MCS-90 Made Simple: Everything Carriers Need to Know
What is Form MCS-90?
Form MCS-82B is a surety bond that allows for-hire motor carriers of household goods to meet public liability requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It acts as an alternative to the insurance endorsement Form MCS-90B and provides coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration. If you're a household goods carrier operating interstate and prefer to use a surety bond over a traditional insurance policy—this is your go-to form.
Form MCS-90 isn’t a stand alone insurance policy– it’s a federal endorsement attached to your commercial insurance policy. MCS-90 certifies that your trucking operation has the minimum public liability coverage required by the FMCSA, including Bodily Injury (BI), Property Damage (PD) and Environmental Restoration.
If your truck causes harm to the public, the MCS-90 endorsement ensures that compensation is provided, even if your insurance policy wouldn’t normally cover the claim. It is required for for-hire and private motor carriers operating in interstate commerce. It serves as proof of public liability coverage, with the MCS-82 surety bond available as another option if you prefer a bond over an endorsement.
You must file MCS-90 if you’re:
- Operating across state lines (interstate commerce)
- Transporting property or passengers for-hire
- Required by FMCSA to show proof of public liability coverage
This includes freight carriers, owner-operators, trucking companies, and private fleets involved in regulated transport.
Filing Form MCS-90 should be a top priority. You must file it before receiving your Operating Authority from the FMCSA, immediately after purchasing your liability insurance policy. Once filed, it must remain valid for the entire duration of your operating authority to ensure continuous compliance.
Filing Form MCS-90 isn’t just a paperwork requirement. It’s an essential step to stay legal and protected on the road. It fulfills the FMCSA’s financial responsibility rules under 49 CFR Part 387, allows you to operate as a for-hire or private motor carrier, and proves you have the financial coverage needed if there’s a crash, spill, or harm to the public. Not filing or keeping it up to date could lead to revoked operating authority and serious penalties.
- Get a Liability Insurance Policy. This must be FMCSA-compliant and issued by a licensed provider.
- Request the MCS-90 Endorsement. Your insurer completes and signs the form.
- File It Electronically. Your insurer submits it via the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance (L&I) Portal. You can double-check your filing by using your FMCSA carrier profile to confirm the form is active.
Your required coverage under MCS-90 depends on the type of cargo and vehicle you operate. Carriers transporting non-hazardous cargo under 10,000 lbs must maintain a minimum coverage of $300,000, while those hauling general freight over 10,000 lbs need at least $750,000. For carriers handling hazardous materials, the required coverage ranges from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. This endorsement covers bodily injury to the public, property damage to third parties, and environmental restoration resulting from spills or hazardous material incidents.
Quicks FAQs to Understand MCS-90
We’ve Got Answers!
Is MCS-90 a standalone insurance policy?
No, it’s an endorsement added to your existing liability policy.
Can I file MCS-90 by myself?
No, MCS-90 only covers public liability.
Is there an alternative to MCS-90?
Yes, Form MCS-82 is a surety bond alternative.
What happens if form MCS-90 canceled?
FMCSA may revoke your authority unless a replacement form is filed promptly.
MCS-90 vs. MCS-82: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | MCS-90 (Insurance) | MCS-82 (Bond) |
|---|---|---|
| Filed by | Insurance Company | Surety company |
| Type | Policy Endorsement | Bond agreement |
| Credit Check | Not Required | Required |
| Cost | Premium-based | Bond fee + risk rating |
| Risk | Covered by insurer | Carrier may repay surety |
| Cancellation Note | Required | Required |
MCS-90 Official PDF
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