Reefer trucking in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana: state and federal touchpoints
Reefer carriers in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana make the same state filings as other for-hire general freight carriers. We found no separate state license for refrigerated general freight carriers. The federal FSMA sanitary transportation rule and federal cargo claim rules apply in all three states.
- State filings
- Federal rules in every state
- What we did not find
- FAQ
Refrigerated freight runs under the same state filings as other for-hire freight, plus federal food transport rules. Here is what applies in each of our three states.
State filings
| State | Intrastate filing | Insurance filed by your insurer |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | CVED Authority, Michigan State Police (MCL 476.3) | Certificate of liability and Form E (MCL 479.9) |
| Ohio | USDOT number and PUCO registration (OAC 4901:2-21-03) | Proof of insurance with PUCO; $750,000 for general freight (OAC 4901:2-13-03) |
| Indiana | Form IOA-1, DOR Motor Carrier Services (DOR MCS checklist) | Form E; $750,000 at 10,001 lbs or more (CMV Guide) |
These apply to for-hire carriers hauling only inside the state. State notes: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana.
Federal rules in every state
- Temperature, sanitation and training duties under FDA's sanitary transportation rule (21 CFR 1.908). See the FSMA sanitary transportation rule for reefer carriers.
- Cargo claim timelines (49 CFR 370.5 and 370.9) and carrier liability (49 USC 14706). See a reefer cargo claim file checklist.
What we did not find
- A separate state license or permit for refrigerated general freight carriers in Michigan, Ohio or Indiana. Food plants and warehouses have state licensing, but that is a different business.
FAQ
Does Michigan, Ohio or Indiana license reefer carriers separately?
We did not find a separate state license for refrigerated general freight carriers in these three states. They make the same intrastate filings as other for-hire carriers.
Does the FSMA rule apply to intrastate reefer loads?
FDA's sanitary transportation rule covers carriers in the US that transport food, subject to its exemptions, such as the revenue threshold in 21 CFR 1.904.
How long does a carrier have to act on a cargo claim?
A carrier acknowledges a claim within 30 days (49 CFR 370.5) and pays, declines or makes a firm compromise offer within 120 days (49 CFR 370.9).
Where do I start if I haul dairy?
Milk hauling has its own Michigan licensing. It is covered in a separate guide, not on this page.
This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.
Sources
- MCL 476.3: Application for certificate of authority (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- MCL 479.9: Insurance; workers' compensation compliance (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- Ohio Admin. Code 4901:2-21-03: Registration (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- Ohio Admin. Code 4901:2-13-03: Minimum levels of financial responsibility (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- Indiana DOR MCS: Operating authority checklist (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- Indiana DOR MCS: Commercial Motor Vehicle Guide (PDF) (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- 21 CFR 1.908: Requirements for transportation operations (last amended Dec 29, 2016)
- 49 USC 14706: Liability of carriers under receipts and bills of lading (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- 49 CFR 370.5: Acknowledgment of claims (last amended Jun 15, 2018)
- 49 CFR 370.9: Disposition of claims (last amended Jun 15, 2018)