Authority and insurance checks
Carrier Authority and Insurance Verification
Authority and insurance verification tells brokers and shippers whether a carrier is authorized to run and whether coverage will respond to a claim.
Public registration
Authority confirms who can run; insurance confirms who can pay a claim.
A carrier's DOT and MC number, authority status, and insurance filings are the foundation of any carrier check. Authority tells you the carrier is registered to operate; insurance tells you whether a claim on your cargo would actually be covered.
These details do not tell the whole safety story, but a lapsed authority or expired insurance is a clear reason to pause before tendering.
Active vs. inactive operating authority
How long the authority has been active
BIPD, cargo, and bond coverage on file
Coverage limits and expiration dates
Risk context
On-file coverage is a starting point, not the final word.
Insurance filings show the minimum on-file coverage, but limits, exclusions, and lapses matter for high-value or specialized freight. Brokers and shippers should confirm the coverage fits the commodity and the lane.
SureLoadr consolidates authority status and insurance filings so the coverage picture is easy to review before the load is tendered.
Broker & shipper questions
Authority and insurance FAQ
Practical answers for brokers and shippers verifying carrier authority and insurance.
Why verify carrier authority and insurance?
Authority verification confirms the carrier is registered to operate, and insurance verification confirms whether coverage would respond to a cargo or liability claim. Both protect the broker or shipper before a load is tendered.
What insurance should a carrier have on file?
Carriers typically carry primary liability (BIPD) and, for many loads, cargo coverage; brokers hold a surety bond. Review the coverage types, limits, and expiration to be sure they fit the freight.
What does an MC or DOT number tell you?
An MC or DOT number identifies the carrier in federal registration records and lets you confirm legal name, authority status, and the insurance and safety data tied to that entity.
SureLoadr
Verify before you tender.
SureLoadr pulls carrier authority status and on-file insurance coverage — BIPD, cargo, and bond — into one report so brokers and shippers know the coverage before the load moves.