Start by registering your Limited Liability Company (LLC) with your state. This protects your personal assets and gives your business a professional foundation. Use your Secretary of State website or a reliable online service like Bizee to file quickly and affordably. ✅ Keep your business name consistent on every document such as FMCSA filings, insurance, and banking. Start your LLC with Bizee →

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) at irs.gov/ein . It’s free and required for banking, insurance, and FMCSA registration. Save your confirmation letter and keep it with your business records.

Open a dedicated business checking account under your LLC. Keeping your funds separate builds business credit and makes bookkeeping easier. Most banks can open an account with your LLC documents and EIN letter.

Apply through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to obtain your USDOT and MC numbers. You’ll need to:

Pay the $300 MC filing fee File your BOC-3 to appoint a process agent

You can save time by using DAT Authority to handle the entire setup process, including your BOC-3 filing and compliance paperwork.

If you operate across state lines, register under the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) system. You can complete this directly at UCR.gov . It must be renewed annually, and the receipt should be kept in your compliance folder.

Most brokers require at least $1 million in auto liability and $100,000 in cargo coverage. Shop rates with trucking-focused brokers and confirm they file the BMC-91X with FMCSA. For competitive rates and responsive service, request a quote from Rig Insurance Pros .

Cash flow and fuel savings can make or break a startup carrier.

✅ Recommended Setup:

RXO Extra Factoring: Get paid within 24 hours of delivery. RXO offers flexible terms, transparent fees, and a fast approval process.

RXO Fuel Card: Save money on every gallon while keeping fuel purchases organized. The RXO Fuel Card works at major truck-stop networks nationwide and includes:

Competitive diesel discounts at Pilot, Flying J, TA, Love’s, and other stops

No hidden swipe or transaction fees

Detailed reports for IFTA and quarterly taxes

Optional credit line linked to your factoring account

Schedule a DOT physical with a certified examiner. Keep the medical card with you at all times and submit it to your state if required.

Choose the setup that fits your goals. A hotshot operation uses a pickup truck and gooseneck trailer and has a lower startup cost with flexible freight.

A box truck operation uses a 24- to 26-foot straight truck, offers enclosed freight, and often finds steady local or regional lanes.

Once your business credit is active, you can often finance your truck under your LLC and sign as a personal guarantor.

Every new authority goes through the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit. Stay ready by keeping clean, organized records:

Driver qualification file

Maintenance logs

Drug and alcohol testing records (if required)

ELD and hours-of-service logs Good recordkeeping protects your authority and your reputation.

Now you’re ready to haul. Sign up with trusted load boards and start building relationships with brokers. Have these ready:

W-9

Certificate of Insurance (COI)

MC Certificate

Safety and contact information

Start small, learn the paperwork, and focus on consistent, on-time deliveries.

Track every expense in QuickBooks or Excel.

Save 25 to 30 percent of income for taxes.

Keep cash on hand for fuel and maintenance.

Work with brokers who pay fairly and communicate clearly.

Protect your on-time delivery record; it builds your reputation fast.