Trucking Startup Checklist: Everything You Need to Launch

Why You Need a Starter Stack

Starting an owner-operator trucking business is not just about buying a truck. You need authority, insurance, compliance equipment, operating capital, and a plan for finding loads. Missing any one of these can delay your launch by weeks or cost you thousands in fines. Worse, getting the sequence wrong -- like buying a truck before you have insurance lined up -- can leave you making payments on equipment that is sitting in a parking lot.

This guide organizes every startup item into a clear checklist with three budget tiers so you can match your launch plan to your financial reality. Think of it as the complete shopping list and instruction manual in one place. Whether you are leaving a company driving job, transitioning off a lease-purchase, or entering trucking for the first time, the steps are the same. The difference is how much money you put behind each one.

If you want a broader look at business formation, LLC structure, and long-range planning beyond the equipment stack, see our complete startup guide for the full process from business plan to first year of operation.

The Three Budget Tiers

Not every new owner operator has the same starting capital. We break costs into three tiers:

• Bare Minimum ($12,000-$18,000): Leased-on to a carrier, used truck, essential compliance only. This tier gets you on the road but leaves almost no margin for error. One major breakdown or a slow freight week can put you in a financial hole.
• Realistic ($25,000-$35,000): Own authority, reliable used truck, basic reserves. This is where most successful owner operators actually start. You have enough cushion to survive the first 60-90 days while you build momentum.
• Comfortable ($40,000-$55,000): Own authority, newer truck, 3-month operating cushion. This tier lets you be selective about loads, handle surprises, and focus on building the business instead of surviving week to week.

Each tier includes the same compliance requirements -- the difference is equipment quality and financial cushion. You can plug your own numbers into our Startup Cost Calculator to see exactly where you fall across these tiers.

Step 1: Get Your Authority

Before you can legally haul freight under your own name, you need a Motor Carrier (MC) number from the FMCSA. This is your operating authority -- the federal license that says you are a for-hire carrier authorized to transport property.

The FMCSA MOTUS Registration System

The FMCSA moved all carrier registrations to the MOTUS system at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov. ¹ This replaced the older URS (Unified Registration System) and consolidated everything into a single online portal. You will create an account, fill out the application for a USDOT number and MC authority, and pay the $300 filing fee with a credit card or ACH transfer. ²

A few things to know about the MOTUS portal:

• You need a valid EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS before you apply. If you do not have one, get it first -- it is free and instant on the IRS website. ³
• The system will ask whether you want Property Carrier authority (what you need for general freight) or other types. Most owner operators select "Carrier -- Property" for interstate operations.
• You will also receive your USDOT number during this process. The USDOT number is your safety registration; the MC number is your operating authority. You need both.

BOC-3 Process Agent Filing

After your MC application is submitted, you must file a BOC-3 designation -- this names a process agent in each state where you operate who can accept legal documents on your behalf. You cannot get your authority activated without it.

Several companies handle BOC-3 filings nationwide for a one-time fee:

• CT Corporation -- One of the oldest and most recognized. Typical cost: $30-$50.
• National Registered Agents (NRAI) -- Widely used by trucking companies. Similar pricing.
• Various online services -- Companies like Forager or DOT Operating Authority package the BOC-3 with your MC application for $40-$80 total.

The BOC-3 is a one-time filing. You do not renew it annually unless you change process agents.

UCR, IRP, and IFTA -- Three Different Registrations

New owner operators frequently confuse these three acronyms. They are separate registrations with different purposes:

• UCR (Unified Carrier Registration): An annual registration required for all interstate motor carriers. The fee is based on fleet size -- $76 for 0-2 power units in 2026. ⁵ You register through your base state's UCR portal.
• IRP (International Registration Plan): This is your apportioned license plate registration for operating in multiple states. Instead of buying a separate plate for each state you travel through, IRP lets you pay one registration fee that is divided among the states based on your mileage in each. Cost varies by state and truck weight but typically runs $1,500-$2,500 for a new registration.
• IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement): This is your fuel tax reporting license. You file quarterly returns reporting miles driven and fuel purchased in each state. The difference between what you owe and what you paid at the pump gets settled each quarter. IFTA decals cost $5-$10 per truck and are issued by your base state.

