There are many steps required for starting a trucking company, including obtaining a truck, registering with the USDOT, and getting your LLC and federal tax ID number. If you wish to operate as an interstate company, you will need to register with the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR), apply for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), sign up for the International Registration Plan (IRP), and obtain the proper state permits.
In addition to the many legal steps required to remain compliant with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you may also need to sign up with a factoring company to get paid quickly or work with a dispatcher/load board to start booking loads. This can begin once you receive your operating authority letter.