Getting your MC authority is just the beginning. Before you can legally move freight and get paid, you need a specific set of documents ready. Miss any of these and you are either breaking the law or you will not get paid. Here is the complete checklist. Also read our guide on how long it takes to get MC authority so you can plan your timeline.

Legal Authority Documents

• MC Authority Certificate: Proof that FMCSA has granted you operating authority. Download from the FMCSA portal. Keep a copy in your truck at all times.
• USDOT Number displayed on truck: Must appear on both sides of your truck in letters at least 2 inches tall. Read our full guide on what a USDOT number is and how to get one.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL): Valid and appropriate for the vehicle class you operate. Carry the physical card — not a photo of it.

Insurance Documents

• Certificate of Insurance (COI): Proof of your auto liability and cargo coverage. Get this from your insurance agent — they can email it same day. Every broker needs this before giving you a load. Read our guide on what a COI is and how to get one.
• Minimum coverage required: $750,000 auto liability (FMCSA minimum) — most brokers require $1,000,000. $100,000 cargo coverage minimum. Read our full guide on FMCSA insurance requirements.

Tax and Business Documents

• EIN (Employer Identification Number): Your federal tax ID from the IRS. Required on your W-9 form and carrier packet. Never give your SSN to brokers.
• W-9 Form: Download free from irs.gov. Fill it out with your legal business name and EIN. Every broker needs this before they can pay you.
• Business bank account: Keep business and personal finances separate. Required for direct deposit with most brokers.

Your Carrier Packet

Your carrier packet brings all of the above information together in one professional document that brokers can keep on file. It includes your MC and DOT numbers, insurance summary, equipment details, payment information, and a signed broker-carrier agreement. Without it, no serious broker will give you a load. Read our guide on what a carrier packet is and how to fill one out correctly.

Vehicle and Safety Documents

• Vehicle registration: Current registration for your truck and trailer. Keep originals in the truck.
• Annual DOT inspection sticker: Your truck must pass an annual DOT inspection. The sticker must be current and visible.
• ELD device: Most owner-operators are required to have an ELD installed and functional. Read our guide on ELD requirements for owner-operators.
• IFTA decals: Required if you operate in multiple states with a vehicle over 26,000 lbs GVWR.
• IRP cab card: International Registration Plan credentials for operating across state lines.

Documents for each load

• Rate Confirmation: The contract between you and the broker for each specific load. Never move freight without a signed rate confirmation. Read our guide on how to read a rate confirmation.
• Bill of Lading (BOL): The shipping document you get at pickup. Read our guide on what a Bill of Lading is.
• Proof of Delivery (POD): Signed delivery confirmation. Required to get paid by most brokers — do not leave the delivery site without it.

Complete checklist — print this out

• MC Authority Certificate
• USDOT number on truck doors
• Valid CDL
• Certificate of Insurance (COI)
• EIN from IRS
• Signed W-9
• Business bank account set up
• Carrier packet ready to send
• Vehicle registration — truck and trailer
• Annual DOT inspection current
• ELD installed and working
• IFTA decals if multi-state
• IRP cab card