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Texas Trucking Insurance Requirements: TxDMV, DOT, and Cargo Limits
Published January 2026 8 min read
Texas motor carrier baseline
For-hire motor carriers operating intrastate in Texas must register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and carry minimum liability of $500,000 for non-hazardous freight (and higher for hazmat, household goods, or passenger). Interstate carriers are governed by FMCSA — $750,000 for general freight, $1M for oil/hazmat, $5M for many hazmat.
Cargo and physical damage
Most Texas brokers and shippers contractually require at least $100,000 motor truck cargo, and $250,000 for high-value or refrigerated loads. Physical damage is rarely required by law but is required by every lender and lessor.
MCS-90 and trailer interchange
The MCS-90 endorsement is required for interstate authority and is a public-protection guarantee — not a substitute for true commercial auto liability. Trailer interchange is required for any carrier pulling another company's trailer under a written interchange agreement.
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