In this lesson we will accomplish the following:

Step #1: Updating your Profile Name and Verifications
Step #2: Securing Your Background Check
Step #3: Adding USDA and Insurance Verifications

Now that you’ve completed your sign-up and explored your dashboard, it’s time to bring your profile to life! Think of your profile as your personal storefront — the place where customers stop, look inside, and decide whether they want to do business with you. This is your opportunity to show why you’re the best choice for their transport needs.

Your profile is your first impression, and a strong, well-crafted one can make all the difference in earning trust and winning more bookings. In this lesson, we’ll work together to:

• Highlight your unique strengths and experience
  
  
• Showcase what makes your service stand out
  
  
• Create a welcoming, professional presentation that inspires confidence
  
  

Let’s get started on building a profile that not only stands out — but also leaves a lasting, positive impression.

Step 1: Updating Profile Name

It’s important to choose a real name or a DBA - which is “Doing Business As” both options don’t hold advantages over the other, however it’s advisable to consult a tax professional to see which option will give you the best tax savings.

Step 2: Securing your Background check

New CitizenShipper drivers can bid and message right after submitting background info, but their Background Certified badge only appears after winning a shipment. Since customers often prefer certified drivers, this creates a hurdle for newcomers.

To solve this, CitizenShipper offers Expedited Background Screening:

1. Submit background info as usual.
   
   
2. Email support with subject “Activate Background Screening”.
   
   
3. Pay a $10 deposit to expedite processing.
   
   
4. Checkr completes the check in 1–3 days.
   
   

Once cleared, the badge shows on your profile, making it easier to win your first job. After completing that first shipment, you can request a refund of the $10 deposit.

For information on what the background check actually covers, click here.

Step 3: Adding USDA and Insurance Verifications

Insurance verification

If you have commercial cargo, automotive liability, or pet insurance, you can submit proof to earn an insurance verification badge. This builds customer trust by showing shipments are protected. (Note: personal vehicle insurance doesn’t qualify.), visit this article.

USDOT number verification

Carriers with an active USDOT number and authorized FMCSA status should submit it for verification — adding extra trust to their profile and CitizenShipper.visit this article.

USDA T and H Registrations

Upon receiving your T or H Registration from USDA, you may visit the verifications tab and verify your registration as a pet transporter registered with the United States Department of Agriculture. For more details on this process, see our USDA verification guide. And in case you are yet to obtain your T or H registration, read more about the registration on the APHIS website or check out this video on how to apply.

Lesson Summary

After exploring your dashboard and completing sign-up, it's time to enhance your profile on CitizenShipper, serving as your personal storefront. This space is where potential customers get a glimpse of your transport services. To make a lasting impression, follow these steps:

• Highlight your unique strengths and experience
• Showcase what makes your service stand out
• Create a welcoming, professional presentation

Key steps to improve your profile include:

• Updating Profile Name + Verifications: Choose a real name or a DBA; consult a tax professional for guidance on tax savings. Ensure to get the verified badge for increased credibility.
• Background Check:
  • New drivers can bid after background info submission.
  • Submit your background info and expedite processing for a fee of $10.
  • Badge appears post winning a shipment.
• Insurance Verification: Submit proof of commercial cargo, automotive liability, or pet insurance for a trust-building insurance verification badge.
• USDOT Number Verification: Submit your active USDOT number and authorized FMCSA status for extra trust.
• USDA T and H Registrations: Verify your T or H Registration from USDA for pet transport. Read up on the process in the USDA verification guide. If not registered yet, find registration details on the APHIS website or in an instructional video.