A Common Carrier provides “For-Hire* truck transportation” to the general public. A Common Carrier must file both Liability insurance as well as Cargo Insurance.
Contract Carrier Authority:
A Contract Carrier provides “for-hire*truck transportation” to specific, individual shippers, based on contracts. They must file only Liability Insurance.
Broker Authority:
A Broker is a company who, for compensation, arranges for the truck transportation of cargo belonging to others utilizing “for hire* Carriers” to provide the actual truck transportation. Brokers must file either a Surety Bond or a Fund Agreement.
* A for-hire carrier is a person or company that provides transportation of cargo or passengers for compensation