Complete Authority Checklist

Item	Cost	Timeline
USDOT Number + MC Authority (MOTUS)	$300	Apply Day 1, active in 4-6 weeks
BOC-3 Process Agent Filing	$30-$50	File immediately after MC application
UCR Registration	$76	Register before operating
IRP Registration (apportioned plates)	$1,500-$2,500	Process through your base state
IFTA License and Decals	$5-$10	Apply through your base state
State-specific permits (varies)	$0-$200	Check your base state requirements
Subtotal	$1,900-$3,100

During the 4-6 week waiting period while your authority processes, line up your insurance and equipment so you are ready to roll the day your authority goes active. Do not waste this window.

Step 2: Insurance Coverage

Commercial trucking insurance is your single largest ongoing expense, and for new authorities, it is painfully expensive. Understanding why -- and how to manage the cost -- is critical to your first-year survival.

Why New Authority Insurance Costs More

Insurance underwriters view new MC authorities as high risk. You have no safety record, no claims history, and statistically, new carriers have a higher accident rate in their first two years. As a result, you will pay a 30-50% premium over what an established carrier with 2-3 years of clean history pays for the same coverage.

Here is the good news: rates decrease progressively as you build history. A typical trajectory looks like this:

• Year 1: Peak rates. Primary liability might run $10,000-$14,000 for a single truck.
• Year 2: With a clean record and no claims, expect a 15-25% decrease at renewal.
• Year 3: Another 10-15% drop. By now you are approaching "standard" carrier rates.

This progressive decrease is why surviving the first year financially is so important. Your insurance burden gets lighter every year you stay clean.

Required Coverage Types

Coverage Type	Typical Annual Cost (New Authority)	Required?
Primary Liability ($750K-$1M)	$8,000-$14,000	Yes -- $750K minimum for general freight, $1M for hazmat
Cargo Insurance ($100K)	$1,200-$2,400	Yes (most brokers require $100K minimum)
Physical Damage	$2,000-$5,000	Required if truck is financed or leased
Non-Trucking Liability (bobtail)	$600-$1,200	Required if leased-on to a carrier
Occupational Accident	$1,800-$3,600	Strongly recommended (covers you personally)

Federal liability minimums: The FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 in primary liability coverage for general freight carriers. ⁴ If you haul hazardous materials, that minimum jumps to $1,000,000 (and up to $5,000,000 for certain hazmat classes). ⁴ Most brokers require $1,000,000 regardless of what you haul because their shippers demand it.

Finding the Right Insurance Agent

This is one area where working with a specialist makes an enormous difference. General insurance agents who primarily handle auto and homeowner policies do not understand trucking underwriting. They will either quote you rates that are way too high or, worse, sell you a policy with gaps that leave you exposed.

Look for agents who:

• Specialize in commercial trucking insurance -- not general commercial lines
• Represent multiple trucking insurance carriers -- so they can shop the market for you
• Have experience placing new authority policies -- some carriers will not write new MCs at all
• Can explain your coverage in plain language -- if they cannot tell you what is and is not covered, find someone who can

Get quotes from at least three specialized trucking insurance agents. Rates can vary by $3,000-$5,000 per year for identical coverage because different underwriters weigh risk factors differently. Your driving record, CDL experience, age, equipment, and planned radius of operation all affect your rate.

You can compare insurance providers on our comparison page to see which companies work with new authorities and what coverage options they offer.

Step 3: Equipment and Compliance

Every truck on the road needs specific items for DOT compliance. Some of these are federal requirements; others are practical necessities that keep you from getting put out of service during a roadside inspection.

DOT Compliance Essentials

• Fire extinguisher -- 5 lb minimum, ABC rated, fully charged with current inspection tag. Mount it in an accessible location. DOT officers will check the gauge and expiration.
• Warning triangles -- Three reflective triangles are required. Carry them in a case that is easy to grab when you need to set up a breakdown zone.
• Truck lettering -- Federal law requires your USDOT number and legal company name displayed on both sides of the power unit. Letters must be at least 2 inches tall and contrast with the background. Magnetic signs work but can fall off; vinyl lettering is more professional and permanent.
• IFTA decals -- Displayed on both sides of the cab. These are renewed annually.
• IRP cab card -- Keep your apportioned registration cab card in the truck at all times.
• Medical card (long form) -- Your valid DOT physical card must be on file with your CDL state and carried in the truck.

