The U.S. trucking market continues to offer significant opportunities for those who are willing to navigate its complexities. Before you haul your first load, however, you need to navigate a series of federal and state requirements: USDOT, MC Number, BOC-3, insurance, UCR, IFTA, IRP, and more.

This guide will help you understand the steps to set up a trucking company, starting from creating an LLC to getting your operating authority and necessary insurance and permits.

MyQuickStart makes it easy to start your trucking company, set up your LLC, and meet all FMCSA and state requirements so you can hit the road legally and professionally.

Step 1 – Decide Your Business Model & Niche

Before diving into paperwork, it’s important to define your business model:

  • Type of Freight: dry van, reefer, flatbed, car haul, tanker, hazmat, power-only, hotshot.
  • Operating Radius: local, regional, OTR (48 states), or specific high-demand corridors.
  • For-Hire vs. Private: hauling for others (for-hire) or hauling your own goods (private carrier).
  • Solo Owner-Operator or Small Fleet: This decision impacts insurance, cash flow, and compliance workload.

These choices will determine what kind of authority, insurance limits, and state registrations you will need.

Step 2 – Form the Business (LLC / Corporation) & Get an EIN

Most trucking companies start as an LLC or corporation to limit business liability:

  • Register your business entity (LLC or corporation) with the state’s Secretary of State.
  • Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
  • Open a business bank account and set up basic bookkeeping.
  • Check for any additional state business licenses or local permits required.

You don’t need to form your LLC in a “special” state for FMCSA, but it is crucial to maintain a consistent legal name and address for all registrations and insurance.

Step 3 – Do You Need a USDOT Number & MC Number?

When a USDOT Number Is Required

FMCSA requires a USDOT Number if you operate vehicles that:

  • Have a GVWR/GCWR of 10,001 lbs or more.
  • Transport 9–15 passengers for compensation or 16+ passengers, regardless of compensation.
  • Haul hazardous materials requiring placards, even intrastate.

Additionally, your company must be involved in interstate commerce (crossing state lines or part of a trip starting/ending in another state or country).

Several states also require USDOT numbers for intrastate carriers, even if you don’t cross state lines. Always check your state’s DMV/DoT rules for intrastate requirements.

When an MC Number (Operating Authority) Is Required

If you are a for-hire carrier transporting regulated property or passengers in interstate commerce, you generally need an MC Number in addition to your USDOT Number.

Common operating authority types:

  • Motor Carrier of Property (most for-hire trucking companies)
  • Motor Carrier of Household Goods (movers)
  • Broker of Property or Household Goods
  • Freight Forwarder

Some purely intrastate carriers or private carriers may not need an MC Number, but it’s best to confirm your situation with FMCSA.

Step 4 – Get Your USDOT Number (Free)

You can apply for a USDOT Number through FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS).

Steps include:

  • Have your legal name, DBA (if applicable), EIN/SSN, business address, and contact details ready.
  • Identify the number and types of CMVs you will operate.
  • Estimate your annual mileage.
  • Answer safety-related questions (drivers, drug & alcohol programs, etc.).

The USDOT Number itself is free, but once you have it, you must comply with FMCSA safety regulations (driver qualification files, drug & alcohol testing, vehicle maintenance, etc.).

Step 5 – Apply for MC Operating Authority (MC Number)

For interstate carriers, brokers, or freight forwarders, you must apply for operating authority via FMCSA.

  • First-time applicants use URS; existing USDOT holders use the legacy online system.
  • The filing fee is $300 for each operating authority type (MC/FF/MX).
  • Make sure you choose the correct authority type.

FMCSA will process your application within several weeks if all filings (BOC-3 and insurance) are complete.

Step 6 – File BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agents)

To activate your MC authority, you need to file Form BOC-3 with FMCSA. This designates legal agents in each state to receive court papers on your behalf.

  • The BOC-3 must be filed online by a process agent (you cannot file it yourself).
  • Third-party compliance services typically charge a small fee ($25–$100) to act as your process agent.

Keep a copy of the BOC-3 at your business location.

Step 7 – Obtain Required Trucking Insurance & FMCSA Filings

FMCSA will not activate your authority until your insurance company files proof of coverage.

Federal Minimum Liability Limits

Under 49 CFR § 387.9, FMCSA requires the following minimum liability insurance for motor carriers:

  • $750,000 for for-hire carriers of non-hazardous property with vehicles weighing 10,001 lbs or more.
  • $1,000,000 for certain oilfield or hazmat operations.
  • $5,000,000 for high-risk hazardous materials or for-hire passenger carriers.
  • $300,000 for property carriers with vehicles under 10,001 lbs.

These are federal minimums. Most shippers and brokers require $1M liability + $100,000 cargo insurance.

Practical Insurance Steps

  • Work with a trucking-focused insurance agent.
  • Decide on liability, cargo, physical damage, and optional non-trucking coverage.
  • Have your insurer file the necessary FMCSA forms (BMC-91/BMC-91X, MCS-90).

Step 8 – Register for UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)

The UCR program requires carriers to register annually and pay a fee based on fleet size.

Key points for 2025:

  • UCR applies to operators of CMVs (10,001+ lbs or 10+ passengers) in interstate commerce, plus brokers and freight forwarders.
  • UCR fees are tiered by number of vehicles under your USDOT number.
  • UCR must be filed and paid by December 31 of the preceding year (e.g., 2025 UCR due by December 31, 2024).

Step 9 – IRP Apportioned Plates & IFTA (for Multi-State Operations)

If your vehicles are over 26,000 lbs or have 3+ axles and travel in two or more jurisdictions, you must register under the International Registration Plan (IRP) and obtain apportioned plates.

For IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement), you need to:

  • Register for IFTA or buy fuel trip permits for each state.
  • File quarterly fuel tax reports and pay fuel tax by jurisdiction.

Step 10 – Set Up Safety, Driver & Compliance Programs

To stay legal after starting, ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations:

  • Drug & Alcohol Testing for CDL drivers.
  • Maintain Driver Qualification Files.
  • Comply with Hours-of-Service and ELD requirements.
  • Perform vehicle maintenance and inspections.
  • Maintain an accident register and safety policies.

Realistic Startup Cost Snapshot (Compliance Only)

Typical costs to start:

  • $300 – MC operating authority filing fee.
  • $25–$100 – BOC-3 process agent service.
  • $750,000–$1M+ in liability insurance.
  • UCR fee – Tiered by fleet size.
  • IRP plate fees – $1,500–$2,500/year per truck.

FAQ: Starting a Trucking Company in 2025

  1. Is a USDOT Number the same as an MC Number?
    • No. A USDOT Number is for safety purposes, while an MC Number is required for transporting regulated goods in interstate commerce.
  2. How much liability insurance do I need?
    • FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 for non-hazardous property. Most carriers opt for $1M liability and $100,000 cargo insurance.
  3. How long does it take to get operating authority?
    • It typically takes 3–7 weeks to receive your operating authority after submitting all necessary documents.
  4. Do I need IRP and IFTA if I only run in one state?
    • No, if you operate entirely within one state. However, if you cross state lines or meet certain weight criteria, IRP and IFTA become mandatory.
  5. Is UCR registration required for every trucking company?
    • Yes, UCR applies to most interstate carriers. It must be filed annually by December 31.