New Authority Basics

What is a carrier packet?

You call a broker about a load. They say "send me your carrier packet first." Here's exactly what that means and what to put in it — so it's ready before the next call, not scrambled together during one.

Last updated 8/16/2026

Short answer: a carrier packet is a set of documents that proves you're a real, insured, legally operating carrier — so a broker can hand you a load with confidence. It's your business's resume. Every broker asks for one before they'll dispatch to you, and most want it before they'll even quote you a rate.

Why brokers require one

A broker is putting someone else's freight on your truck. If you're not really authorized, not really insured, or there's no signed agreement, the broker is the one holding the bag if something goes wrong.

The packet protects both sides: it proves you're who you say you are, that your authority and insurance are active, and it locks in how and when you get paid.

What goes in it

Build these once, save them as one PDF, and you can send a complete packet in under a minute every time a broker asks.

✓
Cover sheet
Company name, MC#, DOT#, address, and a contact number, up top so the broker doesn't have to dig for it.
✓
Copy of your MC Authority
Proof your operating authority is active — brokers will also verify it themselves on FMCSA SAFER, but they still want the copy on file.
✓
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Proof of your liability and cargo coverage. Your insurance agent can send this directly to a broker on request — ask for a general copy to keep on hand too.
✓
Signed Broker-Carrier Agreement
The contract covering payment terms, liability, and how disputes get handled. Every broker has their own version — you'll sign a new one for each broker you work with.
✓
W-9
Standard tax form so the broker can pay you and report it correctly.
•
Notice of Assignment (NOA)If you factor
Tells the broker to pay your factoring company directly instead of you. Skip this if you don't factor invoices.
•
Voided checkIf you don't factor
For direct deposit setup, if you're getting paid straight from the broker instead of through a factoring company.
•
ReferencesOptional
Not required, but a couple of shipper or broker references can help a brand-new MC stand out from the crowd.

How to put one together

1
Gather the documents once
Pull your MC authority letter, COI from your insurance agent, and fill out a W-9. Takes an afternoon, saves you every time after.
2
Save it as one PDF
Cover sheet first, then authority, then insurance, then W-9. One file, in order — not five separate attachments a broker has to sort through.
3
Keep it current
Update the PDF whenever your insurance renews or anything changes. An expired COI is the single most common reason a packet gets rejected.
4
Sign the broker's agreement when asked
This part's different every time — each broker sends their own agreement to sign. Everything else in your packet stays the same.

Common mistakes

✕ Expired COI. The most common reason a packet gets bounced back. Check the expiration date before you send it every time.
✕ Sending five separate emails instead of one packet. Makes you look disorganized before you've hauled a single load.
✕ Signing the broker agreement without reading the payment terms. Know when you actually get paid — some brokers run 30+ days without factoring.
✕ Not having it ready before you call. A broker with a good load isn't going to wait around while you scramble for a W-9.

Got a load worth taking?

Once you're booked, Frayted generates the follow-up email with your MC#, DOT#, and insurance pre-filled — no retyping your packet info every time.

Try Frayted →
This page is for general information only and isn't legal or financial advice. Broker requirements, minimum insurance coverage, and standard practices vary and can change. Always confirm current requirements with your insurance agent, factoring company, and each individual broker before signing an agreement.