What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A COI is a standardized ACORD 25 document that summarizes your coverage — liability limits, cargo limits, policy effective dates, and named insured. It does not grant any rights under the policy itself, but brokers and shippers require it before dispatching loads. Most Florida freight brokers require $1M liability and $100K cargo minimum listed on the COI before they'll add you to their carrier list.
Broker Packet Requirements in Florida
Getting on a broker's approved carrier list requires more than a COI. Standard broker packets include: W-9, completed carrier setup form, copy of MC authority, copy of USDOT operating authority, current COI with broker named as certificate holder, and sometimes a signed carrier agreement. Some large brokers (Echo, Coyote, CH Robinson) have online portals. We help you assemble everything needed to get approved fast.
Additional Insured Endorsements
Some shippers and construction GCs require being listed as Additional Insured on your policy — not just certificate holder. This is a policy endorsement, not just a COI notation. We work with carriers that add additional insured endorsements same-day so you don't lose a load waiting on paperwork.