As I read the NC statutes, WC is required if you have a subcontract with a motor carrier (like an o/o lease). It's pretty clear "ghost" and “accidental occupational injury" policies are not acceptable.
If you look at example 8, if you contract directly with the manufacturer (shipper) you wouldn't need WC.
Here's a link to the NC Assigned Risk pool calculator to determine what NC will charge you for WC:
https://www.ncrb.org/ManageAR/StandA...?type=ez_quote
Code for long haul trucking is 7229. I think it's 15% of taxable income the first year.
As GMAN points out, the carrier can require whatever they want in order to work for them as long as it's not legally prohibited (discrimination etc). Even then they might until "called out" on it. If you're looking to lease with a carrier, ask if you can be included on their WC policy. It's usually cheaper. Carriers know they're on the hook if you get hurt and don't have WC while leased to them. BOL.