CarrierLinq uses real-time FMCSA data to verify motor carrier credentials. Here's exactly what we check — and what we don't.
Automated, real-time, and transparent
Carriers enter their USDOT number during signup. This is the only credential required to start the verification process.
CarrierLinq queries the FMCSA QCMobile API in real time to retrieve your official carrier record from the federal database.
We verify that your operating authority is active, check for out-of-service orders, and extract your legal name, EIN, and physical address.
Carriers that pass all checks receive a Verified badge visible on their public profile. 3PLs can see this badge when reviewing interested carriers.
Data points extracted from FMCSA records
The official legal entity name registered with FMCSA.
Federal Employer Identification Number tied to the carrier entity.
The principal place of business on file with FMCSA.
Number of drivers reported in the carrier's FMCSA record.
Number of trucks and power units registered with FMCSA.
Whether the carrier holds active common carrier operating authority.
Whether the carrier holds active contract carrier operating authority.
Whether the carrier also holds broker authority with FMCSA.
The type of carrier operation — interstate, intrastate, or both.
What happens to the paperwork once a carrier is verified
Carriers upload certificates as PDFs. We read the ACORD form automatically, including scanned copies, and record coverage types, limits, and expiration dates. Expired coverage is excluded.
The named insured and the USDOT number on the certificate are checked against the carrier's FMCSA record, and a mismatch fails the certificate during processing. This confirms the policy belongs to that carrier. It does not authenticate the certificate with the insurer or producer, and it does not assess whether the coverage is adequate for any particular contract.
When a credential check finds a problem, a case opens on the carrier's account with the steps needed to clear it. An AI assistant explains the issue and drafts responses. It cannot file anything with FMCSA on the carrier's behalf.
When a 3PL onboards a carrier, the remaining paperwork is uploaded to the onboarding packet, and the 3PL reviews each step and approves it, requests changes, or rejects it. Apart from the certificates described above, CarrierLinq stores these documents and routes them for review; it does not read or validate their contents.
Important limitations to understand
Verification is Periodic, Not Continuous
Verification reflects FMCSA records at the time of lookup. CarrierLinq re-checks verified carriers against FMCSA on a recurring schedule, oldest-checked first, and opens a compliance case on the carrier's account when a re-check finds a problem. Because re-checks run in batches, the interval between checks for any individual carrier varies and a change to a federal record may not appear on CarrierLinq immediately. This is not real-time monitoring, and a carrier's authority or status may change between checks. CarrierLinq does not guarantee that verified information remains current, and carriers have a duty to keep their profile information up to date.
Self-Reported Profile Data
Equipment types, service capabilities, crew sizes, service areas, and other profile information are self-reported by carriers and are not verified by CarrierLinq or any third party.
3PL Verification Status
3PL companies are not currently subject to verification. CarrierLinq does not verify a 3PL's authority to tender shipments, financial standing, or business legitimacy.
Not yet available. These are the verification capabilities we are building.
An assistant that contacts the agency listed on the certificate to confirm the policy is in force, that the limits are accurate, and that required endorsements are in place — rather than reading the document alone.
An estimate of what it would cost a carrier to raise their coverage limits to meet a given 3PL's requirements.
Verification for 3PL companies to ensure both sides of every connection are credible.
Sign up as a carrier and get your FMCSA credentials verified automatically.