What DOT Officers Actually Check During Roadside Inspections

Understanding Level 1 inspections helps you stay prepared. Officers will check:

• Driver credentials: CDL, medical card, hours of service records (ELD data), proof of insurance
• Vehicle condition: Brakes (adjustment and components), tires (tread depth minimum 4/32" steer, 2/32" drive), lights, steering components, suspension, frame, coupling devices
• Cargo securement: If loaded, they will check tie-downs, load distribution, and securement devices
• Hazmat compliance: Placarding, shipping papers, emergency response information (if applicable)

A failed inspection results in violations on your PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program) record and can lead to out-of-service orders that sideline your truck. Pre-trip inspections are not optional -- they are your first line of defense.

ELD Selection

Your ELD (Electronic Logging Device) is mission-critical equipment. It records your hours of service, tracks your location, and is the first thing an officer reviews during an inspection. A malfunctioning or unreliable ELD can get you put out of service.

Here are the key factors and some specific options with price ranges:

ELD Provider	Hardware Cost	Monthly Service	Key Features
Keep Truckin (Motive)	$0 (with contract)	$35-$45/mo	GPS tracking, DVIR, dashcam integration
Samsara	$0 (with contract)	$30-$45/mo	AI dashcam option, real-time alerts, fleet management
ELD Mandate	$150-$200	$0 (no monthly fee)	Basic compliance, no contracts
Garmin eLog	$250	$0 (no monthly fee)	Integrates with Garmin GPS units
BigRoad DashLink	$100-$150	$20/mo (or free basic tier)	Smartphone-based, simple interface

No-monthly-fee vs subscription models: If you are a single truck operation watching every dollar, a no-monthly-fee ELD like the ELD Mandate or Garmin eLog can save you $300-$500 per year. The tradeoff is fewer features -- no fleet management dashboard, no dashcam integration, no real-time alerts. For a single truck, basic compliance may be all you need in year one.

For a detailed look at features, pricing, and driver reviews, compare ELD providers on our comparison page.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium

Federal law requires every CDL holder operating a commercial vehicle to be enrolled in a drug and alcohol testing consortium. ⁷ This applies even if you are a single-truck owner operator with no employees. You must have:

• Pre-employment testing -- Before you drive under your own authority
• Random testing -- Your consortium conducts random selections throughout the year
• Post-accident testing -- Required after DOT-reportable accidents
• Reasonable suspicion testing -- If a supervisor (or you, as an owner-operator, through your consortium) suspects impairment

Consortium membership typically costs $75-$200 per year per driver. National companies like DISA, National Drug Screening, and various state trucking associations offer consortium programs. Some factoring companies and trucking associations bundle consortium membership with other services.

Step 4: Operating Capital

Cash flow is the number one killer of new trucking businesses. This is not an exaggeration -- it is the statistical reality. ⁸ Even with loads booked and deliveries completed, you will not see payment for 30-60 days unless you use a factoring company. Many new owner operators run out of cash in months two and three because they did not plan for this gap.

Think about the math: you deliver a load on Day 1. The broker's payment terms are Net 30. You might not see that check until Day 35 or 40. Meanwhile, you need fuel for the next load, your truck payment is due, insurance is due, and you still need to eat. Without a plan for this gap, you are running on fumes -- literally and financially.

For a complete breakdown of every ongoing expense you will face, see our detailed guide on owner operator expenses.

Recommended Cash Reserves

Before you book your first load, you should have the following set aside -- separate from your truck purchase and authority costs:

• 2-3 months of truck payments -- If your payment is $1,500/month, that is $3,000-$4,500
• 2-3 months of insurance payments -- Budget $800-$1,200/month for insurance
• $2,000-$5,000 fuel float -- Enough to run for 2-3 weeks without income
• $1,000-$3,000 maintenance reserve -- Tires, brakes, oil changes, and the unexpected
• $500-$1,000 emergency breakdown fund -- Towing alone can cost $300-$800
• First month of living expenses -- Do not forget you still have personal bills

Factoring: Your Cash Flow Lifeline

Freight factoring lets you sell your invoices to a factoring company for immediate payment instead of waiting 30-60 days for the broker to pay. Here is how it works in practice:

1. You deliver a load and submit the invoice plus proof of delivery to your factoring company.
2. The factoring company advances you 90-97% of the invoice value within 24 hours (often same-day).
3. The factoring company collects payment from the broker on normal terms (30-45 days).
4. Once the broker pays, the factoring company releases your reserve (the remaining 3-10%) minus their factoring fee.

