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Your FMCSA status
1 of 5 steps done
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USDOT number
DoneRegistered Sep 28, 2026.
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Operating authority application
MissingNeeded if you haul other people's freight across state lines. Not needed for private or in-state-only hauling.
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Insurance on file with FMCSA
Your insurer files proof of liability coverage with FMCSA once you buy a policy.
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BOC-3 process agent
Names an agent in every state who can accept legal papers for you. Filed online, usually within a day.
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Authority active
Comes after the steps above.
From FMCSA public data, checked Oct 4, 2026. Official record: SAFER.
Hauling only your own goods, or only in-state?
Then you may not need operating authority, but your trucks still need commercial auto insurance before they roll.
| Coverage | Typical per year |
|---|---|
| Full package, first year of new authority | $15,900 |
| Primary auto liability | $6,500 |
| Physical damage | $2,830 |
| Motor truck cargo | $1,060 |
Source: Truck Writers, Sep 2026. Your price depends on your work, location and history.
Get quotes from a licensed agent
Your dates
Add to my calendar- Nov 2, 2026
IFTA fuel tax return
Quarterly, if you run qualified trucks across state lines. Official site
- Dec 31, 2026
UCR registration for next year
Interstate carriers register every year; registration for the next year opens October 1. Official site
- Jan 15, 2027
Federal estimated tax payment
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year. Payments are due four times a year. Official site
- Jun 30, 2027
Kentucky annual report
If your company is registered in Kentucky: An annual report is due between January 1 and June 30 every year, starting the year after you form. State fee: about $15. Official site
- Aug 31, 2028
MCS-150 update (FMCSA)
Required every two years. Your USDOT number sets the month and year. Official site
- Before you start
Kentucky sales tax registration
Before your first taxable sale, if you sell taxable goods or services. Official site
Your startup checklist
Every step a new trucking company in Kentucky usually takes, grouped by area. Tick them off as you go.
1 of 24 steps done · Check steps off as you go. Saved on this device.
Make it official1/8
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Register for a USDOT number Done
Required before your trucks haul in interstate commerce. Free from FMCSA. Register at FMCSA
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Apply for operating authority if you haul for hire
An MC number lets you carry other people's freight across state lines.
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File your BOC-3
Names a process agent in every state. Filed online, usually within a day.
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Get your EIN
Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free
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Keep your home address off public records
The state publishes your registered agent's address. A registered agent service lists its office instead and forwards your legal mail.
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File your state report on time
Most states want a short report every year or two. Miss it and you can be charged late fees or lose good standing. See your date
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Protect your business name Optional
Registering with your state doesn't stop a business in another state from using the name. A federal trademark does.
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Register for UCR every year
Interstate carriers pay a yearly Unified Carrier Registration fee based on fleet size. UCR site
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Join the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
Required for companies that employ CDL drivers, including owner-operators who drive themselves. FMCSA Clearinghouse
Banking and credit0/3
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Open a business bank account
Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC.
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Line up factoring or a line of credit
Brokers often pay in 30 days or more; factoring pays you in about a day.
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Start building business credit
Lenders and suppliers check your business credit file, separate from your personal score. A free account shows yours.
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Know your funding options Optional
For equipment or working capital, one application compares lenders instead of applying one by one.
Bookkeeping and taxes0/2
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Set up bookkeeping
Track every sale and expense from day one so taxes take hours, not weeks.
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Pay estimated taxes each quarter
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year, the IRS wants payments in April, June, September and January. A tax pro can set them up.
Insurance0/2
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Get truck insurance filed with FMCSA
Your authority can't go active until your insurer files proof of liability coverage.
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Get workers' comp before your first hire
Most states require it as soon as you have employees, even part-time.
On the road0/4
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Install an ELD
Most interstate drivers who keep logs must record hours of service on a device from FMCSA's registered list.
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Get IRP plates and an IFTA license
Trucks over 26,000 lbs that cross state lines need both from your base state. A filing service can handle them.
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Find your first loads
Load boards list freight from brokers; a dispatcher can book loads for you while you drive.
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Get a fuel card
Discounts at truck stops, and fuel receipts sorted by state for your IFTA return.
Hiring and payroll0/1
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Payroll and workers' comp before your first hire
Most states require workers' comp once you have employees, and payroll software handles the tax filings.
Getting customers0/4
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Claim your free website
We drafted a website from your filing. Add your services, phone and hours, and customers can send requests. Claim it free
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Get on Google Maps
A free Google Business Profile is how most local customers will find you. Step-by-step guide
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Get your own domain and email
An address like you@yourbusiness.com looks more established than a free email account.
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Get a business phone number
Keep work calls and texts apart from your personal number, on the phone you already carry.
Some options are partner links: we may earn a fee if you sign up, at no cost to you. We only list services new owners commonly use. How we're paid
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