You started out driving and saved your way to getting your own truck and became an owner operator. Leasing on with a company provided you with freight that you needed without having to have all the additional costs of DOT compliance, cargo insurance coverage, etc. Now that you have been an owner operator for a while, you are thinking about getting your own trucking authority. The question is, should you?
If you have developed relationships with brokers or direct shippers and are being encouraged to bid for their lanes then the additional cost with worth the reward. If that is you then it is time to step out and build your own business.
What’s the process?
To get a trucking authority (also known as an MC number or operating authority), the following steps must be completed:
- Register your business with the government (usually the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or the state agency that regulates transportation).
- Obtain a USDOT number, which is required for all commercial vehicles that operate in interstate commerce.
- File the necessary paperwork and pay the fees to obtain your trucking authority.
- Purchase liability insurance that meets the minimum coverage requirements set by the FMCSA.
- Pass a safety audit and meet the other safety requirements set by the FMCSA.
- Ensure compliance with the regulations and laws set by the FMCSA, such as those related to hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and drug and alcohol testing.
It’s important to note that the requirements and process may vary slightly based on your state and type of operation (e.g., interstate vs. intrastate).
While this may sound intimidating, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
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