How much does it cost to get started?

One of the first questions clients ask is, “How much capital does it take to start my
own trucking company?” Before we break down the steps to pulling this off, let’s make
sure you understand what it takes financially. We have come up with a realistic
estimate based on financing as well as cash buying. Though numbers may vary
depending on the scope of operation, this will give you a general idea.

Note, our estimates on the following pages are based on purchasing or financing a
used truck and trailer (2-5 years old), as a new truck alone will run you $100,000+ while
doing the same work as a used one.

Continue to page 2…

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Upfront Costs: Financing - $6,650-$8,500 plus any down payments

Financing through your bank or credit union will give you the best interest rate and
lowest monthly payments. This option is recommended for those with good to
excellent credit.

If financing cannot be obtained through a bank or credit union, financing through a

dealership is an alternative. This option is recommended for those with fair credit. The
down payment on dealer financing is typically lower for owner/operators than it is for
someone coming in as an investor.

Upfront Cost Breakdown (Financing)

Item Cost

Truck Down payment, if any

Trailer Down payment, if any

Pre-inspection dealer fee $150-$300

$2,500-$4,000

Insurance down payment Varies based on truck value, CDL holder’s driving
history, and time in business

DOT/MC number application fee $300

$20-$50

BOC-3 form (Blanket of Coverage)

Varies based on processing agent cost.

$1,200

Tags Depending on what month your tags are due, based on

an alphabetic system

Set of IFTA Stickers $3

$69

Unified Carrier Registration For up to to 2 trucks; fee increases as fleet size

increases

Truck signage $100

Load board subscription $99

Tracking device & ELD $150

Yearly tax (2290) $1,200

Truck parking deposit $100-$200

Prepass deposit (tolls) $250

Miscellaneous truck accessories $500

© Good Energy Consultants

All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever other than for internal use without written permission of
Good Energy Consultants.
 Page 3 of 4

Upfront Costs: Cash Buyer - $56,650-$83,500

Upfront Cost Breakdown (Cash Buyer)

Item Cost

$40,000-$60,000

Truck Based on a used truck (2-5 years)

$3,000-$15,000

Trailer Based on a used dry van. Specialty trailers additional.

Pre-inspection dealer fee $150-$300

$2,500-$4,000

Insurance down payment Varies based on truck value, CDL holder’s driving
history, and time in business.

DOT/MC number application fee $300

$20-$50

BOC-3 form (Blanket of Coverage)

Varies based on processing agent cost.

$1,200

Tags Depending on what month your tags are due, based on

an alphabetic system

Set of IFTA Stickers $3

$69

Unified Carrier Registration For up to to 2 trucks; fee increases as fleet size

increases

Truck signage $100

Load board subscription $99

Tracking device & ELD $150

Yearly tax (2290) $1,200

Truck parking deposit $100-$200

Prepass deposit (tolls) $250

Miscellaneous truck accessories $500

© Good Energy Consultants

All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever other than for internal use without written permission of
Good Energy Consultants.
 Page 4 of 4

Business Expenses
There are two types of ongoing business expenses: fixed and variable. A fixed cost
stays the same each month while a variable cost changes. Here’s a list of business
expenses associated with operating a trucking company:

Fixed Costs: Variable Costs:

• Truck payment (if applicable)
• Fuel

• Trailer payment (if applicable)

• Fuel Tax

• Tags
• Maintenance / Repairs

• Unified Carrier Registration

• Office Expenses

• Yearly Tax (2290)

• Tolls (if applicable)

• Insurance
• Payroll

• Load board
• Misc. Expenses

• Tracking device

Assess your financial situation and credit and pick which avenue works best for you.
Now let’s get into the steps to starting your own trucking company!

© Good Energy Consultants

All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever other than for internal use without written permission of
Good Energy Consultants.