Recourse vs Non-Recourse Factoring

This is a critical distinction that many new owner operators do not fully understand:

• Recourse factoring: If the broker does not pay the factoring company, you are responsible for buying back the invoice. Recourse factoring has lower fees (typically 1-3%) because the factoring company carries less risk.
• Non-recourse factoring: The factoring company absorbs the loss if the broker does not pay. Fees are higher (typically 3-5%) because they are taking on the credit risk. However, "non-recourse" often only covers broker insolvency or bankruptcy -- not payment disputes. Read the fine print carefully.

Real Rate Ranges and How They Work

Factoring rates vary based on several factors:

Factor	Impact on Rate
Your monthly volume	Higher volume = lower rates
Broker credit quality	Blue-chip brokers (CH Robinson, TQL) = lower rates
Contract length	Longer commitment = lower rates (but less flexibility)
Recourse vs non-recourse	Non-recourse costs 1-2% more

For a single-truck owner operator factoring $15,000-$25,000/month with good-credit brokers, expect rates of 1.5-3% for recourse factoring. On a $2,000 load, that is a $30-$60 fee to get paid today instead of in 35 days. Most new owner operators consider that a worthwhile trade.

Advance rates typically range from 90% to 97%. A 95% advance on a $2,000 load means you receive $1,900 within 24 hours. The remaining $100 goes into a reserve account. Once the broker pays (minus the factoring fee), your reserve balance is released.

The bottom line: Without factoring, you need enough cash reserves to cover 60-90 days of operating expenses before you see consistent income. With factoring, you need enough for about 7-14 days. For most new owner operators, factoring is not optional -- it is survival.

Compare factoring companies on our comparison page to find the best rates and terms for new authorities.

Step 5: Finding Your First Loads

With authority active, insurance in place, and equipment ready, you need freight. The freight market has layers, and understanding them helps you make smarter decisions about where to find loads and what rates to accept.

Load Boards: Your Starting Point

Load boards are online marketplaces where brokers and shippers post available loads and carriers search for freight that matches their equipment and lanes. For a new owner operator, load boards are where you will find the majority of your early freight.

Here are the major options with current pricing:

Load Board	Monthly Cost	Best For
DAT Power	~$150/mo	Largest load board, most comprehensive rate data
Truckstop.com	~$150/mo	Strong rate tools, good integration with TMS systems
123Loadboard	Free tier available ($35-$55/mo for premium)	Budget-friendly option for new OOs
Amazon Relay	Free	Amazon freight only, predictable loads and facilities
Direct Freight	Free basic tier	Supplementary board, good for regional searches

Our recommendation for new owner operators: Start with one paid board (DAT Power or Truckstop.com) and supplement with free options. DAT Power has the largest database of available loads and the most reliable rate data for negotiating. The $150/month pays for itself if it helps you find even one better-paying load per month.

Spot Market vs Contract Freight

Understanding this distinction will shape your first year:

• Spot market: Individual loads posted on load boards or offered by brokers for one-time moves. Rates fluctuate daily based on supply and demand. The spot market is where you will start, and it offers flexibility -- you choose every load.
• Contract freight: Ongoing agreements with shippers or brokers for consistent lanes at agreed-upon rates. Contract rates are typically lower than peak spot rates but higher than bottom-of-market spot rates. Contracts provide predictability -- you know what loads you have next week.

Most new owner operators spend their first 3-6 months on the spot market while building relationships. As brokers see that you deliver on time with no problems, they will start offering you consistent freight. That transition from pure spot to a mix of spot and contract is when your business stabilizes.

Building Your Carrier Packet

Before a broker will book you a load, they need your carrier packet on file. This is a standard set of documents that verifies your authority, insurance, and equipment. Prepare a packet that includes:

• W-9 form (for tax reporting)
• Certificate of insurance (your insurance agent can send this directly)
• MC authority letter (from FMCSA)
• Equipment list (truck year, make, VIN)
• Signed broker-carrier agreement (each broker has their own)
• Void check or direct deposit form (for payment setup)

Have your carrier packet ready to email the moment a broker requests it. Speed matters -- if you cannot get your paperwork in within a few hours, the broker will move to the next carrier. Many owner operators keep a digital folder with all documents in PDF format ready to send.

Setting Up in Broker Systems

Large brokerages like CH Robinson, TQL, Echo, Coyote, and Landstar have their own carrier onboarding portals. Create accounts and submit your carrier packet to the top 10-15 brokers before you need a load. This way, when you find a load you want, you are already set up and can book it immediately instead of waiting 24-48 hours for onboarding approval.

