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How to start a trucking company in Texas

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

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

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 Texas filing links

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

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