If a freight broker just asked you for your carrier packet and you have never made one before, do not panic. This guide walks you through every single field. Not sure what a carrier packet even is? Start with our guide on what is a carrier packet first, then come back here.
What you need before you start
Before filling out any carrier packet, gather these documents. If you are not sure where to find your MC or USDOT numbers, read our guide on what a USDOT number is and how to get one.
- Your MC number — from FMCSA, check at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Your USDOT number — same place
- Your EIN from the IRS — not your Social Security number
- Your Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your insurance agent
- Your bank account and routing number for direct deposit, or factoring company info
Step 1 — Company Information
Legal Company Name: Use the exact name on your FMCSA registration. If it says Rodriguez Trucking LLC — write that exactly. Do not abbreviate.
Owner Name: Your full legal name as it appears on your government ID.
Business Address: Your registered business address. This is where checks will be mailed if you use check payment.
Phone Number: A number where brokers can actually reach you. Missing calls from brokers costs you loads.
Email Address: Use a professional email. A Gmail with your company name is fine — yourcompany@gmail.com looks better than cooldriver99@hotmail.com.
Step 2 — MC and DOT Numbers
MC Number: Numbers only. If your MC number is MC-123456, write 123456. Do not include the MC- prefix.
USDOT Number: Same — numbers only. Do not include USDOT.
If you do not know yours, look them up free at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Search by company name.
Step 3 — EIN (Tax ID Number)
Your EIN is your federal Employer Identification Number — a 9-digit number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX. You received this from the IRS when you set up your business. Never put your Social Security Number on a carrier packet — use your EIN only. Do not have an EIN yet? Apply free at irs.gov in about 10 minutes.
Step 4 — Insurance Information
Get your Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your insurance agent and copy from it exactly. For a full breakdown of what coverage amounts you need, read our guide on FMCSA insurance requirements.
- Insurance Company Name: The insurer — Progressive Commercial, Great West, etc.
- Policy Number: Exact as shown on your COI
- Auto Liability Coverage: Most brokers require at least $1,000,000
- Cargo Coverage: Most brokers require at least $100,000
Always attach your actual COI document separately — the carrier packet just summarizes it. Read our guide on what a Certificate of Insurance is and how to get one.
Step 5 — Equipment Details
Describe your truck and trailer accurately. Brokers use this to match you with appropriate loads. If you haul dry van, do not say you have a reefer. Misrepresenting your equipment can get you blacklisted with brokers permanently.
Step 6 — Payment Information
You have several options. For a full comparison read our guide on quick pay vs factoring.
- Direct Deposit (ACH): Provide your bank name, routing number, and account number. Net 30 days typically.
- Freight Factoring: Provide your factoring company name. They will provide a Notice of Assignment (NOA) to attach. Read more in our guide on freight factoring explained.
- Quick Pay: Request same-day or 2-day payment from the broker directly for a small fee.
Step 7 — Signature
Sign the broker-carrier agreement section. This is a legal contract — read it before signing. For a plain-English breakdown of what you are agreeing to, read our guide on the broker-carrier agreement explained. TruckerPacket generates an industry-standard agreement, but you are responsible for its contents.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using your SSN instead of EIN
- Wrong insurance coverage amounts — always copy from your COI
- Old policy numbers from a previous insurer
- Forgetting to attach the COI and W-9 separately. Read our guide on the W-9 form for truckers.
- Typos in your MC or DOT number