What it does
Household goods motor carriers cannot engage in interstate commerce until security for cargo liability has been filed with and accepted by FMCSA (49 CFR 387.301(b)). Form BMC-34 is the certificate of insurance used for that cargo security; Form BMC-32 is the companion cargo endorsement and Form BMC-83 the surety bond alternative (49 CFR 387.313).
Required limits (49 CFR 387.303(c))
- $5,000 for loss of or damage to household goods carried on any one motor vehicle.
- $10,000 for loss of or damage to household goods occurring at any one time and place.
Who needs it
Interstate movers of household goods and household goods freight forwarders. The federal cargo security requirement in 49 CFR 387.301(b) applies to household goods carriers.
Key rules
- When more than one insurer provides the cargo limit, each files a separate BMC-32 endorsement and BMC-34 certificate.
- Cancellation follows the same 30-day notice process (Form BMC-35) as liability filings.
Selling notes
The federal minimums are low compared with typical shipment values; quote motor truck cargo limits that reflect real loads and the carrier's released-rate and valuation practices, and explain that the filing only proves the minimum.
