How to Fill Out a Carrier Packet Step by Step (2026)

If a freight broker just asked you for your carrier packet and you've never made one before, don't panic. This guide walks you through every single field — what it means, where to find the information, and what happens if you get it wrong.

What you need before you start

Before filling out any carrier packet, gather these documents:

• 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. Don't abbreviate.

Owner/Operator 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. Don't include the "MC-" prefix.

USDOT Number: Same — numbers only. Don't include "USDOT".

If you don't 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 got this from the IRS when you set up your business. Never put your Social Security Number on a carrier packet — use your EIN only.

Don't 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:

• 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.

Step 5 — Equipment Details

Describe your truck and trailer accurately. Brokers use this to match you with appropriate loads. If you haul dry van, don't say you have a reefer. Misrepresenting your equipment can get you blacklisted.

Step 6 — Payment Information

You have several options:

• Direct Deposit (ACH): Provide your bank name, routing number, and account number. Net 30 days typically.
• Freight Factoring: Provide your factoring company name. They'll provide a Notice of Assignment (NOA) to attach.
• 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. 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
• Old policy numbers from a previous insurer
• Forgetting to attach the COI and W-9 separately
• Typos in your MC or DOT number