Auto Transport Truckers: The Best and Worst Routes to Know

Auto Transporter Requirements (2026): Transport Cars Legally

Starting an auto transport business may seem straightforward, but the maze of federal filings, safety audits, and insurance regulations can quickly become overwhelming. Many aspiring haulers face setbacks not due to a lack of skill or dedication, but from missing one crucial compliance step that can halt operations before they even begin. 

This guide breaks down those challenges into clear, actionable steps to help you stay compliant, confident, and ready to legally transport cars for profit in 2026.

What You’ll Learn

In this guide, we will answer:

• What documents and filings are required to legally transport vehicles for money in the U.S.?

• How do you obtain and maintain your DOT and MC authority as a new car hauler?

• What insurance and registration requirements ensure full FMCSA compliance for your auto transport business?

Overview

To transport cars for money in the U.S., you must follow specific federal and state rules. The steps vary depending on whether you haul across states or stay within one. Core Legal Requirements: You’ll need a USDOT Number, MC Number, BOC-3 Filing, UCR Registration, proof of insurance, and FMCSA compliance to operate legally. DOT and MC Numbers: The USDOT Number tracks safety, and the MC Number gives you legal authority to haul cars. Apply for both through the FMCSA’s online system. BOC-3 Filing: This form lists legal agents in each state and must be filed by an approved service company. UCR Registration: An annual registration is required for carriers operating across state lines, which helps fund road safety programs. Insurance Requirements: You must have FMCSA-approved insurance that covers both liability and cargo, which has been filed electronically by your insurer. Open vs. Enclosed Transport: Open trailers are less expensive and are used for everyday cars, while enclosed trailers cost more but provide protection for luxury or classic vehicles. Non-CDL Car Hauling: You can haul cars without a CDL if your truck and trailer weigh under 26,001 pounds, but all filings and insurance are still required. FMCSA Safety Audit: New carriers must pass this audit within 12 months to show compliance with safety, maintenance, and insurance rules. Starting Your Business: Register your company, get DOT and MC numbers, file BOC-3 and UCR, buy insurance, get your truck and trailer, and connect with brokers. California Rules: Hauling cars only within California requires a Cal-T number, CHP inspections, and meeting strict CARB emissions standards.

1. What Do You Need to Legally Transport Cars for Money?

To legally operate an interstate, for-hire auto transport business in the U.S., you must satisfy several key federal and state requirements.

• Interstate For-Hire Carriers: These companies transport vehicles across state lines for compensation and are required to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is the category to which most new entrants fall.

• Private/Intrastate Haulers: These are businesses that haul their own goods (not cars for others) or operate strictly within a single state. They may have different, often fewer, federal requirements, but must still comply with state-level rules.

Core Legal Prerequisites:

Requirement	Purpose	Regulating Agency
USDOT Number	Unique identifier for safety data and audits.	FMCSA
MC (Operating Authority) Number	Grants authority to operate as a for-hire carrier.	FMCSA
BOC-3 Filing	Designates agents for service of process in all states.	FMCSA
UCR Registration	Annual registration supporting state enforcement efforts.	Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan
Proof of Insurance	Guarantees financial responsibility for liability and cargo.	FMCSA
FMCSA Compliance	Adherence to safety rules (e.g., drug testing, driver qualification).	FMCSA

2. How to Get a DOT and MC Number for Car Hauling?

The USDOT Number is used to monitor your company's safety records. The MC (Motor Carrier) Number is your operating authority, required because you are a for-hire carrier moving regulated commodities (vehicles) across state lines. Both are essential for legally transporting cars for profit.

Step-by-Step Process:

The FMCSA uses the Unified Registration System (URS) for new carrier applications:

1. Register: Start by registering through the FMCSA's URS online portal.

2. Select Carrier Type: Crucially, you must select the correct categories, including "For-Hire Carrier" and "Property Carrier (other)" (for car hauling).

3. Provide Details: Enter your business structure, ownership, and safety information. You will need your Employer Identification Number (EIN).

4. Pay Fees: There is a non-refundable application fee for the MC Number (USDOT is free, but the registration is combined).

Common Errors to Avoid:

• Wrong Carrier Type: Selecting "Private Carrier" will prevent you from getting the required MC number and authority to haul for profit.

• Inconsistent Data: Ensure that your company name, EIN, and address exactly match those listed in your business and insurance filings.

3. BOC-3 Filing for Auto Transport: What Is It

The BOC-3 (Designation of Agents for Service of Process) is a one-page form mandatory for all for-hire motor carriers before their operating authority can be activated.

• Purpose: The BOC-3 officially designates a legal process agent in every state where you operate. If your company is sued or needs to be served with legal papers, these agents are authorized to receive them.

• Filing: Only a process service company (an approved BOC-3 processing agent) can file this form with the FMCSA on your behalf. You cannot file it yourself.

• Compliance: You only need to file it once when you receive your authority, but you must ensure your designated agents remain current.

4. Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) for Car Haulers Explained

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is an annual state-level registration that helps fund state road safety and enforcement.

• Who Must Register: Any carrier with an active USDOT number operating in interstate commerce (including car haulers) must pay the annual UCR fee.

• Deadlines and Costs: The registration usually opens in October for the following year, with fees determined by the size of your fleet (number of commercial vehicles).

• Compliance: Keep your UCR receipt and ensure your registration is up to date. Law enforcement can, and does, verify compliance during roadside inspections.

