Glossary · updated October 18, 2026
Contract Carrier
By Korey Sharp-Paar · Reviewed by the Fast Trucking Compliance team
Definition
A contract carrier is a for-hire motor carrier that transports regulated commodities only under specific written contracts with named shippers. Authorized under 49 USC §13902 separately from common carriers. The contract requirement is enforced - FMCSA has revoked contract-carrier authority for carriers operating without bilateral written agreements. Most modern carriers file as common carriers because the operational flexibility is broader; the contract designation is reserved for dedicated-fleet relationships. Contract carriers face the same BOC-3, insurance, MCS-150, and UCR obligations as common carriers. The MC docket fee is $300, the same as common-carrier authority.
Authoritative source
Read more
How to Start a Trucking Company: 15 Steps in Order (With Government Fees)Fifteen startup steps in order, with the government fee and the agency page for each: USDOT, the $300 MC fee, BOC-3, insurance, UCR, and Form 2290.
Related terms
- Common Carrier
- MC Number(Motor Carrier Number)
- For-Hire Motor Carrier vs. Private Carrier