{"id":206,"date":"2017-10-23T08:45:54","date_gmt":"2017-10-23T12:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/?p=206"},"modified":"2017-10-23T08:45:54","modified_gmt":"2017-10-23T12:45:54","slug":"9-steps-to-starting-a-successful-trucking-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/?p=206","title":{"rendered":"9 steps to starting a successful trucking company"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"section-inner sectionLayout--insetColumn\">\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h3\" id=\"4d94\">A quick checklist that will help you to start your business in the trucking industry:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section-inner sectionLayout--outsetColumn\">\n<ul class=\"postList\">\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--figure\" id=\"1558\">&nbsp;Commercial driver\u2019s license<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"3cc0\">Apply for Your Federal DOT and Motor Carrier Authority Numbers<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"4d46\">Complete Your Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"89d0\">Get an International Registration Plan (IRP) Tag<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"96f8\">Understand Heavy Use Tax Regulations<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"eb20\">Obtain an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Decal<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"8bf6\">File a BOC-3 Form<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"1b55\">Get A Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"de00\">Start getting loads on Quickload.com<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"graf graf--h3 graf-after--li\" id=\"d206\">1) Get a Commercial Driver\u2019s&nbsp;License<\/h3>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h3\" id=\"98b4\">In order to operate heavy trucks, all of your company\u2019s drivers need valid commercial driver\u2019s 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&nbsp;<strong class=\"markup--strong markup--p-strong\">must be at least 18 years old.<\/strong>&nbsp;You must be at least&nbsp;<strong class=\"markup--strong markup--p-strong\">21 to drive a truck from state to state.&nbsp;<\/strong>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&nbsp;<a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.org\/apply-cdl.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">site<\/a>&nbsp;out.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"graf graf--h3 graf-after--p\" id=\"ec8b\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--h3-strong\">2) Apply for Your Federal DOT and Motor Carrier Authority Numbers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h3\" id=\"f8c7\">These numbers are required for your trucking company to haul cargo in the United States. The U.S.&nbsp;<strong class=\"markup--strong markup--p-strong\">DOT number is used to track your company\u2019s safety record and compliance with regulations.&nbsp;<\/strong>The motor carrier (MC) number, which is also known as \u201coperating authority,\u201d 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).<\/p>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\" id=\"690b\">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 \u201cmandated dispute period\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\" id=\"7cd3\">For more information,&nbsp;<a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"http:\/\/www.rtsfinancial.com\/guides\/www.fmcsa.dot.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">visit the FMCSA\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"graf graf--h3 graf-after--p\" id=\"0ddf\">3) Complete Your Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h3\" id=\"306a\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--p-strong\">The UCR system was created to verify active insurance coverage in each state where a motor carrier operates.<\/strong>&nbsp;You must register using your company\u2019s USDOT and MC numbers. To learn more about UCR, visit your home state\u2019s Department of Transportation website.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"graf graf--h3 graf-after--p\" id=\"6f9c\">4) Get an International Registration Plan (IRP)&nbsp;Tag<\/h3>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h3\" id=\"200a\">An&nbsp;<strong class=\"markup--strong markup--p-strong\">IRP license plate<\/strong>&nbsp;issued by your company\u2019s 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&nbsp;<a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"http:\/\/www.fdot.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Department of Transportation website<\/a>&nbsp;for the state where your company is based.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"graf graf--h3 graf-after--p\" id=\"5daf\">5) Understand Heavy Use Tax Regulations<\/h3>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h3\" id=\"edd6\">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&nbsp;<a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-2290\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">2290 tax form<\/a>&nbsp;with the IRS on a yearly basis.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"graf graf--h3 graf-after--p\" id=\"8707\">6) Obtain an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)&nbsp;Decal<\/h3>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h3\" id=\"e6e7\">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&nbsp;<a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iftach.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">file quarterly fuel use tax returns<\/a>&nbsp;with the state where you are based.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"graf graf--h3 graf-after--p\" id=\"2092\">7) File a BOC-3&nbsp;Form<\/h3>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h3\" id=\"ab9d\">One requirement to gain interstate operating authority is to register an up-to-date&nbsp;<a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fmcsa.dot.gov\/registration\/form-boc-3-designation-agents-service-process\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">BOC-3 form<\/a>&nbsp;with the FMCSA. The form designates a person in each state where your company operates to act as a legal \u201cprocess agent.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"graf graf--h3 graf-after--p\" id=\"e670\">8) Get A Standard Carrier Alpha Code&nbsp;(SCAC)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h3\" id=\"06d5\">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&nbsp;<a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nmfta.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">the National Motor Freight Traffic Association website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"graf graf--h3 graf-after--p\" id=\"9299\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--h3-strong\">9) Start getting loads that are worth to&nbsp;take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h3\" id=\"5879\">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&nbsp;<a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickload.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--p-strong\">QuickLoad<\/strong><\/a><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--p-strong\">,&nbsp;<\/strong>the only load board that pays in less than 48 hours to truckers like you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\" id=\"0fce\">You only need to signup&nbsp;<a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickload.com\/Login\/en\/Account\/Register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--p-strong\">here<\/strong><\/a><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--p-strong\">,<\/strong>&nbsp;create your profile and download the&nbsp;<a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickload.com\/MobileApp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--p-strong\"><em class=\"markup--em markup--p-em\">mobile app<\/em><\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;to take the jobs are on your way. To have more info about this, you can reach out at (305) 827\u20130001 or via e-mail at&nbsp;<a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"mailto:support@quickload.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">support@quickload.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"graf graf--h4 graf-after--p\" id=\"6d6c\"><em><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--h4-strong\">Bonus Tip<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h4\" id=\"e0c8\"><em class=\"markup--em markup--p-em\">If you are wondering how much money do you need to start your own business, here\u2019s a ballpark estimate of some of the usual associated costs:<\/em><\/p>\n<ul class=\"postList\">\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--p\" id=\"c57e\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--li-strong\">Truck Down Payment:<\/strong>&nbsp;$7,000 \u2014 $15,000<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"b20a\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--li-strong\">Legal:<\/strong>&nbsp;$500<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"8920\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--li-strong\">Stationary:<\/strong>&nbsp;$300<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"00b8\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--li-strong\">Licenses and Permits:<\/strong>&nbsp;$1,000<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"70ca\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--li-strong\">Fuel:<\/strong>&nbsp;$11,000<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"ab08\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--li-strong\">Insurance:<\/strong>&nbsp;$6,000<\/li>\n<li class=\"graf graf--li graf-after--li\" id=\"3c08\"><strong class=\"markup--strong markup--li-strong\">Total:<\/strong>&nbsp;$41,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--li graf--trailing\" id=\"45d0\"><em class=\"markup--em markup--p-em\">Source:&nbsp;<\/em><a class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" href=\"http:\/\/www.rtsfinancial.com\/guides\/your-checklist-trucking-licenses-and-permits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><em class=\"markup--em markup--p-em\">http:\/\/www.rtsfinancial.com\/guides\/your-checklist-trucking-licenses-and-permits<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A quick checklist that will help you to start your business in the trucking industry: &nbsp;Commercial driver\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":273,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-container-style":"default","site-container-layout":"default","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-transparent-header":"default","disable-article-header":"default","disable-site-header":"default","disable-site-footer":"default","disable-content-area-spacing":"default","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[176,197,221,226],"class_list":["post-206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trucking","tag-quickload","tag-smart-trucking","tag-trucker","tag-trucking-industry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=206"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/273"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.quickload.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}