Why it happens
It's not personal. Most freight fraud, like double brokering and identity theft, comes from brand-new MC numbers, so many brokers' insurers make them wait until an authority is 90 days, 6 months or even a year old. Some also want to see a few inspections and a clean safety record, not just age.
Fix the paperwork first
Many new carriers get rejected for paperwork, not age, and never find out. Check these before you call anyone:
- Insurance limits: most brokers want at least $1,000,000 auto liability and $100,000 cargo. Lower limits get filtered out automatically.
- Same details everywhere: your phone, email and address must match your FMCSA record. A mismatch looks like fraud.
- A real business email and website, not a free email with a random name.
- Complete carrier packet: MC authority letter, W-9, certificate of insurance and a voided check, all ready to send.
- Finish your setup profiles on the broker onboarding sites they use, with the same details.
Where new MCs actually get loads
- Small and mid-size brokers: they have more flexible rules than the giant ones.
- Just ask: 'How old does my MC need to be to work with you?' takes 30 seconds and saves hours.
- Load boards where you can filter brokers that accept new authority.
- Direct shippers in your area, who often don't care about MC age.
- Experience counts: many brokers will book you if you can show years of driving and references.
Expect lower rates at first
Your first few months usually pay less. Price for it, don't lock into long contracts at new-authority rates, and focus on running every load cleanly. A broker who took a chance on you and got a good load will keep calling.
How we help
We dispatch new authorities every week, we know which brokers load new MCs, and we build your carrier packet the right way. Or skip the wait completely by running under our authority, from 15%.
Dispatch from 4%, or run under our authority from 15%.
Quick answers
How old does my MC need to be for brokers?
It depends on the broker. Commonly 90 days, often 6 months, sometimes a year. Many smaller brokers will load you sooner.
Why do I keep getting rejected on carrier setup?
Usually insurance limits that are too low, contact details that don't match FMCSA, or a missing document, not just age.
More guides: Forced vs non-forced dispatch · Loads with a new MC · Dispatch fees explained · Lease on vs own MC · How to choose a dispatcher · Box truck loads (no CDL) · Hotshot loads guide · Best load boards · Get your MC & DOT number · Factoring explained · IFTA filing guide · Cargo van loads guide · Detention, layover & TONU · Spot double brokering · Broker didn't pay? · Your cost per mile · Rate con checklist
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