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How to start a trucking company in Missouri

Owner-operator, freight, logistics, or delivery business with commercial vehicles.

Recommended structure
LLC
Typical startup cost
$10,000 – $200,000
State
Missouri

Step-by-step

  1. 1
    Form an LLC and get an EIN
  2. 2
    Get a USDOT number and MC authority from FMCSA
  3. 3
    Set up IRP and IFTA accounts
  4. 4
    Get commercial auto + cargo insurance
  5. 5
    File Form 2290 (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax)
  6. 6
    Set up a load board account (DAT, Truckstop) to find freight

Licenses & permits you'll likely need

  • USDOT number (FMCSA)
  • MC operating authority (for interstate)
  • IRP (International Registration Plan)
  • IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement)
  • Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290)
  • State commercial vehicle registration

Exact requirements vary by city and county. Confirm locally before you operate.

Insurance

  • • Commercial auto liability (often $750k-$1M minimum)
  • • Cargo insurance
  • • General liability
  • • Workers' comp (for drivers)

Tax notes

Per-diem deductions, fuel taxes, and depreciation on rigs are huge. Use a CPA who specializes in trucking.

Business banking

Trucking businesses move large amounts of cash through fuel and repairs. Use a bank that supports business debit cards with high daily limits.

Official Missouri filing links

File LLC / Corp with Missouri
Missouri Secretary of State
Search business name
Confirm your name is available
Apply for an EIN (IRS)
Free federal tax ID
See full Missouri resource page

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