What Is a Process Agent?

March 25, 2024

A what is a process agent handles legal paperwork matters for freight forwarding companies, brokers and motor carriers. These could include legal papers that result from a possible lawsuit as well as state filings and compliance documents. Motor carriers, freight brokers and others must appoint a process agent for every state they travel to or through to activate their Operating Authority (i.e. a US DOT number or an MC number). Trucking companies can save time by hiring a company that offers what’s known as “blanket agents” that have offices in all 50 states.

  1. Process Agents in the UK: Your Key to International Business

In addition to process agent services, many businesses appoint these agents for service of process in overseas transactions, allowing them to receive service of process notices or proceedings that would otherwise be impossible to serve given their location or business structure. For example, when an overseas company raises a mortgage from a London institution, they will need to engage a local process agent in the city to receive formal notification in the event of default on the loan.

Generally, the best way to find a quality process agent is to search for a company that has been around for a long period of time and maintains a robust presence in the industry. This ensures they will be able to provide direct, ongoing support to clients for the duration of contracts that often span years. The right company will also have a high customer satisfaction rate and have a track record of consistently meeting deadlines.