Are you starting a trucking company? It can be quite stressful; however, with the right information at your disposal, you can set up your trucking business in no time at all.

Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trucking business has faced a huge blow; similar to major industries around the globe. About more than 88,000 people lost their jobs in the trucking business in April 2020 alone. However, the Government has since been issuing guidance to allow essential workers, including truck drivers and others, to work.

In addition to this, the demand for truck drivers and trucking businesses has increased during the pandemic. Apart from delivering medical supplies and equipment to hospitals, trucking businesses are also playing a vital role in making deliveries for consumers. It provides ample opportunities for trucking businesses. Hence, truck drivers are playing an essential role during the pandemic.

https://www.ttnews.com/articles/trucking-rises-meet-unprecedented-challenges-during-covid-19-pandemic

If you are planning to start a trucking business, here are a few things that you must keep in mind:

Business plan

When starting a business, you must have a plan in place. The business plan should outline your business goals, both short-term and long-term. It should also outline the operations of your business. The business plan should also contain information regarding your plan for investment. In addition to this, you must understand the various requirements of your business, including equipment, employees, administrators, etc. You should also come up with an estimate regarding the budget.

Buying equipment

To have your business up and running, you need equipment. Apart from trucks and other vehicles, you may require moving supplies, including dollies, trailers, and others. There are several options for obtaining trucks. With the right amount of capital, you can buy a truck. You also have the option of leasing or renting trucks and other equipment. 

Depending on the type of trucking business, you may require specialized trailers to help carry hazardous and toxic material. Other types of trucking equipment include straight trucks, super b, flat deck, and others.

FMCSA registration

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Authority is responsible for ensuring that all trucking companies are registered with the organization. Moreover, the presence of the FMCSA ensures that a trucking company complies with the standards set by the motor authority.

If you are starting a trucking company, you need to have the following documents:

Commercial Driver's License

Commercial driver's license is a must for truck drivers. Before issuing a CDL, the relevant authority will perform background checks. In addition to this, the driver must be of at least 21 years of age to drive a truck. Moreover, there are three categories of CDLs, depending on the type of truck you are planning to drive. These include school trucks, tractors, trailers, etc. 

You can find more information regarding obtaining a CDL here.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license

USDOT number

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number is an essential requirement for most interstate trucking companies. It is a unique number given to a trucking company to ensure that it complies with safety standards. Companies that transport passengers or hail freight require a USDOT number. In addition to this, companies that transport hazardous material also  require it.

To check if you require a USDOT number, visit this link.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number#:~:text=Companies%20that%20operate%20commercial%20vehicles,register%20for%20a%20USDOT%20Number.

MC number

Motor Carrier (MC) number is also required by interstate moving companies, similar to the USDOT number. However, some companies may not require a USDOT number to operate. Companies that transport passengers or transport federally-regulated good (owned by a third-party company) require an MC number.

For more information regarding this, visit the FMCSA website.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/get-mc-number-authority-operate

BOC-3 filing

The FMCSA requires BOC-3 filing. A process agent files BOC-3 on behalf of a motor carrier or trucking company. It is also required in case your MC number has been revoked by the FMCSA. In addition to this, BOC-3 filing is essential for trucking businesses in legal matters. The agent acts as an intermediary between the FMCSA and the trucking company, forwarding any legal document to the relevant party.

Conclusion

These are some basic requirements for starting a trucking business. Obtaining licenses and permits from the FMCSA is a crucial step in making sure that you business runs smoothly.