How to check FMCSA authority and insurance
Authority
FMCSA's Licensing & Insurance (L&I) system lists each docket's authority types — common, contract and broker — with a status such as active, inactive, pending or revoked. A carrier hauling your freight needs active common or contract carrier authority for property. Broker authority alone is not authority to haul.
Insurance
Under 49 CFR 387.9, the minimum public-liability coverage for for-hire carriers of general freight in interstate commerce is $750,000; some hazardous materials require $1,000,000 or $5,000,000. Insurers file proof with FMCSA (Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X), and L&I shows active filings, history and pending cancellations. Federal filings cover public liability; cargo coverage is generally a contract matter, so ask for a certificate and confirm it with the agent.
Brokers
Property brokers must keep a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund on file (49 CFR 387.307, Forms BMC-84 / BMC-85). L&I shows it too.
Faster
Try the free carrier authority check and insurance check, or get a CarrierVet API key: one call returns authority, insurance on file and out-of-service status as one PASS / REVIEW / FAIL verdict.
Start free Free plan: 100 lookups a month, no card. Verified against official FMCSA records.
Sources
- FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot
- FMCSA Licensing & Insurance (L&I) public search
- 49 CFR 387.9 — Financial responsibility, minimum levels
- 49 CFR 387.307 — Property broker surety bond or trust fund
Related
Informational, not legal advice. Carrier data is derived from records maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is provided as-is, may be delayed or incomplete, and is not a consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Do not use it to evaluate a natural person for credit, insurance, employment, or any other purpose covered by the FCRA.