What is an LLC?

LLC stands for limited liability company.

It’s a common business structure for those in the trucking industry. It establishes the business entity itself and the business owner as two completely separate legal entities. This setup means that any business assets—like the trucking fleet—are not considered personal property, by law.

It’s a different structure than sole proprietorship, another common choice for new trucking businesses. Sole proprietors own and manage their fleets, meaning their fleets are both business and personal assets.

Many people prefer LLCs over sole proprietorships for their credibility and liability protections. Compared to sole proprietorships, however, they have more complex legal requirements, like extra paperwork and tax filings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Get an LLC

1. Start Planning

Your LLC will need a solid foundation: a robust business plan. Outline everything here, including your business name, business structure, funding sources, projected costs and earnings, and more. The more detailed you are at this stage, the less overwhelming every following step will be.

2. Find a Registered Agent

Extra paperwork is unavoidable with LLCs. LLCs need to file BOC-3 forms with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); you’ll need a BOC-3 process agent for this step.

The official FMCSA site lists available agents that can assist you at this stage in business setup.

3. Get & File LLC Formation Documents

You’ll need to gather a few documents to get your LLC started.

While exact documents needed will vary by state and exactly what your business looks like, you will generally need the following:

• Articles of Organization
• LLC operating agreement
• Annual report
• Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report

You’ll need to file all applicable documents with your state’s Secretary of State office.

4. Get Your EIN

Next you’ll need an EIN, or employer identification number, from the IRS.

5. Establish Your Finances

Now’s the time to set up your finances and get a business bank account. It’s best to explore your options, as different banks may offer different benefits for your business.

6. More Paperwork

With your business created, tax information set up, and bank accounts established, it’s time to get the appropriate licenses, permits, and insurance.

As a new LLC business owner, you will likely need the following (if you don’t already have them):

• Your trucking fleet
• General liability insurance
• Valid Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Appropriate endorsements for your freight
• Appropriate business licenses
• International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) license(s) and decal(s) for most vehicles
• Appropriate truck insurance, which can include commercial auto liability insurance and cargo insurance
• An International Registration Plan (IRP) tag if you plan to travel between the United States and Canada
• Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) filing for those travel across state or national lines
• USDOT number/business registration with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Operating authority/docket numbers
• FMCSA-compliant electronic logging device

As of 2025, long-haul truck drivers in the United States do not need MC numbers.

7. Find Work

Now that you’re all set up, it is time to find work.

Load boards are great places to find competitive opportunities and get paid in a timely fashion.

8. Pay Taxes

LLC paperwork doesn’t start and stop with initial filing. Federal law requires self-employed individuals, like owner-operators, to file tax returns and IFTA reporting on a quarterly basis. LLC owners may also be subject to this requirement.

As a truck business owner, you may need to file not just federal and state income taxes, but also franchise taxes, property taxes, employee taxes, excise taxes, the Federal Highway Use Tax (FHUT), and Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT).

Trucking LLC FAQs

How much is an LLC for a trucking company?

Filing fees for trucking LLCs can be as little as $50 or upwards of a few hundred dollars; it primarily depends on the state in which you’re located.

How much does it cost to start a trucking company?

Expect to pay at least $10,000 to start a trucking company. Filing fees, getting appropriate licenses and endorsements, hiring employees, and obtaining a fleet can all quickly add to business expenses.

What liability risk do truck drivers face?

Truck drivers can face serious penalties for not maintaining their vehicle properly and driving negligently. Owner-operators can also face liability for accidents caused due to driver negligence, failure to properly maintain fleets, and failure to properly train employees.

Why should you form an LLC for a trucking company?

Many consider LLCs to be more credible business structures compared to sole proprietorships. It also offers enhanced liability protections compared to sole proprietorships.

How can your trucking company save money?

Costs don’t stop at startup. Fuel and vehicle maintenance are massive expenses for trucking LLCs, especially startups and small businesses. There is a way to lighten this load, though: the right fuel card.

Trucker fuel cards help owner-operators do more than save money at the pump. They also offer perks like discounts on tires, maintenance, and car washes; fraud protection; spending controls; and more. When partnering with Motor Transport Alliance, it gets even easier. No annual fees. No annual contracts. Minimal paperwork.

Contact us Motor Transport Alliance to learn more about saving big after getting your LLC for a trucking business.

Disclaimers: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice, real or implied. Readers are responsible for ensuring complete compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.