How to Start an Intrastate Trucking Business in Ohio

Intrastate trucking companies serve a variety of industries in Ohio.

According to the Ohio Trucking Association, trucking companies in the state move freight for about 20,000 manufacturing companies, transport goods to nearly 60,000 retail stores and stock around 25,000 wholesalers. Some 5,000 agricultural businesses receive goods from and ship products to market through trucking companies. With so much commercial activity going on in the state, Ohio can be the ideal home base for a new trucking company that plans to operate within the state's borders.

Instructions

1. Write a business plan. You may be convinced that you have a good, solid idea for a new trucking operation that will succeed in Ohio. However, before rushing into business, take the time to test your idea on paper by writing a business plan. Take care in estimating the start-up capital you will need and be careful in selecting your market niche. Instead of developing a number of customers, you may want to act as the transportation division for an established company.

2. Incorporate your business. Contact the Ohio Secretary of State to confirm the availability of your proposed company name and to complete the incorporation process. Your attorney can advise you on the feasibility of forming a corporation or a limited liability company. The Secretary of State's website offers a free booklet, "Guide to Starting a Corporation in Ohio," which may be useful.

3. Register all vehicles. Due to safety concerns that have developed over decades of commercial trucking, many federal and state regulations have come into being. You and your attorney will have to be sure that your new firm complies with all applicable regulations. These include those covering commercial driver's licenses, vehicle registration, fuel permits and ongoing driver training.

4. Invest in good communications. If your vehicles will be operating statewide, you may want to subscribe to a fuel-price-monitoring service and buy a communication system that will enable the company to advise drivers where to stop for refueling. Fuel prices change constantly, and tracking the best prices can lead to significant savings.

5. Join the Ohio Trucking Association (OTA). Review the OTA's services and decide whether they will be useful to you. Associations like the OTA can be helpful in monitoring industry changes and keeping up with state legislative matters that could impact your business.

Tips & Warnings

• Enlist the services of an attorney and accountant who have experience in the trucking industry.

References

• Bplans.com: General Freight Trucking Business Plan
• Ohio.gov: Commercial Driver License
• DOT.gov: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Resources

• Ohio Secretary of State
• Ohio Trucking Association