Glossary · updated October 31, 2026
49 CFR Part 387
Also known as: Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility, Part 387
By Korey Sharp-Paar · Reviewed by the Fast Trucking Compliance team
Definition
49 CFR Part 387 is the federal regulation that sets minimum public-liability (BIPD) insurance amounts for motor carriers. Typical minimums are $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil-carrying tankers, $5,000,000 for many hazardous materials, and $1.5 million or $5 million for passenger carriers depending on seating capacity. A for-hire carrier proves compliance through the BMC-91 or BMC-91X filing its insurer sends to FMCSA, and that filing must be on record before FMCSA grants operating authority. If the coverage lapses and the insurer cancels the filing, the authority can be revoked.
Authoritative source
49 CFR Part 387 - Minimum levels of financial responsibility
Related terms
- BMC-91 / BMC-91X
- BIPD(Bodily Injury and Property Damage)
- Cargo Insurance
- Passenger Authority(Passenger Carrier Authority)