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2026 changes

What changed for small carriers in 2026

2026 changed how brokers vet carriers. Here's what happened, with dates and sources, and what it means if you run one to ten trucks.

Updated October 11, 2026 · sources at the end

The Supreme Court made brokers liable for carrier selection

On May 14, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II that negligent-selection claims against brokers fall under federal law’s safety exception and aren’t preempted. In plain terms: a broker can be sued under state law for hiring an unsafe carrier. Brokers responded by tightening vetting.

C.H. Robinson changed its carrier rules

C.H. Robinson began notifying carriers on May 21 and published new rules on June 5, 2026: $1M auto liability, $100K cargo, no Conditional or Unsatisfactory ratings, and 7 days of active authority. It still accepts Unrated carriers. See its full requirements.

Broker networks are shrinking

Landstar’s approved carrier network fell from about 100,000 in mid-2022 to about 64,000 by mid-2026, according to Overdrive. Fewer approvals means each rejection matters more.

Motus replaced FMCSA’s registration system

FMCSA’s new registration system, Motus, went live in mid-May 2026 with identity verification (government ID plus a face scan). Scammers have used the change to send fake “urgent” FMCSA emails, so verify anything that asks you to pay or log in.

MC numbers are not gone (yet)

Many blogs say MC numbers were eliminated. As of FMCSA’s 2026 guidance, moving to USDOT-only identification is still a proposal that needs a future rulemaking, and it wasn’t part of Motus’s first release. Keep using your MC number with brokers.

English proficiency is enforced at roadside

Drivers who can’t meet English-proficiency requirements have been placed out of service since June 2025. FMCSA proposed making that permanent in August 2026. An out-of-service order also raises your driver OOS rate, which brokers check.

Non-domiciled CDLs were restricted

A final rule effective March 16, 2026 limited non-domiciled CDLs to certain visa categories. It’s being challenged in court, and some states have cancelled thousands of licenses.

Brokers now face stricter financial-security rules

Since January 16, 2026, a broker whose $75,000 financial security falls short for more than seven days can have its authority suspended. That’s worth checking before you haul for an unfamiliar broker.

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Questions carriers ask

Did the Supreme Court ruling change carrier requirements directly?

No. It changed broker liability. Brokers then raised their own requirements, such as insurance limits and safety-rating rules.

Do I still need an MC number?

Yes, for now. FMCSA has proposed USDOT-only identification but hasn't finalized it.

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Sources

  1. Cornell LII: Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II (May 14, 2026)
  2. C.H. Robinson: new carrier safety measures (June 5, 2026)
  3. Overdrive: Landstar vetting cut approved carriers (Aug 7, 2026)
  4. FMCSA: Motus and USDOT number suffixes (updated Apr 16, 2026)
  5. FMCSA FAQ: will FMCSA stop issuing MC numbers (updated May 21, 2026)
  6. Trucksafe: proposed English-proficiency OOS rule (Aug 2026)
  7. J.J. Keller: non-domiciled CDL final rule (Feb 2026)
  8. Land Line: broker financial-security rule takes effect (Jan 2026)
  9. J.J. Keller: how scammers are targeting motor carriers (Aug 25, 2026)

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This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice.