DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 387 Motor Carrier Insurance Coverage Audit

Motor carriers operating for hire must maintain minimum levels of financial responsibility under 49 CFR Part 387 and prove coverage to FMCSA by filing an MCS-90 endorsement or BMC-32 surety bond. Minimum limits vary by commodity: $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for household goods, oil, and some regulated commodities, and $5,000,000 for hazardous materials requiring placards. Operating without adequate insurance or a lapsed MCS-90 filing is a federal violation that can result in civil p

  • Industry: Transportation & Logistics
  • Frequency: Annual
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: Risk Manager
  • Total Items: 19
  • Compliance: 49 CFR 396.11, 49 CFR 393, 49 CFR 390, FMCSA Regulations

Current Operating Authority and Insurance Filing Status

Verify active MC number, operating authority status, and that insurance is currently on file with FMCSA per 49 CFR 387.31.

  • Carrier MC number is active and in good standing on FMCSA SAFER system?
  • Insurance on file with FMCSA is current (not canceled or lapsed)?
  • Current MCS-90 endorsement or BMC-32 surety bond on file at FMCSA?
  • Insurance provider name and policy number:

Minimum Coverage Levels by Commodity

Verify that coverage limits meet the minimum required by 49 CFR 387.9 for the commodities being transported.

  • General freight (non-hazmat): coverage is at least $750,000 per occurrence?
  • Household goods or oil (crude or refined): coverage is at least $1,000,000?
  • Hazmat (Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, poison gas, highway route controlled): $5,000,000 minimum?
  • Other regulated commodities (Division 2.1, Class 3, Division 6.1, Class 8): $1,000,000 minimum?
  • Commodity types hauled by this carrier:

Cargo Insurance and Freight Liability

Verify cargo insurance for household goods movers and cargo liability policies for contract carriers.

  • If household goods mover: cargo insurance of at least $5,000 per vehicle and $10 per pound filed?
  • Cargo insurance policy covers all commodity types in operations?
  • Cargo coverage limits reviewed with shipper or broker for high-value loads?

Insurance Certificate and Binder in Cab

Drivers must carry proof of insurance or the cab copy of the MCS-90 endorsement per state requirements.

  • Current certificate of insurance or cab copy of MCS-90 in each operating vehicle?
  • Insurance certificate expiration date:
  • 30-day cancellation notice provision in policy (insurer must notify FMCSA before cancellation)?

Workers Compensation and Umbrella Verification

Confirm workers compensation and umbrella coverage meet requirements for the carrier's operation and state.

  • Workers compensation coverage in effect for all states where employees operate?
  • Umbrella policy extends over the underlying auto and general liability policies?
  • Insurance review completed by:
  • Safety or compliance manager signature:

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Why Use This DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 387 Motor Carrier Insurance Coverage Audit?

This dot fmcsa 49 cfr 387 motor carrier insurance coverage audit helps transportation & logistics teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for risk manager professionals, this checklist covers 19 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: annual.

Ensures compliance with 49 CFR 396.11, 49 CFR 393, 49 CFR 390, FMCSA Regulations. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 387 Motor Carrier Insurance Coverage Audit cover?

This checklist covers 19 inspection items across 5 sections: Current Operating Authority and Insurance Filing Status, Minimum Coverage Levels by Commodity, Cargo Insurance and Freight Liability, Insurance Certificate and Binder in Cab, Workers Compensation and Umbrella Verification. It is designed for transportation & logistics operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annual. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 387 Motor Carrier Insurance Coverage Audit?

This checklist is designed for Risk Manager professionals in the transportation & logistics industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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