How to Start Trucking

Step-by-Step: Launching Your Trucking Business

Starting a trucking company is more than just buying a rig. It's about building a compliant, insured, and profitable business entity. Here is the roadmap to getting your authority active.

1. Form Your Business Entity

Before applying for authority, establish your business (LLC or Corporation). This protects your personal assets. Most truckers choose an LLC for its simplicity and protection. Get your EIN from the IRS—you'll need it for everything else.

2. Apply for USDOT and MC Numbers

The USDOT number identifies your company for safety audits and inspections. The MC number (Motor Carrier) is your operating authority. You apply for these through the FMCSA's Unified Registration System (URS).

3. Secure Your Insurance Policy

This is where most people get stuck. Once you apply for MC authority, you have a limited window to get your insurance on file. You need a minimum of $750,000 in Primary Liability (though $1M is the industry standard). Your insurance company must file a Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X directly with the FMCSA.

4. Process Agents (BOC-3)

You must designate a process agent in every state you operate. This is a person who can receive legal documents on your behalf. We can help you find a blanket process agent service that covers all 50 states.

5. Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

The UCR is a federally mandated system for registering interstate commercial vehicles. You must pay an annual fee based on the size of your fleet.

6. Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

You must register with the FMCSA Clearinghouse. As an owner-operator, you must also be part of a random drug testing consortium. This is a critical safety requirement that is checked during audits.

7. Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290)

If your truck weighs more than 55,000 lbs, you must file Form 2290 annually and pay the associated tax before you can get your tags.