Compare load boards on our comparison page to find the right platform for your operation.

Budget Breakdown Summary

Here is what each tier looks like in total:

Category	Bare Minimum	Realistic	Comfortable
Authority & Permits	$500	$2,000	$2,500
Insurance (first year)	$6,000*	$14,000	$16,000
Truck (down payment)	$3,000	$8,000	$15,000
Equipment & Compliance	$800	$1,500	$2,500
Operating Capital	$2,000	$5,000	$12,000
Total	$12,300	$30,500	$48,000

*Bare minimum insurance assumes leased-on (carrier provides primary liability).

What Each Tier Actually Looks Like

Bare Minimum ($12,300): You are leasing on to an existing carrier, so they handle authority and primary liability insurance. You have a high-mileage used truck with a small down payment, basic compliance equipment, and just enough cash to cover fuel and living expenses for a few weeks. This tier works if you have a guaranteed seat with a carrier and can start earning immediately. The risk: one breakdown or one slow week and you are borrowing money to keep going.

Realistic ($30,500): You have your own authority, a solid used truck (2015-2019 model year, 400K-600K miles), a good ELD, full insurance coverage, and roughly 6-8 weeks of operating capital. This tier gives you room to breathe during the startup phase. You can afford to be somewhat selective about loads and can survive a bad week without panic. This is the tier we recommend for most new owner operators. It balances financial prudence with practical reality.

Comfortable ($48,000): You have your own authority, a newer truck (under 300K miles or a recent model year), premium ELD with dashcam, comprehensive insurance, and a 3-month cash reserve. This tier lets you operate like a business owner instead of someone running from paycheck to paycheck. You can negotiate rates confidently because you are not desperate for the next load.

Use our Startup Cost Calculator to input your specific situation and see exactly where your budget lands.

Your First 90 Days Timeline

Having authority and equipment is one thing. Knowing what to do each week is another. Here is a realistic week-by-week breakdown of your first 90 days from decision to full operation.

Weeks 1-2: Foundation

• Apply for your MC authority through the FMCSA MOTUS portal at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov
• File your BOC-3 process agent designation (do this the same day as your MC application)
• Get your EIN from the IRS if you do not already have one
• Form your business entity (LLC is most common for owner operators)
• Open a business bank account -- keep business and personal finances separate from Day 1
• Start getting insurance quotes -- contact at least 3 specialized trucking insurance agents
• Research trucks -- browse dealer inventories, check auction schedules, talk to other owner operators about reliable models
• Research factoring companies -- compare rates, terms, and minimum volume requirements

Weeks 3-4: Equipment and Setup

• Purchase or lease your truck -- complete the transaction and arrange financing if needed
• Select and bind your insurance -- choose your carrier and pay the first installment (many insurers require 25-33% down)
• Install your ELD -- mount the hardware, download the app, verify it is transmitting correctly
• Order compliance items -- fire extinguisher, warning triangles, truck lettering with USDOT number
• Join a drug and alcohol testing consortium -- complete your pre-employment drug test
• Apply for IRP registration -- process through your base state (this can take 2-4 weeks)
• Apply for IFTA license and decals -- apply through your base state

Weeks 5-6: Systems and Relationships

• Authority goes active -- verify your status on the FMCSA SAFER website
• Set up your factoring account -- complete the application, provide your first broker list
• Build your carrier packet -- assemble all documents in a clean PDF package ready to email
• Register with UCR -- complete your annual Unified Carrier Registration
• Create accounts on load boards -- sign up for DAT, Truckstop.com, or your chosen platforms
• Submit carrier packets to top brokers -- get set up with 10-15 major brokerages before you need a load
• Set up accounting -- even a simple spreadsheet tracking income, fuel, maintenance, and fixed costs

Weeks 7-12: Operations Begin

• Book and deliver your first loads -- start with shorter runs to build confidence and iron out your processes
• Dial in your fuel strategy -- identify truck stops with the best prices on your regular lanes, consider a fuel card for discounts. Compare fuel cards to find the best option for your routes.
• Track every expense -- fuel, tolls, maintenance, meals, lumper fees, scale tickets
• File your first IFTA quarterly return -- track miles and fuel by state from Day 1
• Build broker relationships -- deliver on time, communicate proactively, and be reliable. Consistent brokers become your contract freight pipeline.
• Evaluate your lanes -- after 4-6 weeks of running, you will see which lanes are profitable and which are not worth the miles
• Review your budget vs actuals -- compare what you planned to spend against what you actually spent. Adjust your strategy.

