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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
- May 15, 2027
Texas Franchise tax report and Public Information Report
If your company is registered in Texas: No report to the Secretary of State, but a franchise tax report and Public Information Report are due to the Comptroller by May 15 every year, starting the year after you form. No state fee if filed on time. Official site
- Mar 31, 2028
MCS-150 update (FMCSA)
Required every two years. Your USDOT number sets the month and year. Official site
- Before you start
Texas 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 Texas 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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