How to Start a Trucking Business
From a CDL to your own authority: the federal registrations to look into, the business setup and the first load you invoice.
A trucking business starts with a licensed driver and a truck, then federal and state registrations that depend on what you haul and where. This page quotes the federal sources and leaves the conclusions to FMCSA and your state. Billing loads, detention and fuel surcharges is on the trucking invoicing guide linked below.
FMCSA's USDOT page (In the US, FMCSA, last updated September 3, 2025) says: "Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number." It adds: "For intrastate motor carrier registration, check with your responsible state agency."
First load invoice, sample figures only: 420 miles at 420 × $2.50 = $1,050.00 plus 2 hours of detention at 2 × $50.00 = $100.00 come to $1,050.00 + $100.00 = $1,150.00.
Step-by-step startup guide
Follow these steps to launch your trucking business on solid footing.
- 1
Confirm the CDL
The BLS truck drivers profile (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) says: "All long-haul truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL)." and "Qualifications for obtaining a CDL vary by state but generally include passing both a knowledge test and a driving test."
- 2
Look into a USDOT number
FMCSA's USDOT page (In the US, FMCSA, last updated September 3, 2025) explains who must register. For hauling only within one state, it says: "For intrastate motor carrier registration, check with your responsible state agency."
- 3
Check operating authority
FMCSA's operating authority page (In the US, FMCSA, last updated April 20, 2026) says: "Operating Authority dictates the type of operation a company may run and the cargo it may carry."
- 4
Register the business and get an EIN
Choose a structure with an accountant's or lawyer's advice and register it. The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says: "Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID number."
- 5
Arrange insurance
FMCSA's operating authority page (In the US, FMCSA, last updated April 20, 2026) says: "The type(s) of Operating Authority requested will impact the type and level of insurance that is required by FMCSA." An insurance agent who writes trucking policies can take it from there.
- 6
Invoice the first load
Bill the rate, any detention or extra stops and the load number, with a due date. The trucking invoicing guide covers fuel surcharges and factoring.
Tips for starting your trucking business
- Keep the rate confirmation and the signed delivery receipt with each invoice.
- Put the load or reference number on every invoice line the broker or shipper will check.
- Track fuel and repair receipts by truck and by month.
- The IRS estimated taxes page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated September 25, 2026) says individuals "generally have to make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when their return is filed."
How Billed helps you get started
Features to look at as you set up your business.
Partially Paid Invoices
Billed's features page says: "See partially paid invoices and send payment reminders to your customers."
Expense Reports
Billed's features page says: "Create expense reports to see where the money is being spent."
Payments Report
Billed's features page says: "Get all the payment details in a specific period of time."
Defaulter Customers
Billed's features page says: "See who owes you money and send them payment reminders to get paid."
Frequently asked questions
More Startup Guides
Send Your First Invoice
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| Topic | Where to look | Quoted here |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT number | FMCSA | FMCSA (In the US, last updated September 3, 2025) |
| Operating authority | FMCSA | FMCSA (In the US, last updated April 20, 2026) |
| Intrastate registration | Your state agency | FMCSA pointer |
| CDL | Your state | BLS (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) |
When this isn't for you
If you're signing on as a company driver rather than running your own trucks, you can skip this business setup guide.