This covers a typical interstate for-hire carrier hauling general freight. Hazmat, passengers, household goods and carriers that stay in one state have different or extra rules.
- Form the business. Set up your LLC or corporation and get an EIN from the IRS. Your legal name must match everywhere from here on. LLC guide
- Apply for your USDOT and MC. Both come through Motus, the registration system FMCSA moved to in 2026. For-hire interstate carriers need operating authority (an MC number) as well as the USDOT number. How to get an MC number
- Name a process agent (BOC-3). A BOC-3 filing names someone in each state to accept legal papers for you. FMCSA won't activate your authority without it.
- Buy insurance and have the BMC-91 filed. Your insurer files proof of liability with FMCSA: at least $750,000 for for-hire general freight. Brokers and shippers usually ask for $1,000,000 plus cargo. Your authority stays inactive until the filing is on record. Liability guide
- Join a drug and alcohol program. CDL drivers need pre-employment testing and a random testing program, and carriers must register with FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Owner-operators have to join a consortium.
- Register for UCR. Unified Carrier Registration is an annual fee based on fleet size, paid through your base state's program.
- Set up IRP plates and IFTA. Apportioned plates and fuel tax decals, if you run in more than one state. IFTA guide
- File the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. IRS Form 2290 applies to trucks with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 lb or more.
- Mark your truck and build your files. Display your legal name and USDOT number on the truck. Keep driver qualification files, annual inspections and hours-of-service records (ELD) from day one. ELD guide
After you start running
- New entrant safety audit: FMCSA audits new carriers within their first 12 months. Missing paperwork is the usual reason carriers fail.
- MCS-150: update it every 2 years, or your USDOT number can be deactivated.
- Keep your insurance from lapsing: if your filing is cancelled, your authority can be revoked.
A general guide, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm requirements with FMCSA.