring that the company is informed of any legal proceedings, it helps prevent missed documents that could result in default judgments. Not filing this form can lead to significant fines and may even jeopardize the company's operating authority.
What is Form BOC-3 used for?
Form BOC-3 is essential for transportation and logistics companies. It is used for the following purposes:
- Designating a Process Agent: Appoints a representative to accept legal documents for the company in every state they operate.
- Receiving Legal Documents: Ensures court papers, like summons or complaints, are delivered to the company through the appointed agent.
- Maintaining Compliance: Helps meet FMCSA requirements, allowing legal operation across state lines.
- Preventing Default Judgments: Notifies companies of legal actions, avoiding missed documents and potential default judgments.
How to fill out Form BOC-3?
- 1
List all states where your business operates.
- 2
Designate a process agent for each state, including their physical address.
- 3
Ensure the process agent is available during business hours.
- 4
Submit the completed form with FMCSA and keep a copy at your principal place of business.
- 5
Notify affected states by sending copies of any new designations if changes occur.
Who is required to fill out Form BOC-3?
Transportation companies, including motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders, are responsible for completing Form BOC-3. This form is necessary for designating a process agent to accept legal documents in each state of operation.
After completion, these companies use the form to receive legal documents like court papers in any state where they conduct business, ensuring compliance with FMCSA regulations.
When is Form BOC-3 not required?
Form BOC-3 isn't required for intrastate carriers, as they operate solely within one state. Additionally, motor carriers using commercial motor vehicles must designate a process agent to file the form; they cannot submit it themselves.
When is Form BOC-3 due?
The deadline for Form BOC-3 is within 90 days from the date your Operating Authority application is published in the FMCSA Register. If there are any changes to your designation, you must refile. While the form does not expire, it's important to update it for name changes, transfers of authority, or other business changes.
How to get a blank Form BOC-3?
To get a blank Form BOC-3, simply visit our website, where the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's form is pre-loaded in our editor. You can fill it out and download it for your records. Remember, our platform aids in filling and downloading but does not support filing forms.
How to sign Form BOC-3?
To sign Form BOC-3, you should use a handwritten signature. Official guidelines do not clarify the acceptance of electronic or digital signatures for this form. Once you have completed the form using PDF Guru, remember to download it for your records. For submission, you will need to visit the FMCSA website and ensure the process agent's information is filled out correctly. Check for the latest updates to stay compliant.
Where to file Form BOC-3?
To submit Form BOC-3, mail the original signed copy to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Address it to the Office of Registration and Safety Information, MC-RS.
Don't forget to send a signed copy to each state where your operations occur. Remember, filing online isn't an option; it must be done through the mail.
