Do I need to register my business?

Yes, if you intend to operate a commercial venture, your first step should be to register your business with your state in some form. Most trucking companies must register their business with the Secretary of State’s office to reserve their business name or file with their county when operating as a sole proprietorship. Choosing a legal business structure, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation, is a critical early step in starting a trucking business because it impacts compliance, liability, and the ability to open a business bank account. 

One of the key advantages of organizing your trucking company as an LLC or corporation instead of a sole proprietorship is the liability protection it offers. If your business is structured as a Corporation or LLC, only the assets held in the business name are exposed to business-related claims such as lawsuits or unpaid invoices. Sole proprietors, on the other hand, risk both business and personal assets. Filing fees for registering your company vary by state but typically range from $75 to $500.

To operate legally, trucking business owners will also need to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and obtain a USDOT number and MC number, which together serve as key identifiers in the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System. These credentials are required to get your trucking authority and begin moving freight across state lines.

After forming your company, you'll also need to address various license and permit requirements, including UCR (Unified Carrier Registration), IRP (International Registration Plan), IFTA license (International Fuel Tax Agreement), and possibly Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) filings. All of these are essential to operate your trucking business legally and stay compliant with FMCSA regulations.