Do you dream of being your own boss? Ready to start your own trucking company and hit the road?
Apex Capital is here to guide you through the process of starting your trucking business. With over 25 years of experience in the trucking industry, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the complex steps required to start a trucking company. From licenses and applications to endless other requirements, starting a trucking business can seem intimidating.
That’s where the Apex Startup Program comes in. We simplify the process of starting your own trucking company by helping you form your business entity, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), and file the necessary registrations to obtain your motor carrier operating authority (MC Number and DOT Number). Our program also provides valuable resources to ensure your first year is a success and beyond. Apex offers a comprehensive, full-service startup program tailored to your specific needs, making starting a trucking company easier than ever.
Let Apex Capital help you take the first steps toward starting your own trucking business today!
Reasons for Starting a Trucking Business
Trucking is an essential component of the U.S. economy, as this service is both necessary and in high demand. Some reasons to consider starting your own trucking business include:
Ease of Starting
Small & Scaling Up
You can start your trucking company with only one truck and a few drivers. When you get a profit, you can use these funds to scale and expand your business to meet demand.
High Demand for
Trucking
There is always a need for handling and transporting materials. Your trucking company is critical for getting products from
one place to another.
Opportunity for
Competitive
Advantage
Set up your trucking business for innovation. Promote efficiency by using less fuel and improving logistics. These changes benefit your customers and set you up for success.
Monetary Gains
Efficient businesses have fewer operating costs and higher profits. Starting a trucking business allows you to earn more revenue than other jobs in the trucking industry. Since you can make a virtually unlimited amount of money as an owner, your profit depends on your company’s success.
How to Start a Trucking Company
Starting your own trucking company involves several important steps. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to get your trucking business off the ground:
Write a Trucking Business Plan:
A solid business plan is essential when starting a trucking company. It outlines your goals, services, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational details. This blueprint will guide you as you start your trucking business.
Choose Your Business Structure:
The structure you choose for your trucking company—whether it’s a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation—will affect taxation, ownership, and liability. Each option varies by state, so determine what works best for you and complete the necessary paperwork.
Obtain Licenses and Insurance:
To legally operate your trucking business, you’ll need to acquire the right licenses and insurance. Common requirements include a business license, public liability insurance, and physical damage coverage.
Secure Startup Funding:
Getting a trucking business off the ground requires significant upfront investment. Use startup funds to purchase a commercial truck, maintain your fleet, and cover registration and documentation costs. Consider small business loans or equipment financing to help you with initial expenses.
Buy or Lease a Truck:
Choosing the right truck is critical when starting your trucking company. Consider factors like price, cab style, weight capacity, and suitability for long hauls to find the perfect vehicle for your business.
Check out our detailed guide designed to help you navigate the entire process of starting a trucking business.
How to Get Operating Authority for Your Trucking Company
Securing trucking authority is one of the first and most important steps when starting a trucking company. Trucking authority is the permission granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that allows your trucking business to legally transport freight for pay. To operate across state lines and move freight, you’ll need two key numbers:
- Motor Carrier (MC) Number: This number is essential for transporting paid freight across state lines. It’s a requirement for anyone starting a trucking business to engage in interstate commerce.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) Number: The DOT number tracks your trucking company’s safety record. It documents important information such as your trucks, drivers, and safety ratings.
Getting your operating authority requires detailed applications and paperwork, but our transportation experts are here to help. We can handle your DOT and MC Number applications, guiding you through every step to ensure everything is completed correctly and on time. Let us assist you in getting your trucking business on the road!
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Trucking Company?
There’s a lot of misinformation about the cost of starting a trucking company, with some sources claiming it can be as low as $300. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Costs depend on various factors, like how you plan to operate and state-specific business requirements. Additionally, if you already own equipment or have insurance, your initial expenses will be lower.
The cost of starting a trucking company varies, but we’re here to help you understand your specific expenses. Our team will guide you through the process, providing a clear cost breakdown and pricing for our services to help you launch your trucking business successfully.
Ongoing Compliance & Additional
Resources
Filings and registrations continue after you initially start your trucking company. You will be responsible for renewing some filings annually or biennially. These filings include Unified Carrier Registration (UCR), BOC-3, Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) Form 2290, LLC, and Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150). We stay in touch with you after your truck hits the road, offering renewal filing reminders and services to help you stay compliant.
We’re here with you at every step. We’re able to provide information
to help you find trucking equipment, compliance programs, trucking insurance, and more.
Start Your Trucking Business with Apex
At Apex, we know how challenging it can be to start a trucking company. That’s why our Apex Startup Program is designed to assist you every step of the way. From licensing and insurance to all the other essentials for starting a trucking company, we can answer all your questions, provide the support and resources you need to get your business up and running smoothly.
If you’re ready to start your own trucking company and begin hauling freight, we’re here to help make the process as seamless as possible. Fill out our interest form below to get started and let Apex guide you to success!