Setting Up a New Trucking Company
A trucking company needs registrations, tax accounts and insurance before the first load. Follow the checklist, then request coverage when you are ready.
- USDOT number and operating authority
- Insurance filed before the authority activates
- Preparing for the new entrant safety audit
New carrier insurance request
For new or pending authorities. Free.
Setup steps
From registration to first load
Most new carriers work through the same tasks. Insurance sits right in the middle.
How it works
How a new authority request works
Tell us your stage
Planning, pending or active, plus trucks and freight.
Talk with an agent
A licensed agent or partner may follow up about drivers and equipment.
Choose coverage
Compare limits, cargo coverage and payment terms.
Why it matters
Authority is not active until insurance is on file
For interstate for-hire carriers, FMCSA will not grant operating authority until an insurer files proof of liability coverage and a process agent designation is on file. Lining up coverage early avoids weeks of waiting.
Registration
USDOT number and authority application.
Insurance filing
Proof of coverage to FMCSA.
Plates and taxes
IRP, IFTA, UCR and 2290.
Safety audit
Within the first year.
New carrier questions
Are you a government office or filing service?
No. MCSetup publishes general information and takes insurance quote requests. Registrations are made with FMCSA, the IRS and the states.
Are you an insurer?
No. Licensed agents and partners provide quotes. MCSetup does not issue policies.
Is the request free?
It is free. New carriers pay nothing to send a request through MCSetup.
Who will contact me?
An agent or partner licensed to place new authority policies may get in touch by phone, text or email, within the consent you gave.
Do I need trucking experience to get coverage?
Insurers weigh experience heavily. Less experience usually means fewer options, but describing your background accurately helps.
Waiting on insurance to activate your authority?
Tell us your setup stage and the freight you plan to run. A licensed agent or partner may contact you about coverage and filings.