5. Auto Transporter Insurance Minimum Coverage 2026

Securing the correct, FMCSA-compliant insurance is the most critical step to transporting cars for money legally. Your insurance provider must file electronic proof with the FMCSA for your authority to become active.

Minimum Federal Insurance Levels:

Type of Coverage	Minimum Requirement	Purpose	FMCSA Filing Form
Public Liability	$750,000	Covers bodily injury and property damage to the public.	BMC-91 or BMC-91X
Surety Bond	$75,000	Ensures the broker will pay the carrier (protecting you from double payment claims).	BMC-84
Trust Fund Agreement	$75,000	Act as a financial guarantee that protects motor carriers and shippers from a broker's failure to meet its financial obligations.	BMC-85

6. Open vs Enclosed Auto Transporter Requirements

The type of trailer you use affects equipment, insurance, and clientele.

7. Non-CDL Car Hauling Business Requirements

Operating under the 26,000-pound GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) limit offers a lower barrier to entry, but still requires the same level of federal authority.

• Legal Limits: You can legally haul cars for money without a CDL as long as your total GCWR remains strictly under 26,001 pounds.

• Equipment/Insurance: You still need to complete all the core authority filings (USDOT, MC, BOC-3, UCR) and obtain the required minimum liability and cargo insurance.

• State Nuances: While federal rules govern the CDL, some states may still require a state-level USDOT number or additional permits, even for intrastate operations under 26,000 pounds. Always check the regulations for the state where your business is based.

8. FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit for Auto Carriers

The FMCSA conducts a New Entrant Safety Audit on all new interstate carriers. It's not optional and is required to maintain your authority.

• When It Occurs: The audit takes place within the first 12 months of your MC authority being activated.

• Required Records: The auditor will check for basic compliance across several areas:

• Insurance: Active proof of liability and cargo filings.

• Driver Qualification: Driver background checks, medical cards, and CDL records.

• Maintenance: Vehicle inspection reports (annual and pre/post-trip) and repair records.

• Hours-of-Service (HOS): Accurate records of driver duty time (e.g., ELD data or logbooks).

• Common Failures: The most frequent audit failures involve missing or incorrect driver qualification files and inadequate maintenance records. Preparation is key to avoiding an out-of-service order.

9. Step-by-Step Guide to Starting an Auto Transport Company

Follow these steps to ensure you establish your auto transport business correctly and efficiently:

1. Register Your Business: Formalize your company structure (LLC, S-Corp, or Sole Proprietorship).

2. Obtain DOT/MC Authority: File your USDOT and MC numbers with the URS application to obtain your DOT/MC numbers.

3. File BOC-3 and UCR: Hire a process service agent to file the BOC-3 and complete the Unified Carrier Registration.

4. Secure Insurance: Find an FMCSA-compliant policy. The insurer will file the BMC-91/BMC-34 forms to activate your authority.

5. Purchase or Lease Equipment: Acquire your truck and trailer, ensuring they are road-ready and compliant with weight regulations.

6. Build Broker Relationships: Once your authority is active (21 days after filing and insurance/BOC-3 are processed), start connecting with brokers. Be transparent about your new authority status to build trust.

10. Auto Transport Business License Requirements in California

California (CA) has some of the strictest regulations in the U.S., particularly for intrastate carriers (those hauling only within CA).

• CA Intrastate Authority: If you haul cars strictly within California, you need a Cal-T number in addition to a CA DOT number.

• CHP Inspections: California Highway Patrol (CHP) inspections are rigorous. Carriers must comply with CA-specific driver and vehicle safety rules.

• CARB Regulations: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandates strict emission standards for diesel engines. This often affects older trucks and is a key compliance issue for all auto haulers operating in the state.

Final Thoughts: Building a Compliant Future on the Road

Launching a car hauling business isn’t only about trucks and trailers. It’s about trust, safety, and reputation. By mastering every step of the legal and regulatory process, you not only protect your company but also set the foundation for long-term success in a competitive industry. 

Need a Trusted Partner to Coordinate Your Vehicle Shipment?

With more than 20 years of experience, AmeriFreight Auto Transport has established itself as one of the leading auto transport brokers by connecting customers with a carefully vetted network of licensed and insured carriers.

We bring trusted coordination and knowledgeable support to every shipment. As a broker, we help simplify the process, guide you through logistics, and assist with communication from pickup to delivery.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to verify an auto transporter's insurance and authority?

To verify an auto transporter’s insurance and authority, check their USDOT/MC number and status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) SAFER database and request a current certificate of insurance showing coverage for both liability and cargo.

Do I need a CDL to be a hotshot car hauler?

You do not always need a CDL to be a hotshot car hauler; a CDL becomes required when the combined vehicle and trailer gross weight exceeds 26,000 lbs (or other state/federal thresholds) or when hauling certain materials.

What are the best load boards for new auto transport authorities in 2026?

Some of the best load boards for new auto transport authorities in 2026 include platforms such as Super Dispatch, DAT One, and TruckStop.com, which cater to car-hauling with strong features for both carriers and brokers.

Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only. This is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. Rules for auto transport businesses vary by state and are subject to change. 

Always confirm that you are in compliance with the current FMCSA and state regulations before operating. AmeriFreight Auto Transport does not provide legal services and is not responsible for actions taken in reliance on this guide.