FMCSA requirements
FMCSA requirements comprise federal regulations that govern the minimum safety standards for commercial motor carriers and drivers in the United States. FMCSA mandates that interstate trucking companies maintain a minimum of $750,000 in public liability insurance as per 49 CFR 387.9.
FMCSA requires proof of insurance on file via forms MCS-90 or MCS-82 before granting operating authority. FMCSA obligates carriers transporting hazardous materials to carry at least $5 million in liability insurance (examples: gasoline haulers, chemical tankers).
FMCSA enforces financial responsibility filings from surety companies or insurers authorized to do business in the U.S. Evidenced by certificates such as Form BMC-91X.
FMCSA periodically audits carrier insurance compliance through New Entrant Safety Audits and Compliance Reviews, citing violations when documentation lapses occur, as reported by YourInsurance.info. FMCSA sets rules that require all for-hire passenger carriers transporting 16+ passengers (examples: charter buses, tour buses) to maintain at least $5 million in liability coverage.
FMCSA dictates cargo insurance is required only for household goods carriers, with a mandated minimum of $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence. FMCSA stipulates immediate notice and proper cancellation filing processes for insurer-initiated policy terminations through electronic BMC-35 forms within 30 days.
FMCSA provides an online SAFER system for verifying carrier insurance status using USDOT numbers or MC numbers.
Do I need insurance to obtain an MC number?
Yes, you do need insurance to obtain an MC number. This is because the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all motor carriers operating in interstate commerce to have primary liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds minimum levels. The FMCSA also requires cargo and bobtail insurance to cover the physical damage of property…
Do you need insurance to obtain a DOT number?
No, you do not need to have insurance in order to obtain a DOT number. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) only requires that applicants must be registered with FMCSA before they can receive their DOT number. This includes providing business information and personal contact information, but does not include any sort…
See also FMLA.