---
title: Motor carrier
description: A for-hire or private entity that operates commercial motor vehicles under FMCSA jurisdiction.
date: 2026-10-20
lastReviewed: 2026-10-23
canonical: /glossary/motor-carrier
---
A **motor carrier** is defined in [49 CFR 390.5](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-390.5). Motor carriers must maintain driver qualification files for each employed driver ([49 CFR 391.51(a)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.51)) and must not permit unqualified drivers to operate CMVs.