Starting a hot shot trucking business can be challenging, but with careful planning and the right steps, you can get on the road to success.

First, you need to consider two important factors: health and insurance. Ensuring that you have a clean bill of health and affordable insurance is crucial before starting your own LLC. Unexpectedly high premiums or setbacks can blindside you if you are not prepared.

To begin, you must obtain your Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card by scheduling a physical examination from an FMCSA-approved medical examiner. The examination will cover your medical history, vision, hearing, and urine tests. If you pass and receive your DOT medical certificate, you can operate commercial vehicles for 24 months. Remember to renew your certificate by undergoing another physical exam after the initial 24-month period.

Next, it's advisable to obtain a commercial insurance test quote from Progressive. This will give you an idea of the insurance premiums you can expect based on your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Having this information is crucial as high insurance costs can significantly impact your profits. Based on your driving experience and history, you can determine whether it's more practical to open your own trucking LLC or lease on with another company. Leasing on can be a cost-effective option for new drivers, especially if insurance premiums are high. However, if you have more experience and favorable insurance premiums, starting your own LLC may be the way to go.

Once you have sorted out health and insurance matters, the next step is to open a business through your state's website. This process will grant you an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which enables you to open a business bank account and receive payments from customers. You will also need to apply with FMCSA for a motor carrier or MC number (operating authority) to operate across state lines. Don't forget to designate legal BOC-3 agents who will represent you in the states where you operate.

Keep in mind that obtaining commercial insurance is a significant requirement for activating your MC number. Typically, brokers require $1 million liability and $100,000 cargo insurance policies. The cost of these policies can vary based on your experience, age, and state of residence, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per month.

Finally, remember that the process of starting a hot shot trucking business will take several weeks, so be prepared for the necessary time commitment.

We offer full trucking authority packages to make the launching of your trucking company business go more smoothly. The Department of Transportation regulates safety so doing it right in the begging is very important.

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