If you're a trucking company, freight broker, or logistics provider looking to haul federal government shipments, the FEMA Tender of Service Program is your entry point. The federal government moves billions of dollars in freight annually through approved Transportation Service Providers, and the approval process is more straightforward than most contractors expect.
Here's what you need to know about becoming FEMA-approved in 2025, including the enrollment windows, documentation requirements, and timeline realities.
What Is a Transportation Service Provider?
A Transportation Service Provider is a freight company approved to move government shipments under FEMA's Standard Tender of Service program. TSPs can transport everything from emergency response supplies to routine government freight using trucks, rail, air, ocean, or intermodal combinations.
The FEMA STOS Program serves as the primary contracting vehicle for federal freight transportation. Once approved, TSPs can bid on shipments throughout the year, with rates locked in during the annual filing cycle.
2025/2026 FEMA TSP Enrollment Timeline
FEMA operates on an annual program year with specific enrollment windows. For the 2026 program year:
Onboarding Opens: February 2, 2026 Onboarding Deadline: March 27, 2026 Program Year Effective: July 1, 2026
The 2025 program year onboarding is now closed. If you missed the window, you'll need to prepare your documentation now and submit when the 2026 cycle opens.
Core Approval Requirements for All TSPs
Every Transportation Service Provider, regardless of mode, must meet these baseline requirements:
DOT Operating Authority: You must have valid Department of Transportation authority to conduct transportation services for your chosen mode. For motor carriers, this means active MC or FF authority registered with FMCSA.
Standard Carrier Alpha Code: Every TSP needs a SCAC code from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. This four-letter code identifies your company in all federal freight systems. You can obtain a SCAC through NMFTA at nmfta.org.
SAM Registration: Active registration in the System for Award Management with a current Unique Entity Identifier. Your SAM registration must remain active throughout the program year.
TSP Registration Form: Complete and submit FEMA's TSP Registration Form identifying the transportation modes you're offering.
LSCMS-C Access: You'll need an account in the Logistics Supply Chain Management System (LSCMS-C) to upload documents, receive tender notifications, and manage shipments.
Insurance Requirements
FEMA requires $300,000 in cargo coverage for all transportation modes a TSP offers. This coverage must be verified through an ACORD form sent directly from your insurance provider to FEMA.
Key Insurance Points:
- Coverage must be valid during application and maintained throughout the program year
- Your ACORD form must specify which transportation modes your policy covers
- Modes on your insurance must match your TSP Registration Form
- FEMA will only accept documentation sent directly by your insurance provider, not documentation uploaded by the TSP
If you offer multiple modes (truckload, LTL, maritime), your cargo policy must cover each mode at the $300,000 minimum.
Additional Requirements for Motor Freight TSPs
Motor carriers face additional documentation beyond the baseline requirements:
Bond Requirements: Motor freight TSPs must maintain a minimum surety bond or trust fund agreement as required by FMCSA regulations. Bond amounts vary based on your authority type and operations.
Safety Rating: FMCSA safety rating must be satisfactory or conditional. Unsatisfactory ratings disqualify carriers from FEMA approval.
Driver Qualifications: All drivers transporting government freight must possess valid commercial driver's licenses, medical qualification cards, and employee identification that complies with DOT regulations. All documents must be in English and tamper-proof.
Equipment Requirements: TSPs must have access to minimum required equipment for their chosen service categories. Access can be through direct ownership or brokered agreements. TSPs without adequate equipment access will not be approved.
Hazmat Eligibility
If you want to transport hazardous materials for the government, you'll need to demonstrate hazmat certification and compliance with 49 CFR hazmat transportation requirements. Hazmat eligibility is evaluated separately during the approval process.
The Onboarding Process Step by Step
Step 1: Review the current FEMA Standard Tender of Service document and Uniform Rules Tariff to understand program requirements and business rules.
Step 2: Obtain your SCAC code if you don't have one. This can take several weeks.
Step 3: Ensure your SAM registration is active and your FMCSA authority is current.
Step 4: Submit the LSCMS-C User Request Form to begin the onboarding process. This creates your account in FEMA's system.
Step 5: Upload all required documentation through LSCMS-C, including your TSP Registration Form and supporting documents.
Step 6: Have your insurance provider send cargo coverage documentation directly to FEMA.
Step 7: Wait for FEMA review. You'll receive notification once approved.
After Approval: Rate Filing
Once approved as a motor freight TSP, you're eligible to submit rates during the annual Rate Filing Cycle. For the 2025 program year, the rate filing window ran from late May through early June.
Rate filing is optional but strategic. TSPs who submit rates during the filing cycle have their pricing locked in for the program year. TSPs can also respond to spot bids for individual shipments throughout the year.
Rate Considerations:
- Rates remain in effect for the full program year once accepted
- Fuel surcharges are calculated separately per FEMA URT Item 1300
- Failure to honor submitted rates can result in temporary non-use status or suspension
Common Reasons for TSP Application Rejection
Applications get rejected for several preventable reasons:
Missing SCAC Code: FEMA cannot process applications without a valid Standard Carrier Alpha Code.
Insurance Documentation Issues: Cargo coverage not matching registered modes, documentation sent by TSP rather than insurance provider, or coverage amounts below $300,000.
Inactive SAM Registration: Your SAM profile must be active and current throughout the application and program year.
Late Submission: Applications submitted outside the open enrollment window are automatically rejected.
Incomplete Forms: Missing signatures, blank fields, or improperly completed registration documents.
TSPs Currently in Non-Use Status
If you were approved in a previous year but placed in temporary non-use status, you must have your corrective action plan approved by FEMA before the onboarding deadline to re-register for the new program year.
Resources for Prospective TSPs
FEMA maintains program resources at fema.gov/transportation-programs, including:
- Current Standard Tender of Service document
- FEMA Uniform Rules Tariff
- U.S. Government Freight Transportation Handbook
- TSP onboarding guides and checklists
- Rate filing instructions
For questions about the TSP approval process, contact FEMA at FEMA-Transportation-Programs@fema.dhs.gov.
FAQ
How long does TSP approval take? Processing time varies, but plan for several weeks from complete documentation submission to approval notification. Submit early in the enrollment window to allow time for corrections if needed.
Can freight brokers become FEMA-approved TSPs? Yes. Freight brokers with valid DOT authority can apply for TSP approval. You'll need to demonstrate access to equipment through brokered carrier agreements.
What happens if my insurance lapses during the program year? TSPs must maintain required coverage throughout the program year. Lapsed insurance can result in temporary non-use status and ineligibility for FEMA loads until coverage is restored and verified.
Do I need to submit rates to work with FEMA? Rate filing during the annual cycle is optional. TSPs can respond to spot bids throughout the year without filing annual rates. However, filed rates provide pricing predictability for both parties.
Can I apply outside the enrollment window? No. Applications submitted outside the open enrollment period are automatically rejected. FEMA may make exceptions only for extreme circumstances related to emergency response requirements.
View full FAQ page: https://usfcr.com/resources/faq/
Becoming a FEMA-approved Transportation Service Provider opens access to consistent federal freight volume. The approval requirements are achievable for established carriers with proper documentation and realistic about the enrollment timeline.
Speak to a USFCR Registration & Contracting Specialist to discuss your TSP application strategy and timeline.
