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Dry van trucking in Michigan: state filings and insurance touchpoints

Helm PartnersUpdated Oct 29, 2026Sources checked Oct 29, 2026

This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Short answer

A for-hire dry van carrier hauling only inside Michigan needs CVED Authority from the Michigan State Police. Your insurer sends a certificate of liability and files a Form E, and you show workers' comp or an approved exclusion. Intrastate-only carriers renew every year from October 1 to December 1. Loads that cross state lines follow the federal filings.

In this guide
  • Intrastate authority
  • Workers' comp
  • Renewal
  • If you cross state lines
  • FAQ

Most dry van freight is general commodities. Here are the Michigan touchpoints for a dry van carrier, with the official source for each.

Intrastate authority

  • For-hire carriers hauling only inside Michigan need CVED Authority from the Michigan State Police before they run (MCL 476.3). Steps: Michigan CVED Authority.
  • Your insurer sends a certificate of liability and files a Form E (MCL 479.9).

Workers' comp

  • Required once you regularly employ 3 or more people at one time, or fewer if one works 35 hours a week for 13 weeks (MCL 418.115).
  • Coverage comes from private insurers or approved self-insurance (MCL 418.611). See Michigan workers' comp.

Renewal

  • Intrastate-only carriers renew CVED Authority every year from October 1 to December 1.

If you cross state lines

  • Interstate for-hire carriers file federal proof of insurance with FMCSA. The floor for general freight in trucks rated 10,001 pounds or more is $750,000 (49 CFR 387.303T).
  • Most interstate carriers also register for UCR each year.

For loads that cross state lines, the federal rules apply. See dry van insurance requirements and our fleet guide.

FAQ

Does a Michigan dry van carrier need state authority?

If it hauls for hire only inside Michigan, yes. It needs CVED Authority from the Michigan State Police (MCL 476.3).

What does the insurer file in Michigan?

A certificate of liability and a Form E (MCL 479.9).

When does CVED Authority renew?

Every year from October 1 to December 1 for intrastate-only carriers.

Where does Michigan workers' comp come from?

Private insurers or approved self-insurance (MCL 418.611).

This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

From the Wire: Michigan troopers and motor carrier officers made 104 stops on Wayne County freeways; Michigan police target drivers passing stopped school buses through Oct. 23; Michigan intrastate authority renewals are open through Dec. 1.

Sources