Does this operation need authority?
For-hire interstate refrigerated property transportation generally requires federal operating authority.
The answer turns on compensation, cargo, commerce, route, and vehicle ratings. The equipment name by itself is never the full test.
Launch checklist
- Define food and non-food commodities
- Review FSMA applicability
- Price reefer breakdown coverage
- Create temperature record process
- Verify washout and sanitation SOPs
Costs to plan
| Cost | Estimate | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| FMCSA operating authority applicationUSDOT registration is free; operating authority carries the fee. | $300 per authority type | one-time |
| Launch Kit 30Preparation and coordination service; government and vendor charges remain separate. | See current package price | one-time |
Insurance and equipment decisions
Insurance
Disclose spoilage, refrigeration breakdown, unattended vehicle, and temperature-deviation exposure; standard cargo forms may exclude key losses.
Equipment
Document trailer maintenance, temperature records, washouts, and shipper instructions.
Compare adjacent operations
Box Truck authorityBox-truck authority depends on commerce, compensation, weight, cargo, and route—not the shape of the truck.Hotshot Trucking authorityHotshot carriers often cross several regulatory thresholds as soon as a pickup and trailer combination exceeds 10,001 pounds.Cargo Van authorityA light cargo van can still need operating authority when it carries property for compensation across state lines.Sprinter Van authoritySprinter is a vehicle type, not a regulatory category; registration follows use, weight, passengers, cargo, and interstate commerce.