9 steps to starting a successful trucking company

•  Commercial driver’s license
• Apply for Your Federal DOT and Motor Carrier Authority Numbers
• Complete Your Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
• Get an International Registration Plan (IRP) Tag
• Understand Heavy Use Tax Regulations
• Obtain an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Decal
• File a BOC-3 Form
• Get A Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)
• Start getting loads on Quickload.com

1) Get a Commercial Driver’s License

In order to operate heavy trucks, all of your company’s drivers need valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). Obtaining a license involves an extensive background check, CDL training, a written permit exam and a driving test. To be eligible for a CDL, you must be at least 18 years old. You must be at least 21 to drive a truck from state to state. Each state has different testing standards for CDLs. To learn what your state requires, pick up a CDL manual at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office or check this site out.

2) Apply for Your Federal DOT and Motor Carrier Authority Numbers

These numbers are required for your trucking company to haul cargo in the United States. The U.S. DOT number is used to track your company’s safety record and compliance with regulations. The motor carrier (MC) number, which is also known as “operating authority,” identifies the kind of trucking business you operate and the kinds of goods you are permitted to haul. You can acquire both numbers by registering your company with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

To get both your MC and USDOT numbers, you must complete the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) and Safety Certification Application. You will receive your MC and USDOT numbers after the application is filed, but your request for authority must still be reviewed by the FMCSA. That review includes a “mandated dispute period” in which your application is posted to the Federal Register for 10 business days. This period is to seek out public comment from anyone who might contest your application for authority.

For more information, visit the FMCSA’s website.

3) Complete Your Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

The UCR system was created to verify active insurance coverage in each state where a motor carrier operates. You must register using your company’s USDOT and MC numbers. To learn more about UCR, visit your home state’s Department of Transportation website.

4) Get an International Registration Plan (IRP) Tag

An IRP license plate issued by your company’s home state allows your truck to operate in all states, as well as most Canadian provinces. The plate requires an annual renewal fee. For more information, visit the Department of Transportation website for the state where your company is based.

5) Understand Heavy Use Tax Regulations

Any truck that weighs 55,000 pounds or more is subject to the federal heavy-highway vehicle use tax. To pay taxes due on your heavy trucks, you must complete and file a 2290 tax form with the IRS on a yearly basis.

6) Obtain an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Decal

The IFTA agreement was established to simplify the reporting of fuel used by trucks operating across the lower 48 U.S. states and some Canadian provinces. The rule allows your company to have a single fuel license and requires you to file quarterly fuel use tax returns with the state where you are based.

7) File a BOC-3 Form

One requirement to gain interstate operating authority is to register an up-to-date BOC-3 form with the FMCSA. The form designates a person in each state where your company operates to act as a legal “process agent.” For example, if your company is based in Missouri but you are sued by someone in Georgia, you need an attorney in Georgia who can receive the legal complaint and communicate it to you and your local attorney.

8) Get A Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)

The SCAC is a privately controlled code used to identify different transportation companies. If you plan to haul military, government, international or intermodal loads, you will need an SCAC code. For more information, visit the National Motor Freight Traffic Association website.

9) Start getting loads that are worth to take

Once you have all your legal requirements to start your business, you will be ready to grow your business. One of the best ways to start is getting loads from QuickLoad, the only load board that pays in less than 48 hours to truckers like you.

You only need to signup here, create your profile and download the mobile app to take the jobs are on your way. To have more info about this, you can reach out at (305) 827–0001 or via e-mail at support@quickload.com.

Bonus Tip

If you are wondering how much money do you need to start your own business, here’s a ballpark estimate of some of the usual associated costs:

• Truck Down Payment: $7,000 — $15,000
• Legal: $500
• Stationary: $300
• Licenses and Permits: $1,000
• Fuel: $11,000
• Insurance: $6,000
• Total: $41,000

Source: http://www.rtsfinancial.com/guides/your-checklist-trucking-licenses-and-permits