For years, getting loads from Walmart Freight Brokerage felt impossible for a growing carrier. Their requirement of five years of active authority kept the door locked for most newer, qualified trucking companies, leaving the high-volume freight for established mega-fleets.
But as of 2025, the game has changed. Walmart Freight Brokerage now only requires 1 year of active MC/DOT authority. This is a massive shift, opening the door for small fleets and professional owner-operators to get access to consistent, high-paying freight from one of the biggest shippers in the country.
At Logrock, we understand this is more than just a rule change-it's a business opportunity. We're here to help you cut through the noise, understand exactly how to get compliant, and position you to win these lanes.
How to Haul for Walmart
- The New Rule: Walmart Freight Brokerage now only requires 1 year of active operating authority, a massive drop from the previous 5-year rule.
- Insurance is Non-Negotiable: You must have a policy with $1,000,000 in auto liability and $100,000 in cargo insurance. This is a hard requirement.
- Safety is Your Resume: You'll need strong safety performance, good CSA scores, and full ELD tracking capability to be considered.
- Equipment Matters: This freight is primarily for 53' dry vans, reefers, or flatbeds.
Why This Change is a Game-Changer for Owner-Operators
This update is a big deal. It signals that major shippers like Walmart are recognizing that you don't need 5+ years on the road to be professional, reliable, and safe. They're willing to work with newer, qualified carriers who run a tight ship.
For your business, this means:
- Access to Better-Paying Loads: Get out of the scrap pile on public load boards and get access to consistent, high-value freight.
- Consistent Freight: Reduce your deadhead miles by tapping into one of the largest freight networks in the world.
- Build Your Business Resume: Having Walmart on your list of partners adds massive credibility and opens doors with other shippers and brokers.
This move also puts pressure on other major freight brokerages to lower their authority requirements, which could make the entire industry more accessible for professional carriers.
Are You Walmart-Ready? A 4-Point Compliance Checklist
To get approved, your operation needs to be squared away. You can't just have the minimums; you need to look like the professional, low-risk partner Walmart wants.
Here is a practical checklist of the requirements.
| Compliance Check | Walmart's Requirement | Why It Matters (The Business Risk) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Authority | At least 1 year of active MC/DOT authority | Your authority must be active with no lapses. A "Not Authorized" status on the FMCSA Safer system is an instant disqualification. |
| Insurance Coverage | $1,000,000 Auto Liability $100,000 Cargo Insurance |
This is a non-negotiable minimum. Your Certificate of Insurance (COI) must reflect these exact limits. The $750k federal minimum is not enough. |
| Safety Performance | Strong safety performance | Walmart will review your safety data (CSA/BASIC scores). High scores for HOS, maintenance, or crashes will get you rejected. |
| Tech & Equipment | ELD tracking & 53' Van, Reefer, or Flatbed | You must have the right equipment for their lanes and the tech (ELD) to provide the constant tracking visibility they demand. |
Frequently Asked Questions
A: You'll need to go through their carrier registration portal. Before you do, have all your compliance items ready: your active MC number, your Tax ID (EIN), and a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing the required $1M Auto and $100k Cargo limits.
A: The primary requirements listed are for 53' trailers (dry van, reefer, or flatbed). While Walmart does utilize other equipment types, their main brokerage program is focused on this standard trailer freight.
A: No. The requirement is at least 1 year of active authority. The best use of your time now is to get all your other compliance items (insurance, safety scores) perfected so you can apply the day you hit your 12-month mark.
A: This almost always refers to your FMCSA CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores. You need to keep your BASIC scores (especially for Unsafe Driving, HOS Compliance, and Vehicle Maintenance) low. Any alerts or high scores in these categories are a major red flag.
A: If you're a Logrock client, you can generate COIs almost instantly, 24/7. If you need to upgrade your policy, we can usually get you a quote and new policy documents squared away the same day so you don't miss an opportunity.
A: No. The FMCSA federal minimum is $750,000. Most major brokers and shippers, including Walmart, require a $1,000,000 limit as their minimum. This is a standard requirement for hauling high-value freight.
How Logrock Gets You "Walmart-Ready" Fast
At Logrock, we specialize in truck insurance and compliance solutions for owner-operators and small fleets. We know the Walmart requirements because we help carriers meet them every day.
We don't just sell you a policy; we partner with your business. We make it easy to:
- Get the Right Insurance: We'll get you an affordable quote for the $1M Auto and $100k Cargo limits you need.
- Generate Instant COIs: Prove your compliance to brokers and shippers in seconds, not days.
- Monitor Your Safety: We help you stay on top of DOT compliance and monitor the safety issues that could cost you freight.
Don't Miss This Opportunity
If you've been running a professional operation and waiting for your chance to work with a powerhouse like Walmart, this is it. The doors are now open for carriers with just one year of authority.
Don't let bad insurance or compliance paperwork hold you back. Let Logrock help you walk through that door with confidence.
