*Note: The Examining the Appropriateness of the Current Financial Responsibility and Security Requirements for Motor Carriers, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders - Report to Congress was modified after submission.

Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 31138 (for certain passenger carriers) and§ 31139 (for certain property carriers) interstate motor carriers and interstate hazardous materials carriers are required to maintain minimum levels of financial responsibility. Brokers and freight forwarders, also known as transportation intermediaries, must maintain financial security to ensure the payment of claims made against them pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 13906(b) and (c). This report explains the history of these requirements, details the current minimum financial responsibility levels for the different sectors, provides background on the motor carrier industry, and summarizes the findings of relevant studies on the adequacy of FMCSA's current required minimum levels of financial responsibility.