Learn how to verify a carrier's FMCSA authority, insurance, and safety record before tendering a load. A practical checklist for freight brokers and shippers.
Carrier verification is the process of confirming that a trucking company is who they say they are, that their authority is active, their insurance is current, and their safety record doesn't disqualify them from hauling your freight. Every load should go through this process.
Every carrier that hauls freight for hire must have active operating authority issued by FMCSA. Look up their DOT number at FMCSA's SAFER system or use the Purple Squirrel lookup tool. Confirm:
FMCSA maintains records of active insurance filings. Check that the carrier has current liability coverage on file — the minimum is $750,000 for most freight, $1 million for some hazmat. Also check:
If the carrier has received a formal FMCSA safety rating, it will show in their record. Ratings are Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory. Do not tender loads to carriers with an Unsatisfactory rating. Conditional ratings require additional scrutiny.
For carriers without a formal rating (most are unrated), check their inspection and out-of-service history. A high out-of-service rate — particularly for driver violations — is a meaningful warning sign.
Once you've verified the DOT information, call the carrier on the phone number listed in their FMCSA record — not the number that contacted you. This single step catches the majority of carrier impersonation fraud. A scammer can send emails and spoof caller ID but cannot change the phone number on file with FMCSA.
FMCSA data tells you about the carrier entity. It tells you nothing about whether the specific person showing up to load your freight works for that carrier. Requiring a selfie ID check at pickup — matching a driver's license photo to a live selfie — is the only way to close this gap.
Look up FMCSA authority, insurance, safety score, and scam risk indicators in seconds.
Run a Free Lookup →A basic FMCSA check takes under 2 minutes using an online lookup tool. A full verification including insurance confirmation and a callback takes 5–10 minutes. Build this into your load booking process — it's worth every minute.
Yes. Authority can be revoked, insurance can lapse, and safety ratings can change between loads. Re-verify any carrier you haven't used in the last 30 days.
FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage for most freight. Carriers hauling hazardous materials may need $1 million or more. Some shippers require higher limits — check your contract.
A revoked authority means FMCSA has cancelled the carrier's operating authority, typically for failure to maintain required insurance, failure to pay fees, or a safety enforcement action. A carrier with revoked authority cannot legally haul freight for hire.
Data sourced from FMCSA. For informational purposes only — consult legal counsel for compliance questions.