HaulAtlas guides
Plain-English explainers for reading FMCSA carrier data — authority, insurance, and safety.
USDOT Number vs MC Number: What's the Difference?
A USDOT number is a carrier's permanent safety ID; an MC number grants for-hire operating authority. Here's how they differ and when each matters.
What Is BIPD Insurance, and How Much Do Carriers Need?
BIPD is the liability insurance the FMCSA requires for-hire carriers to carry. General freight needs at least $750,000; hazmat can require up to $5M.
FMCSA Operating Authority Types Explained
FMCSA operating authority comes in three types — common, contract, and broker. Here's what each one lets a company do, and how to read authority status.
How to Read FMCSA Out-of-Service Rates
An out-of-service rate is the share of inspections that pulled a truck or driver off the road. Here's how to read vehicle vs driver OOS against national averages.