Broker insurance requirements for carriers: what large brokers ask for
Federal rules require $750,000 of liability for most for-hire trucks over 10,001 pounds and no cargo coverage for general freight. Large brokers ask for more by contract. Uber Freight and TQL both publish $1,000,000 auto liability and $100,000 cargo, and both take your certificate only from your insurance agent.
- Federal minimum vs broker minimum
- What two large brokers publish
- How brokers check your insurance
- Before you sign a broker packet
- FAQ
Most small fleets learn broker rules the hard way, when a load board or broker packet rejects them. Here is the gap between the federal minimum and what brokers ask for, using what two large brokers publish.
Federal minimum vs broker minimum
| Item | Federal rule | Typical broker contract |
|---|---|---|
| Auto liability, general freight, 10,001 lbs or more | $750,000 (49 CFR 387.303) | $1,000,000 at the two brokers below |
| Cargo, general freight | Not required | $100,000 at the two brokers below |
| Reefer breakdown | Not required | Listed by both brokers for reefer loads |
What two large brokers publish
- Uber Freight: at least $1,000,000 auto liability and $100,000 cargo, plus reefer breakdown for reefer carriers. Your agent emails the certificate, with your DOT number and all VINs on scheduled auto policies.
- TQL: a valid MC or USDOT number, at least $1 million auto liability, $100,000 cargo, reefer breakdown on the certificate if it applies, and a signed carrier contract. TQL says it verifies insurance with your agent and monitors it for lapses.
Sources: Uber Freight help center and TQL carrier pages, checked Oct 22, 2026. We name them only as public examples. We are not affiliated with Uber Freight or TQL. Other brokers set their own limits, so read each packet.
How brokers check your insurance
- Your authority and filings on FMCSA's Licensing and Insurance site.
- Your safety rating and record on SAFER. See our CSA BASICs guide.
- A certificate sent straight from your agent, often through a carrier onboarding service.
- Ongoing alerts if a policy cancels or changes.
Before you sign a broker packet
- Read the insurance section and list every limit, coverage and certificate holder it names.
- Check that your cargo form covers what you haul for that broker. Excluded commodities are common.
- Ask whether the contract needs limits above your primary policy. Our excess vs umbrella guide covers how that works.
- See your public record the way a broker does with DOTView.
FAQ
How much insurance do brokers require?
Each broker sets its own rules. Uber Freight and TQL both publish at least $1,000,000 auto liability and $100,000 cargo as of Oct 22, 2026. The federal minimum for most for-hire trucks is $750,000 liability (49 CFR 387.303).
Is cargo insurance required by law?
Not for general freight. FMCSA requires cargo filings only for household goods carriers. Brokers ask for cargo coverage by contract.
Can I send my own certificate of insurance to a broker?
Usually not. Uber Freight and TQL both say they accept certificates only from your insurance agent, not from the carrier.
Do reefer carriers need anything extra?
Both brokers list reefer breakdown coverage on the certificate for refrigerated freight. Check each broker packet for its own list.
How can I see what insurance FMCSA has on file for me?
Search your USDOT or MC number on FMCSA's Licensing and Insurance site. It shows the filings your insurer has posted.
This guide is general information, not legal advice or an offer of insurance. Rules and programs change, so check the sources below. Helm Partners is a trucking-only insurance agency being formed in Michigan. Our Michigan license is pending. We do not quote or sell insurance until licensed.