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What Does It Cost To Get Your Own Trucking Authority

What Does It Cost To Get Your Own Trucking Authority

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) charges truckers $300 for filing and issuing an operating authority. This fee includes the registration of your USDOT and MC number. Reinstating an existing authority costs $80, and requesting a name change on the paperwork has a meager $14 fee.

Hidden Trucker Expenses When Getting an Operating Authority

Filing an operating authority costs less than $500 in total, but the process comes with several hidden fees, including:

  • Insurance: Your insurance policy varies depending on your operating authority type.
  • Fuel: Many motor carriers offer fuel discounts to their lessees, which are challenging to acquire as a new owner-operator.
  • DAT and Truckstop Subscriptions: The Delivered at Terminal and Truckstop subscription fees can add up to $300 per month.
  • TMS: A standard Transportation Management Software can set your company back by over $10,000.
  • IFTA Filing: Interstate motor carriers need to report their fuel taxes.
  • ELD: The electronic logging device records your trucker’s hours of service and driving time.

Do not blindly jump into getting an operating authority. While owner-operators get to keep 100% of their profits, they also take responsibility for running every aspect of their business. Qualifying for an owner authority is one thing, but becoming an owner-operator is another. 

Reassess your trucking business multiple times before pulling the trigger. Ensure that you have a great network of shippers and brokers, understand what loads you want to take on, and have designated professionals running your different departments.

Did you decide to continue leasing to a motor carrier in the meantime? Let Assured Standard help with your insurance. Check out our piece explaining the insurance requirements on a leased carrier.

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Assured Standard will protect your business with the right insurance, depending on your needs. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to have the right general liability insurance experts on your side. Protecting the future of your business starts today.
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