Milk tanker hauling in Michigan: licenses and rules
To pick up grade A milk from a Michigan farm, a driver needs an MDARD bulk milk hauler/sampler license: a written and practical exam, an inspection and $50 for two years. If you haul in your own truck, you also need a milk transportation company license. A milk tanker usually needs a CDL with the tank vehicle (N) endorsement.
- The hauler/sampler license
- Your own truck
- On the farm
- CDL tank endorsement
- Food safety records
- A checklist
- FAQ
Milk hauling is steady work tied to Michigan dairy farms and plants. The rules come from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the federal CDL rules and FDA. Here is each one, with the source.
The hauler/sampler license
- No one may pick up grade A milk from a farm bulk tank without a hauler/sampler license from MDARD (MCL 288.503).
- Steps from MDARD: study training manual DY-360, take the written exam by calling 800-292-3939, then a practical exam with an inspector. An inspection is also required.
- The fee is $50 for 2 years, and licenses renew June 30 of even years. A first license can be prorated.
- Complete PMO training at least once in each 2 year licensing period, in person or online.
- A hauler/sampler licensed in another state can apply without the exam by showing training and a current license, unless MDARD waives that by agreement with the state (MCL 288.503).
Your own truck
- MDARD says a hauler running a self-owned truck also needs a milk transportation company license, $50 with its form. A tanker license form may also apply.
On the farm
- Agitate the farm tank at least 5 minutes, or 10 minutes for tanks over 1,500 gallons, before taking a sample (MCL 288.532).
- Take a temperature control sample at the first stop, label samples with the producer permit number, date and temperature, and keep them at 32 to 40 degrees F.
CDL tank endorsement
- A tank vehicle carries liquid in tanks with an individual rated capacity over 119 gallons and an aggregate of 1,000 gallons or more (49 CFR 383.5).
- Drivers of tank vehicles need the tank (N) endorsement on their CDL (49 CFR 383.93).
Food safety records
- A shipper can ask a carrier offering a bulk vehicle for its previous cargo and its most recent cleaning (21 CFR 1.908(e)). See the FSMA sanitary transportation rule for reefer carriers for the rest of that rule.
- Wash records and sample handling records are also what a plant, a dairy or an underwriter will ask to see.
A checklist
- Get the MDARD hauler/sampler license.
- Add the milk transportation company license if you run your own truck.
- Hold a CDL with the tank (N) endorsement.
- Keep PMO training current each licensing period.
- Keep wash, cleaning and sample records for every load.
Starting a trucking business in Michigan? See Michigan CVED authority.
Tank wash records: food-grade tanker wash and cleaning records. Driver endorsement: the CDL tank (N) endorsement.
FAQ
Do I need a license to haul milk in Michigan?
Yes, to pick up grade A milk from a farm bulk tank. MCL 288.503 requires a hauler/sampler license from MDARD. The fee is $50 for 2 years, and the license renews on June 30 every 2 years.
How do I get the bulk milk hauler/sampler license?
MDARD says to study its training manual DY-360, then take a written exam by calling 800-292-3939. An inspector then sets up a practical exam, and an inspection is required.
What if I own my truck?
MDARD says a hauler running a self-owned truck also needs a milk transportation company license, which is $50 with its form. A tanker license form may also apply.
Is there continuing training?
Yes. MDARD says a hauler/sampler must complete PMO training at least once every 2 year licensing period, in person or online.
Does a milk tanker need a CDL tank endorsement?
A tank vehicle under 49 CFR 383.5 carries liquid in tanks with an individual rated capacity over 119 gallons and an aggregate of 1,000 gallons or more. Drivers of tank vehicles need the tank (N) endorsement (49 CFR 383.93).
What records can a dairy or plant ask a milk carrier for?
Under FDA's sanitary transportation rule, a shipper can ask a carrier offering a bulk vehicle what it last carried and when and how it was last cleaned (21 CFR 1.908(e)(4) and (5)).
This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.
Sources
- MDARD: Dairy Hauler/Sampler (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- MCL 288.503: Licenses and permits (Grade A Milk Law of 2001) (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- MCL 288.532: Bulk milk hauler/sampler duties (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- 49 CFR 383.5: Definitions (tank vehicle) (last amended Mar 16, 2026)
- 49 CFR 383.93: Endorsements (last amended Oct 31, 2019)
- 21 CFR 1.908: Requirements for transportation operations (last amended Dec 29, 2016)