Scope of Services
Describe types of freight, geographic limits, delivery windows, pickup/deliver instructions, and any special handling or hazardous materials protocols required for performance.
A clear Broker-Carrier Services Agreement reduces operational disputes, clarifies insurance and liability, and sets payment and documentation rules that are important for interstate commerce under federal and state law.
Brokers arranging freight and carriers providing hauling services commonly use this agreement to document responsibilities, rates, and regulatory obligations before any load is moved.
Use this agreement at onboarding, before first dispatch, and when renewing relationships to ensure insurance and compliance details remain current.
Describe types of freight, geographic limits, delivery windows, pickup/deliver instructions, and any special handling or hazardous materials protocols required for performance.
Specify rates or pricing method, invoicing frequency, payment terms (net days), dispute procedures, chargebacks, and responsibility for detention, layover, or accessorial fees.
State required liability, cargo, and auto insurance types and minimum limits, name required additional insured endorsements, and require certificate delivery before first load.
Allocate responsibility for loss, damage, or third-party claims; include indemnity language, exceptions for gross negligence, and caps on consequential damages where permitted.
Define required paperwork (signed BOL, POD), timelines for filing claims, documentation standards, and procedures for investigation and resolution.
Set effective date, renewal or termination notice periods, grounds for immediate termination, and post-termination obligations such as final settlements.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Broker first | Carrier second |
| Authentication | Email verification | optional SMS code |
| Required Attachments | Insurance COI | W-9 | MC/DOT authority |
| Delivery | Signed PDF sent to both parties and stored |
Choose a platform that supports audit trails, attachments, and secure storage for executed agreements.
Ensure the chosen solution provides retention, export, and audit capabilities to meet regulatory and internal compliance needs.
Provide a W-9 when requested; no statutory filing deadline
Issue to recipients by Jan 31 for nonemployee compensation (tax reporting)
File cargo or loss claims per contract within specified days, often 5–30 days
Confirm COIs before renewal or policy expiration to avoid coverage gaps
Observe agreed notice period for contract termination as stated in the agreement
Terms agreed and draft prepared for signatures.
Insurance, W-9, and authority verified before first load.
Signed by both parties and effective for performance.
Carrier paid per agreed terms after POD and invoice reconciliation.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | Yes, 7-day trial | No | No | No | No |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Broker standardized carrier terms to speed onboarding by eliminating ad hoc emails
Carrier signed digitally from a mobile device during pickup scheduling
A logistics manager at a freight brokerage who approves carrier terms and rates. This person typically coordinates underwriting of insurance certificates, confirms DOT registration, and verifies signer authority before sending the contract for execution.
An owner-operator or carrier administrator responsible for entering insurance details, providing W-9 and MC/DOT documentation, and confirming acceptance of rates and accessorials. They ensure signed agreements and PODs are available for invoicing.
| Criteria | Broker-Carrier Agreement | Carrier Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | define broker-carrier terms | define carrier obligations |
| Signatory Parties | broker and carrier | carrier and shipper |
| Regulatory Focus | insurance and payment | operational performance |
| Typical Attachment | coi, w-9 | bill of lading |