What does 49 CFR 387.19 (Electronic filing of surety bonds, trust fund agreements, certificates of insurance and cancellations) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 387.19 requires insurers of exempt for-hire motor carriers and private motor carriers that transport hazardous materials to file certificates of insurance, surety bonds, and other securities and agreements with FMCSA electronically. The filings must be made in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth at 49 CFR 387.323.

The rule says

"Insurers of exempt for-hire motor carriers, as defined in 390.5 of this subchapter, and private motor carriers that transport hazardous materials in interstate commerce that are registered with FMCSA on September 30, 2016, must file certificates of insurance, surety bonds, and other securities and agreements with FMCSA by April 14, 2017." (49 CFR 387.19(a))

"These filings must be made electronically in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth at 387.323." (49 CFR 387.19(a))

In plain English

This rule means that certain motor carriers need to file proof of insurance and other financial responsibility documents with FMCSA electronically, rather than on paper. This is part of the federal government's effort to streamline regulatory compliance and make it easier to track and verify motor carriers' financial responsibility. Motor carriers that fail to comply with this rule may face penalties or have their operating authority suspended or revoked.

What to do

• Register with FMCSA to obtain authorization to file electronically
• File certificates of insurance, surety bonds, and other securities and agreements electronically through the FMCSA website
• Ensure that all filings are made in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth at 49 CFR 387.323
• Verify that all filings are complete and accurate to avoid penalties or suspension of operating authority