Starting your own trucking company? Whether you’re an owner-operator or managing a small fleet, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is one of the most important steps to building a legit, protected, and tax-efficient trucking business.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to get an LLC for your trucking business, plus what licenses and registrations you’ll need to operate legally in the U.S.
Why Form an LLC for a Trucking Business?
Setting up your trucking business as an LLC offers several major benefits:
- Limited Liability Protection – Your personal assets (car, home, savings) are protected if your company is sued.
- Tax Flexibility – LLCs offer pass-through taxation and can elect S Corp status to save on self-employment taxes.
- Professionalism – Carriers, brokers, and clients prefer working with registered businesses.
- Easy Compliance – LLCs are simpler to maintain than corporations.
How to Get an LLC for a Trucking Business – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Trucking LLC
Pick a business name that reflects your brand and follows state rules:
- Must be unique within your state
- Must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”
- Avoid restricted terms (like “bank” or “insurance” unless approved)
Tip: Check domain availability too for your business website.
Step 2: File Articles of Organization
Register your LLC with your Secretary of State by filing the Articles of Organization (also called Certificate of Formation in some states).
- Fee: $50–$300 depending on the state
- Info Required: Business name, address, registered agent, members/managers
- Do it here: Form Your Trucking LLC
Step 3: Appoint a Registered Agent
Your LLC must have a registered agent who can accept legal documents on your behalf.
Options:
- You can serve as your own agent (must have a physical U.S. address), or
- Use a professional registered agent service
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
This document outlines how your trucking LLC will be managed:
- Member responsibilities
- Profit/loss distribution
- Rules for adding/removing members
- Dissolution terms
Even if your state doesn’t require it, an Operating Agreement is highly recommended—especially if you plan to work with others or grow your business.
Step 5: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business. You’ll need it to:
- Open a business bank account
- File taxes
- Apply for operating authority with the FMCSA
- Hire employees
You can apply online through the IRS or via FormLLC.us.
Step 6: Register for Trucking Authority
Forming your LLC is just the beginning. To legally operate a trucking business, you’ll also need to register with federal and state agencies:
FMCSA Requirements (for Interstate Trucking):
- USDOT Number – Identifies your company with the DOT
- MC Number – Required to transport regulated goods across state lines
- BOC-3 Filing – Process agent designation for legal representation
- UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) – Annual fee based on fleet size
Fuel Tax and Licensing:
- IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) – Tracks fuel use across states
- IRP (International Registration Plan) – Distributes vehicle registration fees
- HVUT (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) – For trucks over 55,000 lbs
Need help? Get DOT & MC Authority
Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account
Separate your personal and business finances by opening a dedicated account under your LLC.
Bring:
- Articles of Organization
- EIN
- Operating Agreement (if required by the bank)
Step 8: Get Trucking Insurance
Before you can hit the road, you’ll need federal and state-compliant insurance, such as:
- Primary Liability Insurance
- Cargo Insurance
- Physical Damage Insurance
- General Liability Insurance
Minimum FMCSA insurance coverage: $750,000 to $1,000,000+ depending on cargo.
Step 9: Stay Compliant
Once your LLC is active, don’t forget to:
- File annual reports with your state
- Renew your UCR, IFTA, and IRP yearly
- File quarterly IFTA fuel tax reports
- Maintain insurance and driver logs
- File business taxes and stay current with the IRS
Cost to Start an LLC for a Trucking Business
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| LLC Formation | $50 – $300 |
| EIN | Free (via IRS) |
| Operating Agreement | $0 – $150 |
| DOT & MC Number | $300 – $500 |
| BOC-3 Filing | $20 – $50 |
| UCR, IFTA, IRP, HVUT | $100 – $1,500+ (varies by state/fleet) |
| Insurance | $5,000 – $15,000+ annually |
| Total Startup Cost: | $6,000 – $20,000+ |
Final Thoughts
Starting a trucking company begins with forming a strong legal foundation. By setting up an LLC, you protect your personal assets, improve your credibility, and prepare for long-term growth.
From forming your LLC to obtaining DOT numbers and insurance, each step helps your business stay legal, profitable, and professional on the road.
