By Haul Handbook editorial team· Updated Sep 27, 2026
What Maryland requires
These are the state-level rules attached to Maryland intrastate operating authority. A field reading "Not confirmed" means this guide has not confirmed that value. The note explains the gap; unknown is not evidence of absence.
- Liability minimum
- $750,000 (Maryland adopts the federal minimum levels of financial responsibility for motor carriers by incorporating 49 CFR 387 with no amendments or exemptions (COMAR 11.21.01.04-5), so the federal schedule in 49 CFR 387.303 applies: $750,000 for freight vehicles of 10,001 pounds or more GVWR carrying non-hazardous property, $300,000 for small freight fleets under 10,001 pounds GVWR, $1,000,000 for oil and listed hazardous materials, and $5,000,000 for the bulk explosives and high-risk classes. Scope caution: under COMAR 11.21.01.03, the incorporated federal rules apply in full to intrastate carriers only when they transport placardable hazardous materials or operate vehicles designed for 16 or more passengers including the driver; other intrastate carriers are covered by the chapter with the amendments and exemptions in its regulations .05 through .08 and .11 through .14. Separately, Maryland vehicle registration (including IRP registration) requires proof of Maryland insurance at $30,000/$60,000 public liability and $15,000 property damage.)
The federal minimums, for contrast
Federal financial-responsibility requirements depend on the operation, vehicle and commodity. Review the rows and exclusions in 49 CFR Part 387 (property carriers 387.303, brokers and freight forwarders 387.307, endorsements 387.15), as displayed on FMCSA's insurance filing requirements page; the filing mechanics live in our BMC-91 and BMC-34 insurance filings guide.
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Where insurance fits in the Maryland launch
Coverage sits early in the sequence: the federal filing sequence needs your insurer's proof of coverage on file before authority activates, and the state rules above attach to the credential covered on the Maryland intrastate authority page. For the full order of operations, work through start a trucking company in Maryland.