What Does It Really Cost to Start a Trucking Company?
A transparent breakdown of every fee, filing, and expense new carriers face — with real 2026 numbers. No fluff, no sales pitch, just the facts.
Starting a trucking company costs less than most people think — but more than just buying a truck. The real expenses are in compliance, authority, insurance, and setup. Here’s every dollar you need to plan for.
Government Filings & Authority
Required federal filings to legally operate as a motor carrier
USDOT Number
$0 (free)
Required for all interstate CMV operations
MC Operating Authority
$300
FMCSA filing fee, takes 20–24 days to activate
BOC-3 Process Agent
$30–50/yr
Required in all states you operate
UCR Registration
$46–963/yr
Based on fleet size (0–2 vehicles = $46)
MCS-150 Filing
$0 (free)
Required biennially, but critical to not miss
State Operating Authority
$0–500
Varies by state, some states require separate authority
Get the Full Cost Breakdown
Want to see the complete breakdown including insurance costs, equipment financing, IFTA/IRP setup, drug testing, business formation, and the total startup budget? Enter your info below.
Business Formation
Structuring your trucking business legally
LLC Formation
$50–500
Varies by state (e.g., OR $100, TX $300, WY $100)
EIN (Tax ID)
$0 (free)
From IRS, same day
Business Bank Account
$0–25
Some banks waive fees for new businesses
Registered Agent
$50–300/yr
Required in your state of formation
Insurance (The Big One)
The largest ongoing cost for new carriers
Primary Liability ($750K–$1M)
$800–2,500/mo
Required by FMCSA. New carriers pay more.
Cargo Insurance
$100–300/mo
Most brokers require $100K minimum
Physical Damage
$150–500/mo
Covers your truck/trailer
Bobtail Insurance
$30–60/mo
Covers driving without a trailer
Workers’ Comp
Varies
Required if you have employees
Note: Insurance is the largest ongoing cost for new carriers. Expect $1,200–3,000/month minimum for a single truck operation.
IFTA & IRP Setup
Fuel tax and vehicle registration for interstate travel
IFTA Account Setup
$0 (free)
Through your base state
IFTA Decals
$0–10
Issued with account
IRP Registration
$500–3,000+
Based on vehicle weight and states traveled
IRP Cab Card
Included
Issued with registration
Drug & Alcohol Compliance
FMCSA-required testing and documentation
Consortium Enrollment
$75–200/yr
Required for all CDL drivers
Pre-Employment Drug Test
$50–75
Required before driver operates
Random Testing (per test)
$40–65
Included in most consortium fees
Clearinghouse Registration
$0 (free)
Required for employers
Written D&A Policy
$0–150
Some providers include this
Equipment & Operations
Trucks, trailers, and monthly operating costs
Used Semi Truck
$30,000–80,000
Or lease at $1,500–2,500/mo
New Semi Truck
$150,000–200,000+
Or finance with 10–20% down
Dry Van Trailer
$15,000–40,000
Used; new is $40,000–60,000
ELD Device
$20–40/mo
Required for HOS compliance
Fuel (monthly)
$3,000–6,000
Varies by miles and routes
Total Startup Budget Summary
What you should actually plan for
Bare Minimum
Owner-Operator, Used Truck, Leased Trailer
$8,000–15,000
Upfront
$3,000–5,000
Per Month
Typical New Carrier
1 Truck, Own Trailer
$15,000–30,000
Upfront
$5,000–8,000
Per Month
Small Fleet
2–3 Trucks
$40,000–100,000+
Upfront
$12,000–25,000
Per Month
Ready to Get Started?
TruckWise Reporting can handle all the compliance and authority filings on this list — DOT registration, MC authority, LLC formation, IFTA, IRP, drug testing enrollment, and more. One call, one point of contact, and you’re on the road faster.
