Why Texas Leads in New Trucking Companies
Texas has more new trucking company formations than any other state. The combination of the largest freight market, no state income tax, non-mandatory workers compensation, and proximity to the Mexican border creates ideal startup conditions. The flip side: competition is fierce, and cutting corners on insurance or compliance will end your authority before you build momentum.
Step 1: Form Your Business Entity
Register with the Texas Secretary of State. Most carriers choose an LLC for liability protection. Filing fee: 300 dollars. Timeline: 1-3 business days online. Get your EIN from the IRS — free, immediate online.
Step 2: Get Your USDOT Number
Every commercial motor vehicle operating interstate or carrying hazmat must have a USDOT number. Apply through the FMCSA portal. Cost: Free. Timeline: Immediate online.
Step 3: Apply for Operating Authority (MC Number)
For-hire carriers need operating authority. File Form OP-1 with FMCSA. Cost: 300 dollars. Timeline: 20-25 business days.
Step 4: Get Insurance
Insurance must be in place before FMCSA activates your authority.
| Coverage | Minimum | RMS Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Liability | 750,000 (federal interstate) | 1,000,000 CSL |
| Cargo | Not federally required | 100,000 (broker standard) |
| Physical Damage | Not required | Required if financed |
| Workers Comp | Not required in Texas | Recommended |
Insurance Filings
- BMC-91 or BMC-91X: Proof of financial responsibility filed with FMCSA
- BOC-3: Designation of process agents (about 30-50 dollars)
- Form E: Texas intrastate insurance filing through eLINC
:::tip New authority carriers pay higher premiums for the first 2 years. A clean CSA record and zero claims will bring rates down significantly by year 3. RMS specializes in new authority placements — call (208) 800-0640. :::
Step 5: Texas State Registration (Intrastate)
Register with TxDMV through the eLINC portal for CMVs over 26,000 lbs GVWR.
| Type | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Day | 7 days | Temporary operations |
| 90-Day | 90 days | Short-term contracts |
| 1-Year | 12 months | Standard operations |
| 2-Year | 24 months | Established carriers, best value |
Step 6: IFTA Registration
Free license and decals through the Texas Comptroller. Required if entering Texas 5 or more times per calendar year. Quarterly returns.
Step 7: IRP Registration
International Registration Plan through TxDMV. Cost based on percentage of miles driven in each state.
Step 8: UCR Registration
| Fleet Size | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| 0-2 vehicles | 176 |
| 3-5 vehicles | 525 |
| 6-20 vehicles | 1,048 |
2026 UCR enforcement began January 1, 2026.
Step 9: Drug and Alcohol Testing
Pre-employment test required before any driver operates a CMV. Random testing: 50 percent of drivers annually. Consortium enrollment required for owner-operators. Cost: 100-200 per year per driver.
Before Your First Load: Checklist
- Business entity registered
- EIN obtained
- USDOT number active
- MC number approved
- Insurance in place
- BMC-91/91X and BOC-3 filed
- Form E filed through eLINC
- TxDMV state registration
- IFTA license and decals
- IRP registration
- UCR registration current
- Drug testing consortium enrolled
- Toll tag purchased
- ELD installed
Timeline: Application to First Load
| Step | Duration | Running Total |
|---|---|---|
| Business formation | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| USDOT number | Immediate | 1-3 days |
| MC number application | 20-25 days | 21-28 days |
| Insurance placement | 3-7 days | 24-35 days |
| FMCSA authority activation | 1-3 days | 25-38 days |
| State registrations | 1-5 days | 26-43 days |
| First load eligible | 4-6 weeks |
For Texas trucking insurance quotes for new authorities, call RMS at (208) 800-0640.
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