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Starting a Trucking Company — What to File, in What Order

✦ The quick answer

To start an interstate for-hire trucking company you generally need, in order: an EIN, a USDOT number and operating authority (MC) from FMCSA, a BOC-3 process-agent filing, liability insurance filed with FMCSA ($750,000 minimum for general freight over 10,000 lbs), Form 2290 for trucks of 55,000 lbs or more, IRP apportioned plates, an IFTA license, UCR registration, and a DOT drug & alcohol program for CDL drivers. You'll then get a new-entrant safety audit, typically within the first 12 months.

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What to do

  1. 1Form the business and get an EIN. The IRS issues an Employer Identification Number free online. Form 2290 won't accept an SSN, and a brand-new EIN can take a couple of weeks to be accepted on an e-filed 2290 — so do this first.
  2. 2Register with FMCSA for a USDOT number and operating authority. Registration now runs through FMCSA's Motus system. For-hire carriers hauling regulated freight across state lines need operating authority (an MC docket number) in addition to the USDOT number.
  3. 3File your BOC-3 and have your insurer file proof of coverage. Authority doesn't activate until a BOC-3 naming process agents in every state is on file and your insurer files the BMC-91/91X. The minimum for general freight over 10,000 lbs is $750,000; hazmat carriers need $1M or $5M depending on the material.
  4. 4Pay the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. Trucks with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 lbs or more need Form 2290 — up to $550 per truck per year, prorated from the month the truck is first used. The stamped Schedule 1 is what your plate office asks for.
  5. 5Get IRP apportioned plates and an IFTA license. Trucks over 26,000 lbs (or with three or more axles) that cross state lines need both, issued by your base state. IFTA gives you two decals per truck and a quarterly return due Jan 31, Apr 30, Jul 31 and Oct 31.
  6. 6Register for UCR. Interstate carriers register every year; the fee depends on your power units ($55 for 0–2 trucks in 2027). Registration for the next year opens October 1.
  7. 7Set up your safety program before the first CDL load. Enroll in a drug & alcohol testing consortium, register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, build a driver qualification file, get an ELD unless you're exempt, and keep annual inspection reports. These are exactly what the new-entrant safety audit checks.
Watch out
The costly mistake is booking loads before your authority shows active — insurance and BOC-3 must be on file first. The second is treating the new-entrant audit as far off: some violations (like no drug & alcohol program) are automatic failures.
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Official sources

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get trucking authority?+
Plan on a few weeks. After you apply, FMCSA needs your insurance filing and BOC-3 on record, and there's a protest period before the authority becomes active. Your EIN acceptance for Form 2290 and your IRP plates can run in parallel.
Do I need a USDOT number if I only drive in my state?+
Maybe. Interstate carriers over 10,000 lbs always do. About 38 states also require intrastate carriers to have one — check your state's guide.
What does it cost to start?+
Government costs include the FMCSA authority application fee, Form 2290 (up to $550 per heavy truck per year), IRP apportioned registration (based on miles by state), IFTA decals, and UCR ($55 for 0–2 trucks in 2027). Insurance is usually the biggest first-year cost.
When will FMCSA audit me?+
New carriers are monitored for 18 months, and property carriers typically get their safety audit within the first 12. Build your files from day one.
How this works: QuickTruckTax helps you understand, prepare, and validate your filing. We are not a filing service and never submit forms on your behalf — you always do the final review and submission. Figures here are estimates for guidance only and are not legal or tax advice. Confirm current rules, fees, and deadlines with the IRS, FMCSA, or your state agency.