Just got your authority? Here's your roadmap.
From your USDOT number to your first load, here's exactly what a brand-new carrier needs to get legal, get covered, and get rolling — rewritten for FMCSA's new Motus registration system.
What changed in 2026: FMCSA Motus
New carriers now register for their USDOT number and MC operating authority through Motus at motus.dot.gov, replacing the old registration portal. You'll create a Login.gov account and verify your identity, and the “Company Official” must be the owner or an internal employee — not a third-party filing service. Full details in Step 1.
Get Your Authority & Permits
Before you can haul for hire across state lines, you need federal operating authority and a handful of registrations. As of 2026, most of this now runs through Motus, FMCSA's new registration system.
- USDOT Number — required for every carrier. Apply at motus.dot.gov; use FMCSA's USDOT Wizard if you're unsure what you need.
- Operating Authority (MC Number) — required to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines. You apply for it alongside your USDOT number in Motus (MC numbers are still issued).
- Login.gov & identity verification — Motus uses Login.gov to verify identity. The Company Official must be you (the owner) or an internal employee — not a third-party filing service.
- BOC-3 filing — designates a process agent in every state you operate; filed through a blanket company, now routed through Motus.
- UCR — Unified Carrier Registration for interstate carriers, renewed annually.
- IRP & IFTA — apportioned plates and fuel-tax registration through your base state (handled at the state level, not in Motus).
- Insurance filing (BMC-91X) — your insurer files proof of liability with FMCSA. Your authority isn't active until this is done.
Choose the Right Insurance Coverage
Federal law and your brokers both require specific coverages. Here's the stack a brand-new carrier needs — and the limits to expect.
- Commercial Auto Liability — required. $750,000 is the federal minimum, but most brokers require $1,000,000.
- Motor Truck Cargo — covers the freight in your care; brokers typically require at least $100,000.
- Physical Damage — repairs or replaces your own truck and trailer; required by lenders if your equipment is financed.
- Truckers General Liability — premises-based coverage for incidents at your yard, a dock, or a customer's site.
- Workers' Comp / Occupational Accident — covers you and your drivers if someone is hurt on the job.
Build a Safety & Compliance Program
Your safety record directly drives your insurance premium and your CSA scores. Start strong and it pays off at every renewal.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) — required for Hours-of-Service compliance. Providers like Motive and Samsara are common starting points.
- Dash cams & telematics — monitor driving, defend against fraudulent claims, and often earn carrier credits.
- Preventive maintenance & inspections — catch problems before they become breakdowns or CSA violations.
- Driver qualification & the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse — keep DQ files, MVRs, and testing current.
- A written driver safety program — with regular training and clear expectations.
Manage Your Operating Costs
Trucking runs on thin margins. Get cash flow and costs under control from day one.
- Fuel — can be nearly 40% of operating costs. Use fuel cards, optimize routes, and hold steady speeds.
- Maintenance reserves — set aside funds for oil changes, tires, and inspections to avoid surprise repairs.
- Insurance — work with a trucking specialist to avoid coverage gaps and overpaying.
- Cash flow & factoring — factoring gives you fast access to cash so you can cover fuel and payroll while invoices are outstanding.
- Technology — GPS tracking, route optimization, load boards, and a TMS reduce waste and boost profit.
Build a Reliable Client Base
Consistent loads pay the bills. Mix your freight sources so you're never sitting empty.
- Load boards — platforms like DAT help you find freight fast (with more competition). New customers get 10% off the DAT load board through us.
- Freight brokers — steady loads for a percentage; build relationships with reliable brokers.
- Direct shipper contracts — higher margins and steadier cash flow over time.
- Outstanding service — on-time delivery, good communication, and professionalism earn repeat business.
- Diversify your freight — mix dry van, reefer, and flatbed to reduce downtime.
- A Transportation Management System (TMS) — automates load tracking, billing, and dispatch.
Stay Informed on Regulations & Trends
The rules and the market move fast — especially right now, with Motus reshaping registration. Stay ahead.
- Follow FMCSA updates — most importantly the Motus rollout and your biennial MCS-150 updates.
- Join industry associations — the ATA and your state trucking association are good starts.
- Watch market trends — freight demand, fuel prices, and rate swings all hit your bottom line.
- Stay ahead of equipment & emissions standards — evolving rules can affect what you buy and run.
Partner with a Trusted Insurance Provider
The right agency does far more than sell you a policy — they file your authority, shop 30+ A-rated markets, and stand with you at renewal and in a claim.
Marquee Insurance Group is a trucking-only agency. We help brand-new carriers get legal, get covered, and get rolling — then keep supporting you through certificates, policy changes, and claims from one place.
Built for carriers, start to scale
30+ A-rated carrier partners
We shop your risk across 30+ markets to find the right coverage at the right price.
Competitive rates & flexible payment plans
Options that fit a new carrier's cash flow.
Dedicated onboarding & support
Teams that exclusively serve trucking clients — no generalists.
24/7 client portal
Pull COIs and request policy changes any time.
The network behind your launch
The carriers, tech, and service partners we bring to new carriers.
Load-board perk: new carriers get 10% off the DAT load board through Marquee.
Ready to get your authority rolling?
Tell us about your operation and we'll file your authority, shop 30+ A-rated markets, and get you covered so you can start hauling.