The first 90 days are about building systems and habits, not maximizing revenue. If you come out of this period with a working operation, reliable broker relationships, and a clear picture of your per-mile costs, you are ahead of most new owner operators.

Recommended Products by Category

After 25 years of watching new owner operators succeed and fail, I can tell you that the specific products you choose matter less than choosing something reliable and getting started. That said, here are our picks for each major category, with links to the full comparison pages where you can evaluate all the options.

Factoring

For new owner operators, look for a factoring company that offers no long-term contracts, same-day funding, and rates under 3%. Avoid any company that charges hidden fees for setup, ACH transfers, or invoice submission. Our comparison page ranks the top options based on rates, contract terms, and new-authority friendliness. Compare factoring companies to find the best fit for your volume and lane profile.

Fuel Cards

A good fuel card can save you $0.20-$0.60 per gallon at major truck stop chains. At 1,000 gallons per month, that is $200-$600 in monthly savings -- real money that goes straight to your bottom line. Look for cards with a wide network of accepted locations on your regular lanes and no annual fees. Compare fuel cards to see current discount levels and network coverage.

Insurance

Insurance shopping is not a one-time event. Even after you bind your initial policy, you should re-shop at every annual renewal -- especially in years 2 and 3 when your clean record qualifies you for better rates. Work with agents who specialize in trucking and represent multiple underwriters. Compare insurance providers to find agents and carriers that work with new authorities.

ELDs

Your ELD needs to be reliable above all else. A device that crashes, loses GPS signal, or has a confusing interface will cost you time and potentially put you out of service. For single-truck operations, a no-monthly-fee device is worth considering. For operators planning to grow, investing in a subscription-based platform with fleet management features pays off as you add trucks. Compare ELD providers to see feature breakdowns and driver ratings.

Load Boards

Start with one premium load board and supplement with free options. The rate data and historical lane analytics on paid platforms like DAT Power are worth the $150/month investment because they help you negotiate better rates and avoid cheap freight. Compare load boards to find the right platform for your freight type and operating region.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underfunding reserves -- The number one reason new owner operators fail in the first year. You need cash to survive the gap between delivering loads and getting paid. Plan for 60-90 days of expenses beyond your startup costs.
2. Skipping insurance shopping -- A single quote could cost you $3,000-$5,000 extra per year. Always get at least three quotes from trucking-specialist agents.
3. Ignoring maintenance -- Deferred maintenance becomes expensive breakdowns. A $50 oil change on schedule prevents a $15,000 engine rebuild down the road.
4. Running without a budget -- Track every dollar from day one. Know your cost per mile. If you do not know your break-even rate, you cannot negotiate intelligently.
5. Signing long-term contracts -- Avoid factoring contracts, lease-purchase agreements, or broker exclusivity deals that lock you in before you understand the market. Flexibility is your advantage as a small operator.
6. Chasing miles instead of profit -- A 1,500-mile load that pays $1.50/mile is worse than a 600-mile load that pays $3.00/mile when you factor in fuel, time, and wear. Learn to evaluate loads on profit per day, not just total revenue.
7. Neglecting the back-haul -- Running deadhead miles back to your home base destroys profitability. Plan round trips. If you take a load going out, have a plan for getting a load coming back.

Next Steps

You now have the complete roadmap from zero to operating owner operator. The next actions are:

1. Run your numbers -- Use our Startup Cost Calculator to plug in your specific situation and see your total startup investment across all three budget tiers.
2. Pick your tier -- Be honest about your financial position. We recommend the Realistic tier ($25,000-$35,000) as the sweet spot for most new operators.
3. Start the authority process -- Every day you wait is a day further from generating revenue. The 4-6 week waiting period starts when you submit, so submit first and work on everything else while you wait.
4. Line up your cash flow plan -- Decide whether you will use factoring or self-fund the payment gap, and set up your account before you need it.
5. Build relationships -- Trucking is a relationship business. The brokers, agents, and fellow owner operators you connect with early will be your support network for years.

The startup phase is the hardest part. Once you are through the first 90 days with a working operation and consistent freight, the business gets easier. Not easy -- but easier. Stay disciplined with your finances, take care of your equipment, and deliver every load on time. That is the formula that has worked for thousands of successful owner operators, and it will work for you.