You found a good load, called the broker — and now they want a "setup packet" before they'll book you. Here's exactly what that is and how to turn it around in minutes.
A carrier setup packet is the onboarding paperwork a broker collects before they'll tender you freight. It's how they confirm you're a real, insured, authorized carrier and get you onto their approved list. The first time you work with a broker you'll complete it once; after that you're usually already in their system.
| Document | Why the broker wants it |
|---|---|
| Operating authority (MC/USDOT) | Proves you're legally authorized to haul |
| W-9 | So they can pay you and report it correctly |
| Certificate of insurance (COI) | Shows active auto liability and cargo coverage |
| Signed broker-carrier agreement | The contract that governs your loads and payment |
| Notice of assignment | Only if you factor — tells the broker where to send payment |
Some brokers also ask for a voided check or ACH form for direct deposit, and a couple of carrier references. If you're brand new and still sorting out your MC authority, that has to be active before most brokers will set you up.
The one item you usually can't produce yourself is the certificate of insurance. Your insurance agent issues it, and the broker will want to be listed as the certificate holder. Most brokers look for standard coverage levels — commonly $1,000,000 in auto liability and $100,000 in cargo — but always go by what each broker's packet specifies. The fix is simple: tell your agent to keep your COI current and be ready to send certificates the same day you're asked.
Brokers move loads to whoever can complete setup first. Keep a single ready-to-send folder with your authority, W-9, and current insurance so you can return a packet before the load is gone. When the load delivers, having your paperwork organized also means you can invoice with the rate confirmation and POD attached without hunting for anything.
TruckSpot Dispatch keeps your carrier documents, insurance and broker records in one place, so a setup packet is a couple of clicks instead of a scavenger hunt. It reads your rate cons, automates invoicing the day a load delivers, and tracks which brokers you're already set up with — so your back office keeps up while you keep driving. It's ELD-agnostic with a free 14-day trial.
Organize your broker paperwork — free 14-day trial →It's the onboarding paperwork a broker needs before they'll book you: proof of operating authority, a W-9, a certificate of insurance, and a signed broker-carrier agreement. Completing it adds you to their approved carrier list.
Typically your MC/USDOT authority, a completed W-9, a certificate of insurance naming the broker as certificate holder, a signed carrier packet/agreement, and a notice of assignment if you use a factoring company.
Keep a ready-to-send folder with your current insurance, W-9 and authority, and let your insurance agent issue certificates quickly. Storing documents in one place means you can return a packet in minutes instead of days.