Most international companies that are involved in trans-border transactions know that they need to engage a Process agent to receive legal papers and documentation on their behalf in the event of a dispute. They also may be aware that the role of a professional process agent is to quickly forward any such documentation or information to the correct electronic and/or physical address for the party receiving it. In other words, a Process Agent is to act as an intermediate in the exchange of documentation, escalating legal proceedings or court actions on a party’s behalf as required by contract terms.

Process Agents in Finance: Their Crucial Role in Loan and Security Agreements

Trucking and transportation companies that have US DOT numbers and/or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Operating Authority are required to file Form BOC-3 with the FMCSA to designate a process agent for each state where they have an authorized to operate presence. Typically, a company will work with a blanket agent service that offers a single, national point of contact in each state where they operate to ensure that legal papers are received and promptly forwarded on to the appropriate parties.

A blanket agent is typically a company that maintains offices in all 50 states, and that represents multiple clients. This is important because it allows you to avoid listing your personal home address on legal documents that can be served to you, and also to protect your privacy in a time when data breaches are all too common.