Start Your Trucking Business
Answer a few questions about your fleet, and we'll build a custom compliance package for you.
The short version: a new trucking company has to be set up in a particular order — a legal business first, then a USDOT number, operating authority, process agents, annual registration and insurance and testing filings — and the government reviews it along the way. Filing things out of order costs weeks and money. We work out which pieces you need from your answers below and file them in the right sequence.
Ready? Start with your fleet →What a new carrier has to set up
- Legal entity and EIN. Form your LLC or corporation and get an EIN before you register with FMCSA.
- USDOT number and MCS-150. This identifies your carrier to FMCSA; the MCS-150 profile must be kept updated every two years.
- Operating authority (MC). Interstate for-hire carriers need an MC number. Authority goes through a vetting period of roughly three to four weeks before it becomes active.
- BOC-3 and UCR. BOC-3 designates process agents in every state; UCR is an annual registration with a fee based on fleet size. Both are required to operate.
- Insurance, drug & alcohol program, IRP/IFTA. Proof of insurance (BMC-91), enrollment in a drug and alcohol testing consortium, and IRP plates and IFTA if you cross state lines.
Sources: FMCSA registration · ucr.gov
What the rules say
- BOC-3 is a required step before operating authority can be granted, and UCR is needed to operate across state lines. Running without the required filings can get you put out of service at roadside.
- Newly registered carriers go through FMCSA’s new-entrant program, which includes a safety audit during your first 18 months.
- Which rules apply depends on how you operate. Your answers in step 1 — for-hire, private or exempt; interstate or intrastate; vehicle type and cargo — decide what is required.
- Hazmat carriers have additional registration requirements, which we walk through during intake.
Who this is for
- Anyone starting a new trucking authority, from a single owner-operator to a growing fleet
- For-hire carriers hauling other people’s goods, and private carriers moving their own
- Passenger carriers and specialized haulers (hazmat, livestock, refrigerated, tanker and more)
Already have a USDOT number? You may only need a check-up: the free DOT Compliance Check shows what is complete, pending or missing.
What we do for you
- Build your package from your fleet profile — you see exactly which registrations and filings you need before you pay.
- Set up your business entity: form it in your home state or in Wyoming, and check that the business name is available with the Secretary of State and FMCSA.
- Prepare, submit and follow up on each filing, in the right order.
- Offer a New Carrier Starter Bundle that combines the core startup filings at a lower price than buying each one separately.
Tell us about your fleet
We'll use this to recommend exactly which registrations and filings you need.
How many power units (trucks/tractors)?
What type of vehicles?
What will you haul? (select all that apply)
Will you cross state lines?
Do you cross international borders?
Where is your base of operations?
For-hire or private carrier?
Business Entity Setup
Your trucking business needs a legal entity before we can register with FMCSA.
Do you have an existing business entity?
Your Compliance Package
Based on your fleet profile, here's what you need:
Complete Your Order
Review your package and enter payment details.
Order Summary
Questions? info@performancewest.net or call (888) 411-0383