START TRUCKING

Everything you need to get legal, get professional, and get ready to book freight.

Stop paying for mentorships and courses just to learn the basics.

Most of the setup can be understood and completed yourself. FreightLink will show you what to do, what is actually required, and what you should have ready before you book your first load.

What is required for your operation depends on your truck, weight, CDL status, states traveled, and type of freight.

0 of 8 steps complete

First — Don't Make These Mistakes

Don't jump into trucking and file for an MC number without doing these things first.

  1. 1

    Never send your Social Security number to anyone

    Use only your EIN on W-9 forms. Brokers, factoring companies and setup sites never need your SSN on a W-9.

  2. 2

    Get a business phone number BEFORE you file

    As soon as you apply for your MC, your number goes public and you will get a flood of calls from scammers trying to get you to pay for things you can do yourself for free. They are scammers. A separate business number keeps them off your personal phone. Changing it later also means updating FMCSA, insurance, brokers and every packet.

  3. 3

    Set up a business email domain BEFORE you file

    Example: dispatch@yourcompany.com. Most scammers in trucking don't have a real domain, so having one makes your business look professional and trustworthy to brokers. Start with it so you never have to change it with brokers and FMCSA.

  4. 4

    Create an official business email signature

    Once you start sending emails, every one should end with your logo, your name and title, your business name, business address and phone number.

  5. 5

    Form your business and get your EIN first

    Your MC authority, insurance and bank account should all be in the same business name from day one.

  6. 6

    Choose your business address carefully

    Insurance is much more expensive in some states, so make sure the state you live in is where you really want to run your business from. Some carriers use a garage address in a state with cheaper insurance. If you do that, make sure you understand how to do it legally: the truck must actually be garaged there, and misstating your garaging address to an insurer can void your coverage. Changing addresses later also means updating FMCSA, insurance, IRS and every broker.

  7. 7

    Get insurance quotes BEFORE you file

    Know what insurance will cost before your authority clock starts.

  8. 8

    Never share your FMCSA login, PIN or bank info by phone

    FMCSA will not call you to sell anything. Hang up on anyone asking.

Why this matters: Brokers and insurance companies want to see a real, organized business.

STEP 8

READY TO HAUL?

0 of 19 ready

Business Ready

Authority Ready

Compliance Ready

Truck Ready

Office Ready

Load Ready

If these are not ready, do not start booking freight yet. Finish the checklist first.

Porter Freight Funding

FREIGHTLINK PARTNER

FreightLink partners with Porter for factoring (getting paid on invoices fast). Use this link so they know FreightLink sent you.

Open The Porter Form

Got your authority? Use this same account. No new sign-up needed.

I HAVE MY MC/DOT — START MY CARRIER APPLICATION

Coming soon: FreightLink training and help getting your MC number.