How to Start a Trucking Business 1-2-3
Owning your own trucking company can be very rewarding, but it also requires significant up-front
investment. Purchasing a truck takes research and careful consideration, and quality used equipment can often
be smart way to cut costs and lower risk when getting started.
But first and foremost, truckers want to network with freight brokers, shippers and manufacturers to make
business connections before they invest money in a vehicle. This ensures that they'll at least
have income to cover the truck payments.
Trucking Company Business Plan
Before starting your business, you need to learn the rules of the road. There are several federal
regulations that you need to be aware of - and know that they are constantly changing.
 You need to have federal
authority before transporting any items, and this requires you to have insurance. You also need to be
licensed in every state in which you operate. A BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agents) filing to the FMCSA
(Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is also required.
Choose a state that will be your "base jurisdiction" and obtain an IFTA license through that state. This
license simplifies your fuel tax payments. You will make payments to your base jurisdiction state, which
distributes the tax money to all appropriate states.
State regulations that apply to the trucking industry involve the Department of Motor Vehicles and the
Public Utilities Commission. The DMV handles licensing and vehicle registration and the PUC issues permits.
You can also find more information on federal and local trucking requirements at the IRS website.
Finding Trucking Jobs & Customers
Whether you want to find customers or do freelance work as an independent contractor, online job sites
can be a good way to find work and clients.
Why? Some companies looking to hire may be open to outsource to an
independent contractor because they don't have to incur hiring fees. You can also set up a partnership
where you pay them a referral fee for any customers they send you.
Trucking Company Associations & Resources:
- Truck Info
This site lists trucks for sale, trucking jobs, load boards, news and services for the
trucking industry.
- National Association of Small Trucking Companies
The NASTC assists small trucking companies succeed by helping them control their costs through managed
purchasing, analysis, consultation and advocacy.
- US Department of Transportation
Website provides information on rules, regulations and government policies that apply to truckers.
- American Society of Transportation and Logistics
ASTL helps facilitate education and certification in the fields of transportation, logistics, and supply
chain management.
- Prophesy Trucking Software
They offer a variety of trucking software programs, including fleet management software, trucking dispatch
software and freight management software.
- Apply Online for Trucking Permits
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