Cargo van and Sprinter insurance

Hauling for pay across state lines

FMCSA says companies that transport federally regulated commodities owned by others, for a fee, in interstate commerce need interstate operating authority (an MC number) in addition to a USDOT number. Carriers that don’t need authority include private carriers hauling their own cargo, for-hire carriers that haul only exempt commodities, and carriers working only inside a federally designated commercial zone. Federal law allows for-hire interstate trucking only by a carrier registered for it (49 U.S.C. 13901).

Authority comes with an insurance filing: your insurer files Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X with FMCSA, and FMCSA will not grant the authority until the minimum insurance is on file. The new authority guide walks through the steps and deadlines.

The weight lines for vans

Under 10,001 lbs

Not a commercial motor vehicle under the federal safety definition unless it hauls placarded hazardous materials (49 CFR 390.5). For-hire interstate freight still needs authority, and the minimum is $300,000 for a fleet made up only of vehicles rated under 10,001 lbs GVWR.

10,001 lbs or more

GVWR, GCWR or actual weight — whichever is greater, so a trailer counts. In interstate commerce the van is a commercial motor vehicle: USDOT number, DOT medical certificate for drivers, FMCSA safety rules (49 CFR 390.5, 391.41) — and the for-hire minimum becomes $750,000.

26,001 lbs

The CDL line: Group B for a single vehicle, Group A for a combination with a trailer over 10,000 lbs. Below it, no CDL unless you haul placarded hazmat (49 CFR 383.5).

IFTA and IRP

For interstate runs they apply to a two-axle power unit only over 26,000 lbs — or to three or more axles, or a combination over 26,000 lbs.

Which tier applies depends on the ratings of your vehicles, so check the GVWR on each van’s certification label — and on any trailer — and confirm it with the agent before the filing goes in.

Coverage to build around the van

• Primary auto liability — required; with your own authority it carries the MCS-90 endorsement and the BMC-91X filing.
• Motor truck cargo — FMCSA doesn’t require it for general freight, but interstate carriers are liable for the actual loss or injury to the property they carry (49 U.S.C. 14706), and customer or broker contracts can set a cargo limit. See cargo insurance.
• Physical damage — collision and comprehensive for the van; a lender with a lien will require it.
• Non-trucking liability — if you are leased on to a carrier and run under its authority. See the non-trucking liability guide.

Hauling inside one state

For vans that never leave one state, the state’s own rules decide. A few examples from our state guides:

• Indiana — intrastate for-hire carriers under 10,000 lbs GVWR need an Indiana ID number, with a Form E on file; the minimum for non-hazardous freight in those vehicles is $300,000.
• Illinois and Tennessee — their intrastate for-hire authority also carries a $300,000 minimum for lighter vehicles.
• Georgia — a vehicle under 10,001 lbs used to haul property for compensation is a “lightweight commercial vehicle” and registers in the state’s intrastate program (GIMC).

Quote checklist for a cargo van

• USDOT and MC numbers (or your pending application) — or the carrier you are leased to.
• For each van and trailer: VIN, year, make, model, GVWR and the value to insure.
• Drivers’ license details and years of experience.
• What you haul, where you run, and the cargo and liability limits your customers or brokers require.
• Loss runs from recent insurers.