A Broker Carrier Agreement is a legal contract between a licensed freight broker and a motor carrier (trucking company or owner-operator) that defines the terms under which the carrier transports freight on behalf of the broker's shipper clients. These carrier agreements establish the operational and financial framework for every load tendered, protecting both parties and ensuring compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Freight brokers registered with the FMCSA must maintain agreements with every carrier they work with, making this carrier agreement form a foundational requirement in the freight brokerage industry.
Key provisions covered by a Broker Carrier Agreement include carrier qualification requirements such as proof of operating authority and cargo insurance coverage (typically 00,000 minimum per load). The agreement also specifies freight rates and payment terms that define how the carrier earns compensation and when invoices are paid after delivery. Bill of lading procedures clarify shipment documentation responsibilities, while indemnification clauses address liability for cargo loss, damage, or delivery delays. Confidentiality provisions protect the broker's shipper relationships, and an independent contractor declaration confirms the carrier operates as a separate legal entity. The Carrier Broker Agreement is a closely related document used when carriers initiate the contracting process. For individual shipment documentation, see our Bill of Lading form.
Freight brokers, dispatchers, logistics companies, owner-operators, and trucking carriers all rely on broker carrier agreement templates to standardize their onboarding process and reduce legal risk. A properly completed and signed carrier agreement ensures that both parties understand their rights and obligations before any freight shipment is tendered. For compensation arrangements between parties, see also our Broker Fee Agreement form.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Broker Carrier Agreement Form |
| Form Length | 11 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 2 min 45 sec |
| Other names | broker carrier agreement 2021, broker carrier contract agreement, broker carrier agreement template, dispatcher carrier agreement |