Get Professional Compliance.
Why Choose Carrier Partner for Your Trucking Startup?
Starting and running a trucking company is a path to freedom and profit, but the FMCSA paperwork can be a nightmare. One mistake in the regulations can lead to costly delays or heavy fines before you even get your first load.
At Carrier Partner, we will take the regulatory weight off your shoulders so you can focus on the road.
How We Get You Moving
- Proven Expertise: We draw from the latest FMCSA guidelines (updated as of 2025) to help you avoid common pitfalls like incomplete registrations or failed safety audits, which could lead to out-of-service orders or fines up to $10,000.
- Time-Saving Support: Starting a company involves dozens of forms and deadlines; our consultants manage the heavy lifting so you can focus on securing loads and building your business.
- Compliance-Focused: We ensure your setup aligns with FMCSRs and Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs), including driver qualifications (Part 391), vehicle maintenance (Part 396), and hours of service (Part 395).
- Scalable Solutions: Once launched, seamlessly transition to our ongoing packages, like the $79/month Owner-Operator Starter for maintenance and alerts.
- Real People, Not Robots: We don’t use automated systems or “press 1 for help” menus. When you work with us, you get a Dedicated Consultant – You’ll work with an industry veteran who knows the business inside and out. You also will always get Direct Access. Reach us via phone, email, or video call whenever you need an answer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Trucking Company
Based on FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Safety Planner and official registration processes, here are the key steps to launch your business. At each stage, we’ll explain how our consultants assist you personally to organize and accomplish the necessary paperwork.
- What It Involves: Outline your operations, target market (e.g., interstate freight or passenger transport), projected costs, and revenue. Consider vehicle types (e.g., trucks over 10,001 lbs GVWR per 49 CFR 390) and whether you’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) under Part 383.
- How Carrier Partner Helps: Your consultant reviews your ideas during an initial consultation, helps draft a customized plan, and identifies FMCSA applicability based on your vehicle and cargo (e.g., hazardous materials requiring placards under 49 CFR 171-180). We’ll organize financial projections and connect you with funding resources if needed.
- Timeline & Costs: 1-2 weeks; typical startup costs $10,000-$20,000 (including truck leasing), but we help minimize through efficient planning
- What It Involves: Form an LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship with your state. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for taxes and hiring.
- How Carrier Partner Helps: Our specialist guides you on the best structure (e.g., LLC for liability protection), files state paperwork, and secures your EIN. We’ll handle document organization and submissions to ensure compliance with state intrastate regulations.
- What It Involves: If driving, get a CDL (Group A, B, or C based on vehicle weight per 49 CFR 383). For interstate operations, this includes drug/alcohol testing under Part 382.
- How Carrier Partner Helps: Your consultant assesses your needs, arranges CDL training referrals if required, and organizes medical exams for your medical card (Part 391). We track and file all related paperwork to prevent expiration issues.
- Timeline & Costs: Varies; CDL training $0-$5,000.
- What It Involves: All new motor carriers must obtain a USDOT Number via the Unified Registration System (URS) if operating vehicles over 10,001 lbs or transporting passengers/hazardous materials (49 CFR 390.200T). File Form MCSA-1 or MCS-150.
- How Carrier Partner Helps: We complete and submit your application electronically, ensuring accuracy with built-in checks. Your consultant reviews your operation type (e.g., for-hire vs. private) and handles any state notifications.
- Timeline & Costs: Immediate issuance; no fee for USDOT Number.
- What It Involves: If transporting for compensation, get interstate authority (MC, FF, or MX Number) via Form OP-1 series (49 CFR 365). Pay fees and file BOC-3 for a process agent. Also, obtain a Hazardous Materials Safety Permit if applicable.
- How Carrier Partner Helps: Our expert fills out and submits OP-1 and BOC-3 forms, pays fees on your behalf, and organizes proof of financial responsibility (minimum $750,000 insurance under Part 387). We’ll guide you through authority types and ensure compliance before operations begin.
- Timeline & Costs: 4-6 weeks; $300 application fee.
- What It Involves: Prove minimum liability insurance ($750,000-$5 million depending on cargo per 49 CFR 387). File proof with FMCSA.
- How Carrier Partner Helps: Your consultant connects you with trusted insurers, reviews policies for FMCSA compliance, and submits filings. We organize all certificates to avoid registration delays.
- Timeline & Costs: 1-2 weeks; premiums vary ($5,000-$20,000 annually).
- What It Involves: File IRS Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) if vehicles over 55,000 lbs. Join International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) for interstate fuel taxes.
- How Carrier Partner Helps: We calculate and file Form 2290, apply for IFTA decals, and organize quarterly reporting setups. Your specialist ensures timely submissions to prevent penalties.
- Timeline & Costs: Annual; HVUT $100-$550 per vehicle.
- What It Involves: Establish drug/alcohol testing (Part 382), driver qualification files (Part 391), and maintenance records (Part 396). Enroll in the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program (18 months, with audit within 12 months per 49 CFR 385.307).
- How Carrier Partner Helps: Our consultant designs your safety management controls, organizes DQ files and testing consortia, and prepares you for the Safety Audit. We’ll conduct mock reviews and submit corrective actions if needed.
- Timeline & Costs: Ongoing; testing programs $200-$500 setup.
- What It Involves: Buy or lease trucks, ensure they meet FMCSA standards (Part 393). Update registrations biennially (49 CFR 390.19T).
- How Carrier Partner Helps: We advise on compliant vehicles, organize inspection logs, and set up maintenance schedules. Your consultant monitors your first 18 months for CSA compliance.
- Timeline & Costs: Varies; truck costs $40,000+.
Our Startup Consulting Service Pricing Starts at $3,500
For comprehensive, one-on-one assistance through all steps—including paperwork organization, filings, and compliance setup—Carrier Partner charges a one-time fee of $3,500. This covers unlimited consultations with your dedicated specialist until you’re fully operational, typically 4-8 weeks. Why this price? Based on industry standards, full-service trucking startup consulting can be more than $ 5,000, and our fee reflects expert, personalized support without the hidden costs.
Ready to hit the road? Contact us for a free consultation with a specialist. At Carrier Partner, we’re not just consultants—we’re your partners in building a safe, profitable trucking future.