What You'll Need
To get set up with PNW Flatbed Dispatch, we need a few documents to verify your authority and insurance. Most carriers complete the packet in under 15 minutes.
MC/DOT Authority
Active motor carrier authority
Insurance Certificate
$1M auto liability minimum
W-9 Form
For payment processing
Equipment List
Trailer types and specs
Document Checklist
📄 Authority & Registration
- MC Authority letter (active, not pending)
- DOT number registration
- USDOT MCS-150 (updated within 2 years)
- State operating authority (if applicable)
🛡️ Insurance Requirements
- Auto Liability: $1,000,000 minimum
- Cargo Insurance: $100,000 minimum
- General Liability: Recommended but not required
- Certificate must list PNW Flatbed Dispatch as certificate holder
- Current—not expiring within 30 days
💰 Payment Information
- Completed W-9 form
- Voided check or direct deposit authorization
- Factoring company NOA (if using factoring)
🚛 Equipment Details
- Trailer type(s): Flatbed, step deck, RGN, conestoga
- Trailer dimensions and weight capacity
- Available securement equipment (chains, straps, tarps)
- Photos of equipment (optional but helpful)
Have your insurance agent send the certificate directly to flatbed@pnwbackhaul.com with "Certificate Holder: PNW Flatbed Dispatch, LLC" and it'll be processed immediately.
Onboarding Timeline
Submit Documents
Email your carrier packet documents or complete our online form. Takes about 10-15 minutes.
Verification (1-4 hours)
We verify your authority, check insurance, and review your safety record on SAFER/SMS.
Dispatcher Introduction
You'll be assigned a dedicated flatbed dispatcher who will call to discuss your equipment, preferred lanes, and availability.
First Load (Within 24 hours)
Tell us when and where you'll be empty—we'll find you a paying load.
Insurance Requirements Detail
Our insurance requirements protect both you and the shippers we work with:
Auto Liability ($1,000,000)
Standard FMCSA requirement for interstate carriers. Your policy must cover:
- Bodily injury and property damage
- All vehicles listed on your authority
- Interstate commerce operations
Cargo Insurance ($100,000)
Protects the freight you're hauling. Many of our loads (steel, machinery) exceed $100K in value, so higher coverage is beneficial:
- $100,000 minimum to get started
- $250,000+ recommended for heavy haul
- Must cover flatbed commodities (not just van freight)
Some cargo policies exclude certain commodities like machinery over a certain value. Verify your policy covers the types of freight you want to haul before accepting loads.
What We Check
We run a brief safety review before onboarding any carrier. Here's what we look at:
- SAFER System: Active authority, no "Not Authorized" status
- SMS Scores: No "Conditional" or "Unsatisfactory" ratings
- Insurance: Valid, adequate coverage, proper endorsements
- Operating History: Minimum 6 months active authority preferred
New Authority?
If you have new authority (under 6 months), we can still work with you if:
- You have prior verifiable experience as a company driver or leased operator
- Your insurance meets or exceeds our minimums
- You start with lighter, lower-value loads to build history
Ready to Get Started?
Email your documents or call us to begin the onboarding process. Most carriers are approved within 4 hours.
Email Carrier PacketFrequently Asked Questions
How long does approval take?
Most carriers are approved within 2-4 hours during business hours. Submit your packet in the morning and you could be hauling by afternoon.
Is there a sign-up fee?
No. There are no sign-up fees, monthly fees, or hidden charges. We only earn a percentage when you haul a load we dispatch.
Do I have to use you exclusively?
No. Use us when it makes sense for you. Many carriers use us specifically for PNW backhauls while finding their own freight elsewhere.
What if my insurance is about to renew?
We can onboard you with current coverage. Just send us the updated certificate when your renewal comes through.
Can I bring my own factoring company?
Absolutely. If you factor, just include your NOA (Notice of Assignment) with your packet. We'll work with any reputable factoring company.