Now is the perfect time to consider becoming an owner-operator. Here are many of the start-up costs to become a trucking owner-operator.
Costs are based on 1 truck as the amount of trucks you have effects some but not all of the below costs.
CDL License Renewal and Endorsement
About $450
This fee is state dependent and if you need a new CDL the fees will be significantly higher.
Get more information about this and other licenses and permits from our blog post Financial Considerations for Starting Your Own Trucking Business: Part 2 – Secure the appropriate licenses and permits.
US DOT Number
$300
Get more information about this and other licenses and permits from our blog post Financial Considerations for Starting Your Own Trucking Business: Part 2 – Secure the appropriate licenses and permits.
Authority to Operate (MC Number)
$300
Get more information about this and other licenses and permits from our blog post Financial Considerations for Starting Your Own Trucking Business: Part 2 – Secure the appropriate licenses and permits.
IRP Plates
$500 – $3,000
This fee is per truck.
Get more information about this and other licenses and permits from our blog post Financial Considerations for Starting Your Own Trucking Business: Part 2 – Secure the appropriate licenses and permits.
Heavy Vehicle Tax & Permit
$100 – $600
This fee is per truck.
Get more information about this and other licenses and permits from our blog post Financial Considerations for Starting Your Own Trucking Business: Part 2 – Secure the appropriate licenses and permits.
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
$69+
This fee is for up to two vehicles.
Get more information about this and other licenses and permits from our blog post Financial Considerations for Starting Your Own Trucking Business: Part 2 – Secure the appropriate licenses and permits.
Other State Taxes and Authorities
About $500
These fees are going to be per truck.
Get more information about this and other licenses and permits from our blog post Financial Considerations for Starting Your Own Trucking Business: Part 2 – Secure the appropriate licenses and permits.
Insurance
Averages $8,000 – 14,000
This fee is per truck.
Get more information about obtaining insurance from out blog post Financial Considerations for Starting Your Own Trucking Business: Part 3 – Obtaining insurance.
Truck
$45,000 – $175,000
Down payment could be $1,000 – $10,000.
Get more information about acquiring the equipment you need from our blog post Financial Considerations for Starting Your Own Trucking Business: Part 1 Acquiring Equipment.
Trailer (if needed)
$25,000 – $50,000
Get more information about acquiring the equipment you need from our blog post Financial Considerations for Starting Your Own Trucking Business: Part 1 Acquiring Equipment.
Business Registration
Up to $500
Varies by state.
Marketing
About $5,000
This will be for your website, business cards, etc.
Load Board
$35 – $150
Some financing partners such as Tetra Capital who offers freight bill factoring will help match you with loads for no additional cost.
