Title 49 — TransportationRelease 119-73
§13906 Security of motor carriers, motor private carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders
Title 49 › Subtitle SUBTITLE IV— - INTERSTATE TRANSPORTATION › Part PART B— - MOTOR CARRIERS, WATER CARRIERS, BROKERS, AND FREIGHT FORWARDERS › Chapter CHAPTER 139— - REGISTRATION › § 13906
Summary
Requires people who register as motor carriers, brokers, or freight forwarders to file a bond, insurance, or other financial guarantee that the Secretary approves. For motor carriers, the amount must meet rules set by the Secretary and certain federal and state laws. The money must cover final court judgments for injury, death, or property damage up to the limit of the security. A registration stays valid only while the required security is kept. Within 120 days after the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005, most motor carriers (not motor private carriers) already registered had to file this security. The Secretary can also require foreign carriers operating in the United States to file security and can require carriers to protect shippers and consignees for property damage. The Secretary decides the types and amounts of acceptable security and can allow a carrier to show it is approved to self-insure. Carriers that were approved to self-insure as of January 1, 1996 keep that right unless it is taken away for good cause after notice and a hearing. Brokers and freight forwarders must file a surety bond, trust fund, or other financial security in a form and amount the Secretary finds adequate. Group bonds may be allowed. Trust funds must be money that can be used right away without depending on personal guarantees or collecting receivables. The security must pay claims for unpaid freight charges if the broker or forwarder agrees, fails to respond and the surety finds the claim valid, or the claim becomes a judgment. Surety providers must answer claims within 30 days and explain any denial in writing. The broker or freight forwarder must have $75,000 of financial security no matter how many offices they have. If the security is canceled, the holder must tell the Secretary at least 30 days before the cancellation and the Department posts the notice online. The Secretary will suspend registration if the available security drops below the required amount. If a broker or forwarder becomes insolvent, the surety must notify the agency, advertise for claims for 60 days after the Secretary posts the notice, and within 30 days after that pay uncontested claims or pay claims pro rata if claims exceed the security. The Secretary or the U.S. Attorney General may sue to enforce these rules. A surety provider that breaks the rules may face a civil penalty up to $10,000 and be barred from providing such security for 3 years. Attorney fees and administrative costs cannot be deducted from the required security. The Secretary must also set rules for advance notice of insurance cancellations and for the wording to attach to policies and bonds so they meet the full required limits.
Full Legal Text
Title 49, §13906
Transportation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)(1)The Secretary may register a motor carrier under section 13902 only if the registrant files with the Secretary a bond, insurance policy, or other type of security approved by the Secretary, in an amount not less than such amount as the Secretary prescribes pursuant to, or as is required by, section 31138 and 31139, and the laws of the State or States in which the registrant is operating, to the extent applicable. The security must be sufficient to pay, not more than the amount of the security, for each final judgment against the registrant for bodily injury to, or death of, an individual resulting from the negligent operation, maintenance, or use of motor vehicles, or for loss or damage to property (except property referred to in paragraph (3) 11 See References in Text note below. of this subsection), or both. A registration remains in effect only as long as the registrant continues to satisfy the security requirements of this paragraph.
(2)Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005, any person, other than a motor private carrier, registered with the Secretary to provide transportation or service as a motor carrier under section 13905(b) shall file with the Secretary a bond, insurance policy, or other type of security approved by the Secretary, in an amount not less than required by section 31138 and 31139.
(3)A motor carrier shall comply with the requirements of section 13303 and 13304. To protect the public, the Secretary may require any such motor carrier to file the type of security that a motor carrier is required to file under paragraph (1) of this subsection. This paragraph only applies to a foreign motor private carrier and foreign motor carrier operating in the United States to the extent that such carrier is providing transportation between places in a foreign country or between a place in one foreign country and a place in another foreign country.
(4)The Secretary may require a registered motor carrier to file with the Secretary a type of security sufficient to pay a shipper or consignee for damage to property of the shipper or consignee placed in the possession of the motor carrier as the result of transportation provided under this part. A carrier required by law to pay a shipper or consignee for loss, damage, or default for which a connecting motor carrier is responsible is subrogated, to the extent of the amount paid, to the rights of the shipper or consignee under any such security.
(b)(1)(A)The Secretary may register a person as a broker under section 13904 only if the person files with the Secretary a surety bond, proof of trust fund, or other financial security, or a combination thereof, in a form and amount, and from a provider, determined by the Secretary to be adequate to ensure financial responsibility.
(B)In implementing the standards established by subparagraph (A), the Secretary may authorize the use of a group surety bond, trust fund, or other financial security, or a combination thereof, that meets the requirements of this subsection.
(C)For purposes of subparagraph (A), a trust fund or other financial security may be acceptable to the Secretary only if the trust fund or other financial security consists of assets readily available to pay claims without resort to personal guarantees or collection of pledged accounts receivable.
