You just got your MC authority. You found a load on DAT or Truckstop that pays well. You call the broker. They say: "Send me your carrier packet first." And you freeze.
This happens to almost every new owner-operator. Nobody teaches you what a carrier packet is before you get your authority. It's just assumed you'll figure it out. This guide tells you everything you need to know.
What is a carrier packet?
A carrier packet — also called a carrier setup packet, carrier profile packet, or carrier onboarding packet — is a collection of documents that freight brokers require from you before they will give you any loads to haul.
Think of it as your professional profile as a motor carrier. Just like a job application, it tells the broker who you are, that you are legally authorized to operate, that you are properly insured, how to pay you, and what equipment you have available.
Without a carrier packet, no legitimate freight broker will give you a load. Period. It's the single most important document you need to start hauling freight for brokers.
Quick answer: What's in a carrier packet?
- Your MC number and DOT number (proof of legal authority)
- Certificate of Insurance (proof you're insured)
- W-9 tax form (so they can pay you and report it to the IRS)
- Equipment details (what truck and trailer you operate)
- Payment information (your bank account for direct deposit)
- Signed broker-carrier agreement (the contract between you and the broker)
Why do freight brokers require a carrier packet?
Freight brokers are legally responsible for the carriers they use. If a broker puts freight on your truck and you don't have valid insurance, the broker can be held liable. If something goes wrong with a load and there's no signed agreement, there's no legal protection for either side.
The carrier packet protects the broker by verifying:
- You are who you say you are — your MC and DOT numbers are verified with the FMCSA
- You are legally authorized to operate — active operating authority
- You are properly insured — minimum $750,000 auto liability plus cargo coverage
- There is a signed contract — the broker-carrier agreement covers liability, payment terms, and more
- They can pay you — your banking details or factoring information
What goes in each section — explained simply
1. MC Number and DOT Number
Your MC (Motor Carrier) number is issued by the FMCSA when you are granted operating authority. Your DOT (Department of Transportation) number identifies your company for safety tracking. Both are required on every carrier packet. Brokers use these numbers to look you up in the FMCSA database to verify your authority is active and your safety record is clean.
2. Certificate of Insurance (COI)
This is a document your insurance company produces that proves you have active coverage. It is NOT the same as just having insurance — the broker needs the actual certificate. You get this from your insurance agent, usually within a day of requesting it. FMCSA requires at minimum $750,000 in auto liability for general freight. Some brokers require $1,000,000. Your COI must show coverage amounts and list the broker as a certificate holder in some cases.
3. W-9 Form
This is an IRS form that contains your company's legal name and Tax Identification Number (either your EIN or SSN). Brokers need it so they can issue you a 1099 at the end of the year and properly report what they paid you. You can download a blank W-9 for free at irs.gov. Fill it out with your company name and EIN (not your personal SSN if you have an EIN).
4. Equipment Details
This section tells the broker what you're operating. Truck make, model, year, trailer type, length, and weight capacity. Brokers use this to match you with appropriate loads — they won't put temperature-sensitive freight on a dry van or heavy machinery on a standard 48-foot trailer without confirming first.
5. Payment / Banking Information
This is where you put your bank's routing number and your account number for ACH direct deposit payments. If you use a freight factoring company, you put the factoring company's information here and attach a Notice of Assignment (NOA) instead. This is how you get paid after delivering each load.
6. Broker-Carrier Agreement
This is the legal contract between you (the carrier) and the broker. It covers: what you're agreeing to haul, cargo liability under the Carmack Amendment, payment terms (typically net 30), the prohibition on re-brokering loads without permission, and indemnification. You sign it. The broker signs it. Without it, there is no legal relationship and no obligation for either party.
Common questions from new carriers
Do I need a separate carrier packet for every broker?
Technically, each broker has their own onboarding process. Some use digital platforms like MyCarrierPackets or Highway where you fill out their forms. Others just ask you to email them your packet. In most cases, your carrier packet PDF covers everything they need. You may need to fill in their specific form, but your packet gives you all the information to do it quickly.
Can a broker reject my carrier packet?
Yes. Common reasons include: your MC authority is too new (many brokers require 30-90+ days), your insurance coverage is too low, your safety score (CSA) is too high, or your packet is missing required documents. None of these are problems with the packet itself — they're eligibility issues that you resolve by growing your business or improving your safety record.
What's the difference between a carrier packet and broker onboarding platforms?
Platforms like MyCarrierPackets, RMIS, and Highway are tools brokers pay for to onboard you into their system. You fill out their form in their platform when they invite you. Your carrier packet PDF is different — it's your own document that you control and send to anyone who asks, whether they use a portal or not. You need both.
How do I make a carrier packet?
You can use TruckerPacket.com — fill in your information, pay $14.99, and get a professional PDF in under 10 minutes. Or you can create one manually in Word or Google Docs, which takes much longer and is much harder to get right without a template. TruckerPacket guides you through every field with plain-English explanations.
What if my MC authority is brand new?
Many brokers have a minimum authority age requirement — commonly 30, 60, or 90 days. If your authority is very new, start by targeting brokers who accept new MCs. Some large brokers like Echo Global Logistics and certain smaller regional brokers will work with carriers under 30 days old. Check out our guide on MC authority age requirements for a full breakdown.
Bottom line for new owner-operators
Your carrier packet is the most important document you need before you can haul your first load. Without it, no legitimate broker will work with you. Getting yours professionally done takes under 10 minutes with TruckerPacket — and having a polished, complete packet makes you look like an established carrier even if you just got your authority yesterday.