Does your company own a commercial vehicle to transport goods and property? Perhaps you have a brokerage and act as a conduit between shipper and carrier. Regardless, to obtain operating authority, you must be legally registered in all states in which you do business. The Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMSCA) requires all motor carriers and freight brokers to appoint a processing agent to activate operating status. Here is everything you need to know about the role of process agents.
What Do Process Agents Do?
The FMSCA aims to protect the transport of property and goods and those carrying them. For this reason, if legal papers must be served or administered, processing agents must act on behalf of motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. Essentially, this helps courts serve documents in the jurisdiction where the event occurred rather than tracking down the residence of the motor carrier. Process agents are also responsible for monitoring and notifying the entity if events occurred resulting in revoking operating authority.
Do You Need A Process Agent In Every State You Transport or Do Business?
Yes, an entity or brokerage must appoint a processing agent in each state they haul or do business. If an entity operates or transports in multiple states, it can hire a blanket process agent covering all states.
Steps To Get Your Certification?
If you have an aptitude for organizational and administrative tasks, becoming a freight broker process agent could be ideal for you. Below are the steps it takes to become a certified freight broker process agent:
Training Program – There are several online interactive training courses to brush up on the fundamental and superfluous aspects of the freight broking industry. With a few weeks of training under the belt, you can be confident in obtaining your certification and executing the very best of administrative acrobatics.
Certification– FMCSA Regulation 49 CFR Part 366 is the regulation that stipulates that brokers need to register a BOC-3 form with a certified process agent. The aforementioned training will help you obtain your official certification, allowing you to help freight brokers comply with this regulation.
BOC-3 Agent Lists – BOC stands for ”Blanket of Coverage” and is a form required by companies showing proof of a legal process agent. One of the best ways freight brokers can find process agents is to get your name listed on the BOC-3 Agent List.
What Type of Qualities Make a Good Processing Agent?
Organization – Organization is part and parcel of the fundamental attributes of an exemplary processing agent. Can you organize all the documents and logistics paperwork meticulously in an ample time frame?
Multitasking – With so many integral moving parts, a suitable processing agent can focus and juggle multiple clients and projects at once.
Computer Literacy – In the digital age, all processing agents must be well-versed in Microsoft Office. As the industry moves digital, those with the skills to master this aspect will go far.
Problem Solving – A good processing agent will focus on the problem at hand and use their experience to solve unexpected challenges.
