SDDC Now Accepting New Applications to Haul Military Freight

The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) is now accepting applications from freight carriers who wish to haul military freight domestically. The Open Season will last from June 3, 2019, to February 29, 2020.

To be admitted, applicants under the Freight Carrier Registration Program will need to complete a number of steps. These include posting a DoD performance bond, applying for a SCAC number from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, and more. 

Read more about the SDDC Domestic Freight Carrier Program below!

How to Become a Military Freight Carrier

Under the Freight Carrier Registration Program (FCRP), carriers have the chance to set the foundation of a working relationship with the Department of Defense. Not all carriers have a right to apply to the program, though.

To be eligible, a carrier must have been registered as a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) with the Department of Transportation (DoT) for at least three years, without interruption.

If you fulfill this requirement, you can proceed with applying to the FCRP.

FCRP Registration Requirements

To register, carriers need to complete the following steps:

1. Obtain a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)

This code is issued by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).

2. Open an account with US Bank Syncada

An agreement and account at Syncada are necessary so that carriers can receive payments under the program.

3. Complete the FCRP Form

You must complete the previous two steps before you can apply. Once you're ready, complete and submit the registration form. During the registration process, you will need to provide your USDOT number as proof of your Operating Authority.

If you are applying for registration with several companies or under several authorities, you will need to provide each authority's USDOT number separately.

4. Obtain a DoD performance bond

To have your registration approved, you will need to obtain a performance surety bond. This bond will guarantee that you fulfill your obligations as a carrier of DoD freight. The bond requirements are as follows:

Large companies need to post a:

• $25,000 bond to operate in 1 state only
• $50,000 bond to operate in 2 to 3 states
• $100,000 bond to operate in 4 or more states

Carriers that are registered with the Small Business Administration (SBA) need to post a:

• $25,000 bond to operate in up to 3 states
• $50,000 bond to operate in up to 10 states
• $100,000 bond to operate in 11 or more states

5. Obtain cargo insurance

To transport freight under the FCRP, all carriers must have a minimum of $150,000 cargo insurance. Bulk fuel carriers are an exception, and must only have a $25,000 cargo insurance policy.

6. Obtain a HAZMAT certificate (if applicable)

This requirement only applies to carriers who are registering to transport hazardous materials (HAZMAT). To do so, you will need to get a Hazmat Certificate from the Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

These are, in brief, the requirements you need to cover to apply under the FCRP. For a fuller and more detailed list and explanation of the registration requirements, see the official SDDC military freight carrier registration package.

Get a Quote on Your DoD Performance Bond Today

Want to get a performance bond to transport freight for the military? Complete our simple bond form, and we will provide you with a free quote on your bond in no time!