THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO STARTING YOUR TRUCKING BUSINESS
Your roadmap to success without the headaches, delays, or costly mistakes.
Who Starts a Trucking Business?
You're not here to waste time behind a desk or let mistakes drain your profits. Whether it's a dream years in the making or your first step as an owner-operator, we know the challenges ahead—and we eliminate the roadblocks.
Dreaming of independence, bigger paychecks, and running your trucking career on your terms? Don't let compliance be the thing that stops you.
Step 1: Protect Yourself from Industry Predators
The trucking industry attracts scammers looking to prey on new business owners. Don't become their next victim:
❌ "Compliance Specialists" Expecting Payment
"A 'representative from DOT' calls, saying they were assigned to your account and need to verify your information. They ask for payment of $500 to save your compliance." Sound familiar? The FMCSA NEVER assigns compliance specialists to your account. It's a scam—don't let them con you out of your hard-earned money.
⏰ False Urgency Tactics
"Act NOW or lose your authority FOREVER!" Countdown timers and panic-inducing deadlines are manipulation tactics. No legitimate service uses artificial pressure—they're just rushing you into making expensive mistakes.
💰 Grossly Overpriced Filing Services
Did you know some "services" charge hundreds of dollars of annual fees and add-ons for a $29 form? Too many truckers find out too late. One owner called us after paying $1,250 for BOC-3.
📄 Hidden Fee Providers
"Just $99 to start"—then come the "annual fees," "expediting charges," and "per state add-ons." Some companies will charge per document, per state, per vehicle, per driver, etc.
We don't do that. We charge a flat fee for the entire process.
Step 2: Your Perfect Business Path
Every trucking operation has unique needs and opportunities. Choose your business type below to see exactly what you need—and what pitfalls to avoid:
Box Truck / Sprinter Van / Hotshot Operators
The perfect entry point with lower startup costs and plenty of profitable opportunities.
Freight Brokers
Connect shippers with carriers without owning trucks—lower overhead, higher profit potential.
Semi-Truck Operators
Full-sized fleet operations with the highest revenue potential and interstate hauling capabilities.
Step 3: Every New Trucking Company Needs
1. File a BOC-3
Everyone must file the BOC-3. This essential form assigns a process agent to represent your company legally. It's required before you can hit the road.
What is a BOC-3?
A BOC-3 (Blanket of Coverage) is a federal requirement that designates legal representatives (process agents) in every state where you operate. These agents can accept legal documents on your behalf if needed.
Why you need it:
- Required by the FMCSA before getting your operating authority
- Ensures you can be properly served legal documents in any state
- Protects your business by maintaining proper legal compliance
2. Get Insured
Before your authority activates, you need proper coverage to protect your investment:
- Liability Insurance — Shields your business if your vehicle causes property damage or injury
- Cargo Insurance — Protects the freight you're hauling from damage or loss
- Physical Damage Insurance — Ensures your vehicle can be repaired or replaced after accidents
3. Register Under UCR
Operating across state lines? You need Unified Carrier Registration. Don't risk hefty fines for missing this step.
4. Join a Drug & Alcohol Consortium
Meeting federal testing requirements isn't optional — it's mandatory. Without proper enrollment, you risk immediate shutdown and penalties up to $10,000.
Answers to Your Burning Questions
How much does a BOC-3 really cost?
Just $29 with us. The dirty industry secret? Some companies charge over $500 for the exact same filing—don't fall for it. The BOC-3 is a simple but required document that designates process agents in each state where you operate. Anyone charging hundreds is profiting from your lack of information.
Do I need a Drug Consortium, even if I'm an owner-operator?
Yes—it's not optional. Federal regulations require all CDL holders operating commercial vehicles over 26,000 GVRW OR 15 or more passengers to be enrolled in a testing program.
We've seen drivers shut down and fined up to $10,000 for this single oversight. Our program keeps you compliant without the inflated costs.
How long does it take to get my authority?
Typically 3-4 weeks from application to activation. The FMCSA has a mandatory 21-day waiting period that no one can bypass—but proper paperwork submission prevents unnecessary delays that plague unprepared applicants. Our clients consistently get their authorities activated without the extended delays others experience.
Partner With a Company That Puts You First
Starting a trucking business shouldn't mean drowning in paperwork or falling victim to overpriced services. At Coast to Coast Consortium LLC, we take care of the compliance maze so you can focus on what actually matters — building your business and hitting the road.
Our transparent, no-nonsense services include:
- BOC-3 Filing: $29 flat fee — while others charge up to $500 for the exact same filing
- Drug & Alcohol Consortium: Starting at $95/year with no surprise testing fees or hidden charges
- Invoice Factoring: Improve cash flow by accessing invoice payments immediately. We partner with a factoring company that has your best interest in mind.
- Biennial Updates: We will ensure your application is accurate and up to date to prevent fines.
- Insurance and Surety Bonds Quotes: Competitive quotes from trusted industry providers who won't price-gouge you
- UCR, IRP, and IFTA filings: Step-by-step guidance that eliminates confusion and prevents costly mistakes
I used these guys for my BOC-3 and they are great. Fast, courteous service with awesome communication. My last BOC-3 provider was a joke. They don't even answer their phones. Don't waste your time going anywhere else. Coast 2 Coast does it right!
Your trucking dream shouldn't get derailed by paperwork chaos or overpriced scams.
Start Your Journey Now — Call us at (605) 306-3336
or email info@consortiumc2c.com