Verification Tool
FMCSA Carrier & Broker Lookup
Search the FMCSA database to verify any carrier or freight broker by company name, MC number, or DOT number. Check operating authority, insurance status, fleet size, and safety records before you book.
Search FMCSA Database
Look up any carrier or broker by name, MC number, or DOT number
Search By
Type at least 3 characters to auto-search, or press Enter / click Search.
Protect Your Freight
Why Verify Carriers Before Booking?
Freight fraud costs the industry billions every year. A 60-second carrier lookup can save you from cargo theft, insurance claims, and compliance violations.
Double-Brokering Protection
Fraudulent carriers accept loads and secretly re-broker them to unknown operators. Verifying MC and DOT numbers against the FMCSA database confirms the carrier you're booking is the one actually moving your freight.
Insurance Gap Detection
A carrier's insurance can lapse between filings. Checking authority status helps catch carriers whose coverage has expired, protecting you from liability if cargo is damaged or lost in transit.
Safety Record Review
Carriers with high out-of-service rates, crash histories, or unsatisfactory safety ratings put your freight and your reputation at risk. A quick lookup reveals fleet size, driver count, and operating history.
Authority Verification
Not every company with a DOT number has freight-hauling authority. Some hold broker-only authority, others have revoked or inactive status. Confirming the right authority type prevents costly compliance mistakes.
Common Questions
Carrier Verification FAQ
What is an FMCSA carrier lookup?
An FMCSA carrier lookup lets you search the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database to verify a carrier or broker's operating authority, insurance coverage, safety rating, and fleet size. It pulls live data from the same source used by the FMCSA SAFER system.
How do I verify a carrier's authority is active?
Search by the carrier's MC number, DOT number, or company name. In the results, check that their Common Authority or Contract Authority status shows 'Active.' If the status is 'Inactive,' 'Revoked,' or 'Not Authorized,' do not tender freight to that carrier.
What is double-brokering and how does carrier verification prevent it?
Double-brokering occurs when a carrier accepts a load but secretly re-brokers it to another carrier without the shipper's knowledge. Verifying a carrier's DOT and MC number, confirming their physical address, and cross-referencing their authority type helps identify fraudulent entities posing as legitimate carriers.
What should I check before booking a carrier?
At minimum, verify that the carrier has active operating authority, current auto liability insurance ($750K+ minimum), cargo insurance ($100K+ minimum), a satisfactory or unrated safety rating, and no pattern of serious violations. Use our Carrier Vetting Checklist for a complete 19-point review.
How often is the FMCSA data updated?
The FMCSA SAFER database is updated regularly as carriers register, renew, or lose their authority. Insurance filings are typically reflected within a few business days. For the most time-sensitive decisions, cross-reference with the FMCSA SAFER website directly and request a current certificate of insurance from the carrier.
Need Help Vetting Carriers?
Our team verifies every carrier in our network for active authority, insurance coverage, and safety compliance. Stop worrying about fraud and let us match you with vetted, reliable carriers.
Get a Free Quote