Trucking is the backbone of the U.S. economy, moving more than 70% of all freight across the country. A lot of business owners want to know how to start a trucking company because it lets them get into a field that is in high demand and has the potential to make money for a long time. But the way to get there isn’t as easy as just buying a truck and hitting the road.
You’re in the right place if you’re not sure where to start. This guide gives you 15 proven steps to start a trucking company in 2025, along with useful advice on how to go from idea to operation, whether you’re starting small, expanding an owner-operator setup, or even looking into how to start a trucking company with no money.
This is a question that many new business owners ask. Every company needs to budget for a few basic costs, but the exact amounts depend on where they are, how big their fleet is, and what kinds of freight they carry.
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (Per Truck) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permits & Licenses | $300 – $1,000 | DOT/MC numbers, IFTA, BOC-3 |
| Insurance | $8,000 – $12,000/year | Required before operating |
| New Truck | $100,000+ | Long-term equity |
| Used Truck | $40,000 – $70,000 | Lower upfront |
| Leasing | $1,500 – $3,000/month | Lower initial cost |
| ELD (Electronic Log Device) | $500 – $1,000/device | Federal compliance |
| Fuel (annual) | $50,000 – $70,000+ | Largest ongoing expense |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $15,000 – $20,000/year | Preventive saves costs |
As e-commerce, manufacturing, and global trade grow, so does the need for trucking services. Over the next ten years, freight volume is expected to steadily rise, which will give new carriers a steady stream of work.
Even though starting a trucking company can be expensive, steady demand means that well-run trucking businesses can often make money quickly. Owner-operators and small fleets can make a lot of money by getting long-term freight contracts.
You can be independent and make your own business decisions when you own a trucking company. You can start with just one truck and build up to a fleet over time. This gives you more freedom, more money, and the ability to grow at your own pace.
Here are 15 simple steps to help you start your trucking business in 2025.
You need to make a clear trucking business plan is the first step in starting a trucking business. You should include in this plan the kinds of freight you want to move, like local deliveries, long-haul routes, or specialty loads like hazardous goods or refrigerated goods. By figuring out your niche, you can find customers and figure out what equipment you need.
Getting a CDL is one of the most important things you need to do to start a trucking business. You will need to sign up for a trucking school or community college training program if you want to drive.
If you want to jump onto the next step, you need to register your business official with the state. Pick a name for your business and make sure it’s available. A unique business name helps people remember your brand and makes it easier to get customers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is where you need to go to get trucking authority so you can drive legally. If you aim to launch a trucking business and transport cargo between states, this is one of the essential steps you must take.
The next step in starting a trucking business is to get the licenses and permits you need to run your business legally. A very important thing to do is to sign up for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). This makes sure that you pay and report fuel taxes when you drive between states. This makes it easier to follow the rules, especially if you plan to cross state lines a lot.
One of the most important things to do when starting a trucking business is to decide if you want to buy or lease your trucks. Leasing usually costs less up front, which makes it easier for new carriers to get started. But if you buy the property outright or get a loan, you will own it and build equity over time.
You need to get your business insured before you start moving freight. You need at least primary liability insurance, which protects you from accidents that hurt or kill other people. Physical damage coverage protects your trucks and trailers from theft, fire, or accidents, while cargo coverage protects the things you move.
Once your trucking business is up and running, it’s important to know how to handle your money well. You need to open a bank account for your business first.
It can be expensive to start a trucking business, so you often need to get money to do it. Many business owners look into getting SBA loans, regular bank loans, or financing for their trucks and trailers. You might also be able to get grants, depending on where you live and what kind of business you run.
Hire drivers and support staff. If you want to grow your trucking business beyond owner-operator status, hiring drivers and support staff is one of the most important things you can do. Start by hiring drivers who have a CDL and a clean safety record and meet federal standards. A structured hiring process makes sure you hire qualified people who can represent your business well.
Following the rules is very important for running a successful trucking business. Following Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules that limit the number of hours drivers can work is one of the most important things you need to do to start a trucking company. These rules keep people safe and stop accidents that happen when people are tired.
If you are starting our the trucking business, you need to find out the freight as it is very important in thiss business. Load boards are websites where brokers and shippers can list loads that are ready to be picked up.
To establish a sustainable trucking company, you must ensure timely deliveries, maintain communication with your clients, and offer excellent service. Carriers are more inclined to collaborate with shippers and brokers when expectations are consistently met.
Fuel represents one of the largest continuous expenses for carriers, making it crucial to minimize costs when launching a trucking business. A method to reduce expenses is utilizing fuel cards that provide discounts and monitor your expenditures. These cards help keep track of cash flow and give you detailed reports for tax purposes.
Tools for optimizing routes can also help you use less gas. You can save money and speed up delivery times by planning efficient routes, avoiding traffic jams, and cutting down on empty miles. Trucks need regular maintenance to make them fuel and cost efficient in the long run.
The last step to making a business successful is to plan for growth. Once your business is stable, you should think about getting more trucks and routes so you can make more money. Getting into specialty freight, like refrigerated goods, dangerous materials, or big loads, can also lead to better-paying jobs.
Plans for growing your fleet should be part of your trucking business plan. This will make sure you have the drivers, money, and systems you need to grow. Many carriers reinvest their profits to grow slowly instead of going too far too soon.
Starting a trucking business is one thing, but keeping it going for a long time is another. To stay ahead in this field, you should pay attention to the following:
Preventive maintenance keeps things running smoothly, makes them safer, and uses less fuel. You could end up with costly breakdowns on the road if you don’t do this.
Use GPS systems and route optimization software to cut down on empty miles. This will help you save money on gas, which is one of your biggest ongoing costs.
Reliable deliveries, open communication, and regular communication lead to repeat business and referrals. It’s easier to rely less on load boards when things are stable.
Add trucks and drivers slowly, and use the money you make to grow. Make sure that every growth fits with your trucking business plan so you don’t spend too much money.
You will need to make a lot of plans, follow the rules, and put a lot of money down if you want to start a trucking business in 2025. But the benefits can be great. There is still a lot of demand for freight, which means that there are more opportunities than ever for business owners who are willing to work hard. With guidance from Hethub, making a good trucking business plan, following all the rules for starting a trucking company, and being smart with your money can help you be successful in the long run.
Start with one truck, get your CDL (or hire a licensed driver), register your business, get trucking authority, and set aside money for insurance and other costs. Many business owners start with one truck and then add more trucks over time.
Owner-operators who have specialized freight (like hazardous materials or oversized loads), high-value contracts, and more than one truck can make this much money. But it takes a lot of money, experience, and good business management to do it.
To make money, you need to keep costs down and trucks on the road. Companies that are well-run often make 10 to 20% profit margins. Trucking can be very profitable if you have steady freight and good cost control.
Yes, trucking is a good way to make money because there is always a lot of demand for freight. Even though the costs of starting a business are high, disciplined business owners can create a stable and scalable business that makes money.
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