You can book loads with just a DOT number, but you'll need more than that to actually haul them

A DOT number (issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) identifies your company to shippers and brokers, but it is not a booking credential by itself. Shippers and load boards require proof that you are insured, that your trucks pass safety inspections, and that you have authority to operate for hire. Your DOT number is part of that proof, but you also need active Motor Carrier Authority (MC number), a current Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) statement, and liability insurance in force. Once those are in place, you can list yourself on load boards, respond to broker postings, and negotiate directly with shippers.

The practical path is: get your MC number and UCR first, then register on load boards where brokers post available freight. Most brokers will verify your DOT and MC numbers against the FMCSA database before offering you loads. Some smaller shippers will work with you directly if you have the right credentials and insurance, but the majority of loads move through brokers and load boards.

Key Takeaways

  • Your DOT number alone does not let you book loads; you also need an MC number, active insurance, and a current UCR statement.
  • Load boards (such as DAT, Convoy, and Uber Freight) let you search and bid on available freight once your credentials are verified.
  • Brokers will check your DOT and MC numbers against the FMCSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system before offering you loads.
  • Direct shipper relationships are possible but usually require the same credentials, plus references from previous freight you have hauled.
  • Your insurance company must list you as authorized to haul for hire; standard commercial auto policies do not cover freight hauling.

What credentials you need beyond your DOT number

Your MC number (Motor Carrier number) is the credential that actually authorizes you to haul freight for pay. The DOT number identifies your safety record; the MC number is your legal permission to operate. You get both from the FMCSA, but they serve different purposes. Shippers and brokers will not book you without an active MC number.

Your Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) statement proves you have paid the annual fee required to operate. This is a separate filing from your MC number and must be current. If your UCR lapses, your authority can be suspended even if your MC number is still active.

Liability insurance is mandatory and must be in force before you haul your first load. The minimum is $750,000 for general freight and $5 million for hazmat. Your insurance company must issue you a Certificate of Insurance (also called a COI) naming the FMCSA as the certificate holder. Brokers will ask for this certificate before they book you.

How load boards work and where to register

Load boards are online marketplaces where brokers post available freight and carriers bid on loads. You create an account, enter your truck information and credentials, and the board verifies your DOT and MC numbers against the FMCSA database. Once verified, you can search loads by lane, weight, and rate.

The largest load boards are DAT (formerly Dial-a-Truck), Convoy, and Uber Freight. DAT is the oldest and most widely used by traditional brokers. Convoy connects you to shippers and brokers through an app. Uber Freight is newer but growing and focuses on real-time matching. All three require you to enter your DOT and MC numbers during registration, and all will verify them before you can see or bid on loads.

Smaller load boards and niche platforms exist for specific freight types (refrigerated, flatbed, hazmat). Your insurance broker or other carriers in your network can point you to boards that match your equipment and lanes.

What brokers check before they book you

When you bid on a load or a broker contacts you, they will pull your record from the SAFER system (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records), which is the FMCSA's public database. They are looking for your DOT number, MC number, insurance status, and safety inspection history. If your insurance has lapsed, your authority is suspended, or you have recent safety violations, they will see it when ready.

Brokers also check your CSA score (Compliance, Safety, and Accountability), which is a rating based on your inspection and violation history. A high CSA score (worse safety record) may disqualify you from certain loads or brokers. Some brokers will not work with carriers above a certain CSA threshold.

If you are new and have no freight history, brokers may ask for references from other carriers or shippers you have worked with, or they may offer you a small load at a lower rate to test your reliability before committing to larger shipments.

Direct shipper relationships versus broker loads

Some shippers post loads directly on their websites or through their own logistics platforms, bypassing brokers entirely. These direct relationships often pay better because there is no broker margin. However, shippers still require the same credentials: DOT, MC, insurance, and a clean safety record.

To find direct shippers, search industry-specific job boards, ask other carriers in your network, or contact manufacturers and retailers in your region directly. You will need to provide your DOT and MC numbers, proof of insurance, and often references from previous loads you have hauled. Shippers are more cautious with new carriers than brokers are, because they are liable if you cause damage or miss a delivery.

Many carriers use both brokers and direct shippers. Brokers give you volume and flexibility; direct shippers give you better rates and longer-term relationships once you build trust.

Steps to get your credentials in order

If you have a DOT number but no MC number, start by filing for Motor Carrier Authority with the FMCSA. You can do this online through the FMCSA's website or by mail. The process takes a few weeks. You will need your DOT number, proof of insurance, and basic company information.

Once your MC number is issued, file your UCR statement with your state. This is a separate filing and costs between $100 and $5,000 depending on your fleet size and the state. Most states allow you to file online.

Get your Certificate of Insurance from your insurance company. Make sure the certificate lists the FMCSA as the certificate holder and shows your liability limits. You will need to provide this to every broker and load board you register with.

Once all three are in place, register on at least two load boards so you have multiple sources of freight. Start with DAT if you haul general freight; add Convoy or Uber Freight if you want more options.

Common reasons brokers reject new carriers

Brokers will not book you if your insurance has lapsed, your MC number is not active, or your CSA score is too high. They also reject carriers with recent safety violations, failed inspections, or a history of missed pickups or late deliveries. If you are brand new with no freight history, some brokers will straightforward not work with you until you have references.

If you are rejected, ask the broker or load board why. If it is a credential issue (lapsed insurance, inactive MC), fix it and reapply. If it is a CSA score, you may need to improve your safety record over time or focus on brokers that accept higher-risk carriers. If it is lack of experience, take a few loads at lower rates to build your track record, then move to better-paying freight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book loads with just a DOT number and no MC number?

No. Brokers and load boards require an active MC number to verify you are authorized to haul for hire. Your DOT number shows your safety record, but the MC number is your legal permission to operate. You must have both.

How long does it take to get an MC number?

The FMCSA typically issues an MC number within two to four weeks of your process, assuming you have proof of insurance and no disqualifying issues. You can explore online through the FMCSA website.

What if my insurance company says I don't need a Certificate of Insurance?

You do need one. Every broker and load board will ask for it before they book you. Make sure your insurance company lists the FMCSA as the certificate holder and shows your liability limits clearly. If they refuse, contact a different insurance company that specializes in motor carrier coverage.

Can I book loads on a load board before my MC number is active?

No. Load boards verify your MC number during registration and will not let you search or bid on loads until it is active. You can create an account and enter your information, but you cannot see available freight until verification is complete.

Do I need different insurance for hazmat loads?

Yes. Hazmat requires higher liability limits ($5 million instead of $750,000) and additional endorsements. If you want to haul hazmat, tell your insurance company when you get your quote. Not all carriers offer hazmat coverage.