How to Start Your Own Trucking Company in the United States: A Complete Guide for Owner-Operators

Starting your own trucking company is one of the most important steps you can take as an owner-operator. It means independence, control over your income, and the opportunity to build a long-term business in an industry that keeps America moving.

However, launching a trucking company also involves legal setup, federal and state permits, compliance requirements, and commercial insurance. If these steps are not done correctly from the beginning, they can delay your operation or even prevent you from running legally.

At RoadKing, we work every day with truckers and new trucking companies. This guide explains how to start a trucking company step by step—and how we can handle the entire process for you, all in one place.

1. Choose Your Type of Operation: Interstate vs. Intrastate

Before filing any paperwork, you must decide how and where your trucking company will operate.

Interstate Trucking

• Operates across state lines

• Requires federal authority

• Ideal for working with brokers and nationwide freight

Intrastate Trucking

• Operates within one state only

• Fewer regulatory requirements

• Often a good starting point for local operations

This decision determines your permits, registrations, and insurance requirements, so it must be made correctly from the start.

2. Register Your Trucking Company Legally

The next step is forming your business entity. This protects you legally and allows you to operate professionally.

This includes:

• Choosing the correct structure (LLC, Corporation, etc.)

• Registering your company with the state

• Obtaining your EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS

• Establishing your legal business name and address

A properly registered company makes everything else easier—from permits to insurance to working with brokers.

3. Obtain Required Trucking Permits and Numbers

To operate legally, trucking companies must comply with federal and state regulations.

USDOT Number

Identifies your company with the Department of Transportation and is required for most commercial operations.

MC Authority (Interstate Operations)

Required if you transport freight across state lines under your own authority.

Additional Required Registrations

• BOC-3 (process agent filing)

• UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)

• IFTA (fuel tax reporting for interstate trucking)

• IRP (apportioned plates and fleet registration)

• Form 2290 (heavy vehicle use tax)

Having these filings completed correctly allows you to operate without fines, shutdowns, or delays.

4. Commercial Truck Insurance: A Critical Step

Commercial trucking insurance is not optional. It is required to activate your authority and to work with brokers, shippers, and customers.

Common coverages include:

• Auto Liability

• Cargo Insurance

• Physical Damage

• Bobtail / Non-Trucking Liability

• Workers’ Compensation (if applicable)

• 
  

Insurance must match your operation type, equipment, and permits. Incorrect coverage can stop your business before it starts.

5. Vehicle Registration and Ongoing Compliance

Each truck operating under your authority must:

• Be properly registered

• Carry the correct commercial plates

• Meet inspection and renewal requirements

• Be linked to your active permits and insurance

Any change—adding trucks, changing states, or expanding operations—must be reported to remain compliant.

6. Benefits of Owning Your Own Trucking Company

Starting your own trucking company gives you:

✔ Full control over your income

✔ Freedom to choose loads and routes

✔ The ability to grow your fleet

✔ Long-term business stability

✔ Direct access to brokers and customers

The trucking industry continues to grow, and properly structured companies have real opportunities to scale.

7. RoadKing Handles Everything — Including Insurance

At RoadKing, we don’t just give advice.👉 We handle the entire process for you—from start to finish.

Our services include:

• Business formation and registration

• EIN, USDOT, and MC Authority filing

• BOC-3, UCR, IFTA, IRP, and Form 2290

• Commercial trucking insurance, properly structured for your operation

• Ongoing guidance for federal and state compliance
  

Instead of dealing with multiple companies, you get everything in one place, handled by a team that understands trucking.

Build Your Trucking Business the Right Way

Starting a trucking company in the United States is achievable when you follow the correct steps and work with experienced professionals.

From forming your company, securing permits, registering vehicles, and setting up the right insurance, every step matters.

If you’re ready to start your trucking company and want it done right from day one, RoadKing is here to help you build your business with confidence. CALL/TEXT US TODAY: 619-866-3876

RoadKing Insurance & Trucking Services Built for Truckers. Backed by Experts. Rule the Road