Applicability and Exceptions (387.3)
For-hire motor carriers operating motor vehicles transporting property in interstate or foreign commerce; as well as those transporting hazardous materials, substances, or wastes in interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce; must obtain and have in effect the minimum levels of financial responsibility outlined in 49 CFR 387.9. A “for-hire” motor carrier is a carrier that receives compensation, either direct or indirect, for providing services.
Property motor carriers that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,001 pounds are exempt from the minimum level of financial responsibility requirements in 49 CFR Part 387, Subpart A unless they transport any of the following in interstate or foreign commerce:
- Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials;
- Division 2.3, Hazard Zone A materials;
- Division 6.1, Packing Group 1, Hazard Zone A materials; or
- A highway route controlled quantity of a Class 7 material as defined in 49 CFR 173.403.
Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility (387.9)
The minimum levels of financial responsibility referenced in 49 CFR 387.7 are summarized in 49 CFR 387.9 as follows.
Schedule of Limits—Public Liability
Motor Carriers of Property
| Kind of Equipment/Carriage | Commodity Transported | Minimum Limits |
| 1. For-hire (interstate or foreign commerce; GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds). | Property (nonhazardous) | $750,000 |
| 2. For-hire and private (interstate or foreign commerce of any quantity, or intrastate commerce in bulk only; GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds). | | $1,000,000 |
| 3. For-hire and private (interstate, foreign, or intrastate; GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds). | - Hazardous substances, as defined in 49 CFR 171.8, transported in cargo tanks, portable tanks, or hopper-type vehicles with capacities in excess of 3,500 water gallons.
- In bulk Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, or 2.2 materials;
- Any quantity of Division 2.3, Hazard Zone A;
- Any quantity of Division 6.1, Packing Group I, Hazard Zone A; or
- Any quantity of highway route controlled quantities for a Class 7 material (49 CFR 173.403).
| $5,000,000 |
| 4. For-hire and private (interstate or foreign commerce; GVWR less than 10,001 pounds). | - Any quantity of Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3;
- Any quantity of Division 2.3, Hazard Zone A; or
- Division 6.1, Packing Group I, Hazard Zone A.
- Highway route controlled quantities of a Class 7 material (49 CFR 173.403).
| $5,000,000 |
Financial Proof (387.7)
Proof of compliance with the minimum levels of financial responsibility in 49 CFR 387.9 is to be maintained at the motor carrier’s principal place of business. The below documents are considered public information. Acceptable proof consists of the following:
Note: All vehicles operated within the United States by motor carriers domiciled in a contiguous foreign country must carry on board a legible copy, in English, of their proof of minimum levels of financial responsibility.