Start a Trucking Company: USDOT, MC Authority, State Permits, IFTA, IRP, and Form 2290

Open Trucking Company is powered by Sky Transport Solutions. It is the dedicated startup brand. STS remains the site for carriers who are already operating.

Anyone opening a trucking company: first-time owner-operators, drivers going independent, and new entities that need USDOT, MC, BOC-3, and state permits in the right order.

Most new interstate carriers need a USDOT number, MC authority, BOC-3 process agent, and proof of insurance. Depending on where you haul you may also need state permits, IFTA, IRP plates, IRS Form 2290 for trucks 55,000 lbs GVW and above, and a DOT drug testing program.

Maybe. Interstate for-hire operations usually need MC authority even with one truck. Intrastate-only carriers may need a state number instead, such as a TxDMV number in Texas. We confirm which filing you need before you spend money on the wrong one.

A BOC-3 designates process agents in every state so legal papers can be served on your motor carrier. FMCSA requires it for most new MC authority applicants.

Not always. IFTA and IRP apply when you run qualified vehicles across state lines and need fuel tax and apportioned plates. Start with the filings that unlock your first loads, then add IFTA, IRP, and Form 2290 as you grow.

USDOT registration is often faster than MC authority. MC authority also requires insurance filings and a BOC-3, so the full grant can take weeks. Filing in the right order avoids rework that delays the grant.

Yes. Use the form below or call (800) 498-9820. Offices are in Tracy, California and Lewisville, Texas. To begin the startup workflow, go to opentruckingcompany.com.

Stay on Sky Transport Solutions for Form 2290, IFTA, IRP, Texas TxMCCS, and ongoing compliance. Open Trucking Company is built for launch.

A USDOT number identifies your motor carrier with FMCSA. An MC number is operating authority to haul for-hire across state lines. Many new interstate carriers need both. Intrastate-only work may need a state number instead of MC authority.

Yes for most MC grants. FMCSA typically requires proof of liability insurance and, when cargo applies, cargo filings. Timing insurance with the BOC-3 and MC application is how new carriers avoid a stalled grant.

Yes. Headquarters is 121 E 11th St, Tracy, CA 95376. California startups often need USDOT, MC if interstate, a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP/CA#), and later IFTA, IRP, and Form 2290.

Yes. The Texas branch at 650 S Edmonds Ln, Lewisville, TX 75067 helps with USDOT, MC, TxDMV numbers for intrastate work, and TxMCCS accounts. Interstate Texas carriers usually still need federal MC authority.

If you operate as a motor carrier in California, you often need a Motor Carrier Permit in addition to federal filings. Whether you need it on day one depends on where the trucks actually run.

After interstate authority, FMCSA places most new carriers in the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program. You must keep records, follow hours-of-service and drug testing rules, and pass a safety audit.

Most interstate carriers must register under Unified Carrier Registration. It is separate from USDOT, MC, IFTA, and IRP. Include it at launch, then renew with Sky Transport Solutions.

Form the LLC or corporation first, then apply for an Employer Identification Number with the IRS. You typically need the EIN before insurance, USDOT, MC, and tax accounts.

Yes. Many owner-operators start with one truck. You still need the right authority for your lanes, and Form 2290 still applies if the truck is 55,000 lbs GVW or more.