Texas DOT vs FMCSA Insurance Requirements | Dallas Trucking Experts

Texas DOT vs. FMCSA: Insurance Requirements for Dallas Truckers

Starting a trucking company in Dallas, Texas, can be a smart move — but understanding insurance requirements is crucial. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have different rules depending on how and where your trucks operate. Let’s break down what coverage you need to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

Understanding TxDOT vs. FMCSA Requirements

The key difference between TxDOT and FMCSA comes down to your scope of operation:

• TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) governs intrastate trucking — trucks that operate only within Texas.

• FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulates interstate trucking — any operation that crosses state lines, or hauls loads that do.

If your business does both, you’ll need to comply with both sets of rules — and meet the higher of the insurance requirements.

TxDOT Insurance Requirements (Intrastate)

If your trucking company operates strictly within Texas, here’s what you need:

• Minimum Liability Coverage based on the type of cargo:

  • $300,000 for household goods

  • $500,000 for general freight

  • $1,000,000+ for hazardous materials

• Form E or Form H: These forms prove your insurance meets state regulations and must be filed with TxDOT.

• Texas DOT Number: Required for all intrastate commercial carriers.

⚠️ Even if you only operate within Dallas, you still need to comply with TxDOT.

FMCSA Insurance Requirements (Interstate)

If you haul goods across state lines or take loads that originated or are delivered out of state, FMCSA rules apply. These include:

• Public Liability Insurance:

  • $750,000 for general freight

  • $1,000,000+ for oil transport

  • $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

• Cargo Insurance: Not federally required for all, but mandatory if you transport household goods.

• Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X: Shows proof of adequate insurance coverage.

• Form MCS-90: An endorsement of financial responsibility.

• MC Number: You must apply for and obtain this to operate legally under FMCSA.

👉 If your routes go beyond Texas, FMCSA compliance is non-negotiable.

What if You Operate Both In and Out of Texas?

Many Dallas-based trucking companies haul both locally and across state lines. In these cases:

• You must meet FMCSA’s higher federal standards, even for loads that stay in Texas.

• Ensure both BMC-91 filings and Form E submissions are completed.

Failing to meet dual compliance can cause delays in authority approvals, fines, or even shutdowns.

Why Insurance Compliance Matters

Not having the right insurance or missing a required filing can result in:

• Fines and citations

• Vehicle impoundment

• Suspension or loss of your operating authority

The wrong insurance limits or missed filings can even delay the activation of your DOT or MC number.

How to Stay Compliant in Dallas, Texas

• ✅ Determine if you operate intrastate, interstate, or both.

• ✅ Work with a trucking insurance agency that understands both FMCSA and TxDOT regulations.

• ✅ File BMC-91X and MCS-90 for FMCSA, Form E for TxDOT.

• ✅ Review coverage annually — especially if your routes or cargo types change.

Danaco Group Can Help You Get Covered

At Danaco Group, we specialize in helping trucking companies in Dallas, TX stay compliant with both federal and state insurance rules.

• ✅ We file the right forms (BMC-91, Form E, etc.)

• ✅ We work with multiple top-rated carriers

• ✅ We help with DOT and FMCSA filings

• ✅ We offer bundled coverage and fast turnaround for new authorities

Whether you’re running loads in Dallas or across the country — we’ve got your back.

Need help starting or updating your trucking insurance in Dallas?👉 Contact Danaco Group today for a free quote and guidance on compliance. Danaco Group is here to help.

📞 Call us today or request a free quote to get started. (214) 624-9770770 624-9770