(2)(A)A surety bond, trust fund, or other financial security obtained under paragraph (1) shall be available to pay any claim against a broker arising from its failure to pay freight charges under its contracts, agreements, or arrangements for transportation subject to jurisdiction under chapter 135 if—
(i)subject to the review by the surety provider, the broker consents to the payment;
(ii)in any case in which the broker does not respond to adequate notice to address the validity of the claim, the surety provider determines that the claim is valid; or
(iii)the claim is not resolved within a reasonable period of time following a reasonable attempt by the claimant to resolve the claim under clauses (i) and (ii), and the claim is reduced to a judgment against the broker.
(B)If a surety provider receives notice of a claim described in subparagraph (A), the surety provider shall—
(i)respond to the claim on or before the 30th day following the date on which the notice was received; and
(ii)in the case of a denial, set forth in writing for the claimant the grounds for the denial.
(C)In any action against a surety provider to recover on a claim described in subparagraph (A), the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs and attorney’s fees.
(3)Each broker subject to the requirements of this section shall provide financial security of $75,000 for purposes of this subsection, regardless of the number of branch offices or sales agents of the broker.
(4)If a financial security required under this subsection is canceled—
(A)the holder of the financial security shall provide electronic notification to the Secretary of the cancellation not later than 30 days before the effective date of the cancellation; and
(B)the Secretary shall immediately post such notification on the public Internet Website of the Department of Transportation.
(5)The Secretary shall immediately suspend the registration of a broker issued under this chapter if the available financial security of that person falls below the amount required under this subsection.
(6)If a broker registered under this chapter experiences financial failure or insolvency, the surety provider of the broker shall—
(A)submit a notice to cancel the financial security to the Administrator in accordance with paragraph (4);
(B)publicly advertise for claims for 60 days beginning on the date of publication by the Secretary of the notice to cancel the financial security; and
(C)pay, not later than 30 days after the expiration of the 60-day period for submission of claims—
(i)all uncontested claims received during such period; or
(ii)a pro rata share of such claims if the total amount of such claims exceeds the financial security available.
(7)(A)Either the Secretary or the Attorney General of the United States may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States to enforce the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this subsection. The court may award appropriate relief, including injunctive relief.
(B)If the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a surety provider of a broker registered under this chapter has violated the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed under this subsection, the surety provider shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $10,000.
(C)If the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a surety provider of a broker registered under this chapter has violated the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed under this subsection, the surety provider shall be ineligible to provider 22 So in original. Probably should be “provide”. broker financial security for 3 years.
(8)The amount of the financial security required under this subsection may not be reduced by deducting attorney’s fees or administrative costs.
(c)(1)(A)The Secretary may register a person as a freight forwarder under section 13903 only if the person files with the Secretary a surety bond, proof of trust fund, other financial security, or a combination of such instruments, in a form and amount, and from a provider, determined by the Secretary to be adequate to ensure financial responsibility.
(B)In implementing the standards established under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may authorize the use of a group surety bond, trust fund, other financial security, or a combination of such instruments, that meets the requirements of this subsection.
(C)A surety bond obtained under this section may only be obtained from a bonding company that has been approved by the Secretary of the Treasury.
(D)For purposes of subparagraph (A), a trust fund or other financial security may not be accepted by the Secretary unless the trust fund or other financial security consists of assets readily available to pay claims without resort to personal guarantees or collection of pledged accounts receivable.
(2)(A)A surety bond, trust fund, or other financial security obtained under paragraph (1) shall be available to pay any claim against a freight forwarder arising from its failure to pay freight charges under its contracts, agreements, or arrangements for transportation subject to jurisdiction under chapter 135 if—
(i)subject to the review by the surety provider, the freight forwarder consents to the payment;
(ii)in the case 33 So in original. the freight forwarder does not respond to adequate notice to address the validity of the claim, the surety provider determines the claim is valid; or
(iii)the claim—
(I)is not resolved within a reasonable period of time following a reasonable attempt by the claimant to resolve the claim under clauses (i) and (ii); and
(II)is reduced to a judgment against the freight forwarder.
(B)If a surety provider receives notice of a claim described in subparagraph (A), the surety provider shall—
(i)respond to the claim on or before the 30th day following receipt of the notice; and
(ii)in the case of a denial, set forth in writing for the claimant the grounds for the denial.
(C)In any action against a surety provider to recover on a claim described in subparagraph (A), the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs and attorney’s fees.
(3)(A)The Secretary may register a person as a freight forwarder under section 13903 only if the person files with the Secretary a surety bond, insurance policy, or other type of financial security that meets standards prescribed by the Secretary.
(B)A financial security filed by a freight forwarder under subparagraph (A) shall be sufficient to pay an amount, not to exceed the amount of the financial security, for each final judgment against the freight forwarder for bodily injury to, or death of, an individual, or loss of, or damage to, property (other than property referred to in subparagraph (C)), resulting from the negligent operation, maintenance, or use of motor vehicles by, or under the direction and control of, the freight forwarder while providing transfer, collection, or delivery service under this part.
(C)The Secretary may require a registered freight forwarder to file with the Secretary a surety bond, insurance policy, or other type of financial security approved by the Secretary, that will pay an amount, not to exceed the amount of the financial security, for loss of, or damage to, property for which the freight forwarder provides service.
