You are a motor carrier if your vehicle:

• Weighs at least 10,001 pounds, and operates in interstate commerce, or
• Transports more than 8 passengers (including the driver), for-hire (compensated), or
• Transports more than 15 passengers (including the driver), private (not for compensation), or
• Transports amounts of hazardous materials requiring placards. 

During carriers’ first 18 months on the road, they are considered "new entrants" with provisional operating authority and are also monitored under the New Entrant Program to ensure they have effective safety management controls in place. Upon completing a Safety Audit and operating safely for 18 months, carriers are granted permanent operating authority and continue to be monitored under Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA).