Step-by-step Guide to Enabling Carriers with Intermediaries. To get set up as a carrier with freight brokers. You must provide a standard set of compliance documents and verify your authority.
Required Documents for Carrier Setup
- Active Operating Authority: Copy of your FMCSA Motor Carrier (MC) or MX number and USDOT number. You can manage this via the FMCSA.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): Proof of active auto liability (typically a minimum of $1,000,000) and cargo liability (frequently $100,000 or more), with the broker named as a certificate holder.
- W-9 Form: Completed and signed federal taxpayer identification form.
- Signed Broker-Carrier Agreement: The legal contract outlining terms, responsibilities, and non-solicitation clauses. Which must be signed by the company owner or president.
- Notice of Assignment (NOA): Required only if you use a factoring company to get paid. Instructing the broker where to send payments.
Steps to Complete the Onboarding Process
- Choose Your Setup Method:
- Online Portal / Link: The broker texts or emails a digital link where you verify your company details, upload documents, and sign electronically (common with large brokerages).
- PDF Packet: You fill out a carrier profile, sign the broker-carrier agreement, and email it back along with your COI, W-9, and MC letter to their onboarding department.
- Verify Compliance: The broker runs your MC/DOT numbers through the FMCSA SAFER system to check your safety rating, inspection history, and active insurance status.
- Approval and Load Booking: Once the broker’s compliance team clears your packet (usually taking 1 to 2 business days), you will receive a carrier profile or login to their load board to book freight.
Step-by-step Guide to Enabling Carriers with Intermediaries
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