(4)Each freight forwarder subject to the requirements of this section shall provide financial security of $75,000, regardless of the number of branch offices or sales agents of the freight forwarder.
(5)If a financial security required under this subsection is canceled—
(A)the holder of the financial security shall provide electronic notification to the Secretary of the cancellation not later than 30 days before the effective date of the cancellation; and
(B)the Secretary shall immediately post such notification on the public Internet web site of the Department of Transportation.
(6)The Secretary shall immediately suspend the registration of a freight forwarder issued under this chapter if its available financial security falls below the amount required under this subsection.
(7)If a freight forwarder registered under this chapter experiences financial failure or insolvency, the surety provider of the freight forwarder shall—
(A)submit a notice to cancel the financial security to the Administrator in accordance with paragraph (5);
(B)publicly advertise for claims for 60 days beginning on the date of publication by the Secretary of the notice to cancel the financial security; and
(C)pay, not later than 30 days after the expiration of the 60-day period for submission of claims—
(i)all uncontested claims received during such period; or
(ii)a pro rata share of such claims if the total amount of such claims exceeds the financial security available.
(8)(A)Either the Secretary or the Attorney General may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States to enforce the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this subsection. The court may award appropriate relief, including injunctive relief.
(B)If the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a surety provider of a freight forwarder registered under this chapter has violated the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed under this subsection, the surety provider shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $10,000.
(C)If the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a surety provider of a freight forwarder registered under this chapter has violated the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed under this subsection, the surety provider shall be ineligible to provide freight forwarder financial security for 3 years
(9)The amount of the financial security required under this subsection may not be reduced by deducting attorney’s fees or administrative costs.
(d)The Secretary may determine the type and amount of security filed under this section. A motor carrier may submit proof of qualifications as a self-insurer to satisfy the security requirements of this section. The Secretary shall adopt regulations governing the standards for approval as a self-insurer. Motor carriers which have been granted authority to self-insure as of January 1, 1996, shall retain that authority unless, for good cause shown and after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, the Secretary finds that the authority must be revoked.
(e)The Secretary shall issue regulations requiring the submission to the Secretary of notices of insurance cancellation sufficiently in advance of actual cancellation so as to enable the Secretary to promptly revoke or suspend the registration of any carrier or broker after the effective date of the cancellation.
(f)The Secretary shall also prescribe the appropriate form of endorsement to be appended to policies of insurance and surety bonds which will subject the insurance policy or surety bond to the full security limits of the coverage required under this section.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Paragraph (3) of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was redesignated as paragraph (4) of subsec. (a) of this section by Pub. L. 109–59, title IV, § 4303(b)(1), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1762. The date of enactment of the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is the date of enactment of subtitle C of title IV of Pub. L. 109–59, which was approved Aug. 10, 2005.
Amendments
2015—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–94 inserted “or suspend” after “revoke”. 2012—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 112–141 added subsecs. (b) and (c) and struck out former subsecs. (b) and (c) which related to broker requirements and freight forwarder requirements, respectively. 2005—Pub. L. 109–59, § 4303(d)(1), inserted “motor private carriers,” after “motor carriers,” in section catchline. Subsec. (a)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 109–59, § 4303(b), added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively. 1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–287 substituted “January 1, 1996,” for “the
Effective Date
of this section”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
of 2015 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Effective Date
of 2012 Amendment Pub. L. 112–141, div. C, title II, § 32918(c), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 826, provided that: “The
Amendments
made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [see section 3(a), (b) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment notes under section 101 of Title 23, Highways].”
Effective Date
Section effective Jan. 1, 1996, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 104–88, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as a note under section 1301 of this title.
Regulations
Pub. L. 112–141, div. C, title II, § 32918(b), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 826, provided that: “Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [see section 3(a), (b) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment notes under section 101 of Title 23, Highways], the Secretary [of Transportation] shall issue
Regulations
to implement and enforce the requirements under subsections (b) and (c) of section 13906 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).” Relationship to Other LawsExcept as provided in section 14504, 14504a, and 14506 of this title, subtitle C (§§ 4301–4308) of title IV of Pub. L. 109–59 is not intended to prohibit any State or any political subdivision of any State from enacting, imposing, or enforcing any law or regulation with respect to a motor carrier, motor private carrier, broker, freight forwarder, or leasing company that is not otherwise prohibited by law, see section 4302 of Pub. L. 109–59, set out as a note under section 13902 of this title. Self-Insurance Rules Pub. L. 104–88, title I, § 104(h), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 920, provided that: “The Secretary of Transportation shall continue to enforce the
Rules and Regulations
of the Interstate Commerce Commission, as in effect on July 1, 1995, governing the qualifications for approval of a motor carrier as a self-insurer, until such time as the Secretary finds it in the public interest to revise such rules. The revised rules must provide for— “(1) continued ability of motor carriers to qualify as self-insurers; and “(2) the continued qualification of all carriers then so qualified under the terms and conditions set by the Interstate Commerce Commission or Secretary at the time of qualification.” [Interstate Commerce Commission abolished by section 101 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as a note under section 1301 of this title.]
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
49 U.S.C. § 13906
Title 49 — Transportation
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73