Government Trucking Contracts

Register on SAM.gov with the NAICS codes matching your trucking operations (484110 for local, 484121 for long-haul TL, 484122 for LTL). Ensure your DOT authority, insurance, and safety ratings are current — federal contracts require a satisfactory DOT safety rating. Monitor SAM.gov for freight delivery solicitations at federal facilities in your operating area. Military household goods (PCS moves) are managed through the Defense Personal Property System — register at move.mil to participate in that market.

Federal freight contracts typically require: auto liability of $1M per occurrence minimum; cargo liability of $100K–$500K for standard freight, higher for specialized or high-value shipments; general liability of $1M per occurrence; and workers' compensation as required by state law. Specialized contracts (HazMat, oversized, medical) have higher minimums. Always review the insurance section of each solicitation carefully — the minimums vary by agency and cargo type.

CDL requirements for government contracts follow the same DOT regulations as commercial work — if the vehicle and cargo combination requires a CDL commercially, it requires one for government work. Additionally, personnel driving on military installations typically need to complete installation access procedures and may need TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) for work involving secure areas or ports. Drivers with clean records and current medicals are strongly preferred.

Yes — owner-operators can register on SAM.gov and bid on government freight contracts independently. Many small and micro-purchase freight contracts (under $10,000) are awarded directly to owner-operators without full competitive bidding. Owner-operators serving rural federal installations often have natural advantages due to limited competition. Forming an LLC and registering as a small business makes you eligible for set-aside opportunities that exclude larger carriers.

USTRANSCOM (United States Transportation Command) is the DoD combatant command responsible for all U.S. military transportation. It manages the surface distribution of military cargo through contracts with commercial carriers. Registration in USTRANSCOM's commercial carrier programs requires meeting specific safety, insurance, and capability standards. While USTRANSCOM awards large-volume contracts to major carriers, smaller freight brokers and regional carriers can participate through the Tender of Service program and team agreements.