How to Start a Trucking Company: What It Costs & How BulkLoads can Help

Jun 03, 2025 at 09:00 AM CST + 2
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I talk to a lot of drivers ready to take the leap into running under their own authority. It’s a big move, and it can feel overwhelming at first — especially when you start adding up all the permits, registrations, and costs. That’s exactly where we come in. Here’s a step-by-step look at the full setup process — and how BulkLoads Permitting can help every step of the way: Set up Sole Proprietorship, LLC, or corporation and applies for EIN File for DOT and MC Number with FMCSA — DOT can go active in 24 hours Once DOT number appears on Safer (usually within 24 hours), File BOC-3 File for UCR Registration for drug testing Mark calendar for when MC will go active (expect 3 weeks minimum waiting period) Set up IRP account for apportioned plates Set up IFTA account Insurance quoting (Insurance needs to be on file before MC becomes active) Ongoing Filings: UCR annual renewal, MCS-150 biennial updates, quarterly IFTA filings, plate renewals Side note: Overall, it can take about a month to get everything fully set up and operational. 💰 Startup Costs to Expect: Permitting & Filing Fees – Everything listed above is what we can help with when setting up your full authority, with costs varying based on your specific needs. Click here to get a quote on your authority. Insurance – New ventures usually see annual premiums between $15,000–$30,000, with a 20% down payment ($3,000–$6,000) needed up front. You’ll need to have your DOT number issued before you can get a quote. Click here to get a quote. Plates (IRP) – Budget $1,500–$2,500 depending on your state and planned routes. Working Capital – Most startups need cash on hand for 60–90 days of fuel and operating expenses. But we can help ease that burden — we work with Smart Freight Funding, a factoring company that gets you paid in as fast as 24 hours. Click here to get set up with factoring. If you're thinking about making the jump, reach out — I’d love to help walk you through it and get you set up for success.To book an appointment regarding permitting, you can click here or call me directly at (417)-208-9970.

Jun 03, 2025 at 09:00 AM CST

+ 2

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I talk to a lot of drivers ready to take the leap into running under their own authority. It’s a big move, and it can feel overwhelming at first — especially when you start adding up all the permits, registrations, and costs. That’s exactly where we come in.

Here’s a step-by-step look at the full setup process — and how BulkLoads Permitting can help every step of the way:

Set up Sole Proprietorship, LLC, or corporation and applies for EIN
File for DOT and MC Number with FMCSA — DOT can go active in 24 hours
Once DOT number appears on Safer (usually within 24 hours), File BOC-3
File for UCR
Registration for drug testing
Mark calendar for when MC will go active (expect 3 weeks minimum waiting period)
Set up IRP account for apportioned plates
Set up IFTA account
Insurance quoting (Insurance needs to be on file before MC becomes active)
Ongoing Filings: UCR annual renewal, MCS-150 biennial updates, quarterly IFTA filings, plate renewals

Side note: Overall, it can take about a month to get everything fully set up and operational.

💰 Startup Costs to Expect:

Permitting & Filing Fees – Everything listed above is what we can help with when setting up your full authority, with costs varying based on your specific needs. Click here to get a quote on your authority.
Insurance – New ventures usually see annual premiums between $15,000–$30,000, with a 20% down payment ($3,000–$6,000) needed up front. You’ll need to have your DOT number issued before you can get a quote. Click here to get a quote.
Plates (IRP) – Budget $1,500–$2,500 depending on your state and planned routes.
Working Capital – Most startups need cash on hand for 60–90 days of fuel and operating expenses. But we can help ease that burden — we work with Smart Freight Funding, a factoring company that gets you paid in as fast as 24 hours. Click here to get set up with factoring.

If you're thinking about making the jump, reach out — I’d love to help walk you through it and get you set up for success.To book an appointment regarding permitting, you can click here or call me directly at (417)-208-9970.