How to Start a Trucking Company Business

You can buy a truck outright from a dealership or other trucking company that is getting a new fleet of trucks. A good used truck will have around 500,000 miles. If maintained properly, they can drive up to a million miles. You can also lease a truck from a bigger trucking company like JB Hunt, Schneider or Swift. You can lease on with this company for loads as an owner-operator or hire a broker to find loads for you.

Things You'll Need

• Truck
• CDL
• Trailer
• 3 Years Experience
• Permits for every state you drive through
• Federal Tax ID
• Form 2290
• Comprehensive Insurance
• Bobtail Insurance
• Freight Insurance
• Pre-Pass

Instructions

Buy Your Truck and Trailer

1. Contact your local truck dealers for Freightliner, Kenworth, International, Peterbuilt, Mac, and Volvo. Freightliners are popular for being economical and being easy to find a repair shop for over the road. Peterbuilts are know for their looks.

2. Decide what's most important to you in a truck. Do you need a sleeper, a long- or short-haul truck, a light truck, a heavy-duty truck, or a sliding fifth wheel? Luxuries in a truck would be a kitchen table, a fridge and deluxe seats.

3. Trailers are sold by a different dealer. You may be able to find a used one at Schneider 's or Dart's lot. They can run from anywhere between $2,000 to $50,000. Reefer units cost more and is another diesel engine to maintain.

Getting Loads

1. There are many brokers to choose from. Start with a broker who's been in business for at least five years. Reputable companies pay you right away.

2. For a quicker start, lease your loads with a bigger trucking company. Loads are offered to you, and if you agree to the terms, deliver the load. If you don't deliver on time, you may be fined.

3. Secure your load every time. If there's a problem with your load and it was something you caused, there will generally be a penalty.

Records and Bookkeeping

1. Keep all your receipts, even if you do not think they are deductible. Though you get a per diem, you can still deduct your repair and maintenance expenses.

2. Keep records of your loads to make sure you get paid. You may get paid weekly or every time the load is completed and submitted.

3. File your records and keep them for 10 years. Federal law requires 10 years' worth of records for trucking companies versus five years for other businesses.

Tips & Warnings

• 1. The heavier the load, the more it pays.

• 2. Get a GPS system in case you are given incorrect directions.

• 3. Always keep cash handy for tolls. If you run out and there are no ATMs around, you may have to backtrack several hundred miles.

• 1. Read your contract thoroughly. If you quit your contract, you may be fined.

• 2. When returning a leased truck, do the walk-around with the mechanic. Ask all your questions at this time because you may be charged for something you didn't expect.

• 3. Don't drink more energy drinks then what's recommended on the can. It may take up to a week before your system is back to normal.

References

• "Schneider National": Become an owner-operator for Schneider.
• "Dart Transit": Become an owner-operator for Dart.
• "JB Hunt": Be an independent contractor for JB Hunt.

Resources

• "Des Moines Truck Brokers, INC": Company history of DMTB.
• "NFI Transportation Brokerage": NFI company facts.