How to Get Your Own Trucking Authority in Texas

Starting a trucking company in Texas can be complex — but with the right partner, it doesn't have to be. We've helped hundreds of Texas carriers start and grow successful trucking companies. Here's exactly what it takes.

Step 1: Form Your Business Entity

Before anything else, form your business. We recommend a Texas LLC for most small carriers:

LLC protects your personal assets from lawsuits against your company
Can save you money on taxes compared to a sole proprietorship
Required by many brokers and shippers before they'll work with you
EIN (Employer Identification Number) setup — included FREE with our packages
Texas Taxpayer Number — included FREE with our packages

Already have a DBA? We can help transfer your trucking authority to a new LLC.

Step 2: Get Your USDOT Number

All commercial carriers must obtain a USDOT number. This form must be updated every two years. We complete the 10-page MCS-150 application and ensure zero errors — because small mistakes can affect your insurance rates and DOT audits for years.

Learn more about USDOT numbers →

Step 3: Get Your MC Number (Interstate Carriers)

Before hauling interstate loads, you must obtain an MC number. This application is several pages long. Our team saves you time and ensures accuracy.

Interstate Timeline: Minimum 21 Days

FMCSA mandates a 21-day waiting period after filing before your MC authority becomes active. Plan accordingly — and don't let errors extend this further.

Learn more about MC numbers →

Step 4: File Your BOC-3

All truckers for hire must file a BOC-3 form with the FMCSA before authority will be issued. BOC-3 designates process agents (legal representatives) in every state where you operate. We file this immediately after your MC number.

Step 5: Get Insurance on File

Carriers must obtain Liability and Cargo insurance. You have 2 weeks after your MC/USDOT filing to get insurance on file or risk delays. We connect you with our partnered insurance carriers who understand new trucking authorities.

Recommended: $1,000,000 liability + $100,000 cargo
After 60 days without insurance: authority may be dismissed
After 1 year without insurance: must restart from scratch and repay all fees

Learn more about trucking insurance →

Step 6: TxDMV Number (Texas-Only Carriers)

If you pick up and deliver loads only within Texas, you need a TxDMV number instead of (or in addition to) an MC number. This is state-level authority issued by the Texas DMV.

Learn more about TxDMV numbers →

Additional Permits You May Need

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UCR Registration: Unified Carrier Registration — required for interstate carriers. Annual filing.

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IFTA Registration: International Fuel Tax Agreement — required if you cross state lines. Quarterly filings.

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IRP Apportioned Plates: Required for interstate travel. Allows you to pay registration fees across multiple states.

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KY Weight Distance Number: Required if your truck exceeds 59,999 lbs traveling in Kentucky.

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NY HUT Permit: New York Highway Use Tax — required for commercial vehicles over 18,000 lbs in NY.

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NM Weight Distance: Required for commercial vehicles over 26,000 lbs traveling in New Mexico.

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Drug Consortium Setup: FMCSA requires a drug & alcohol testing program for all commercial drivers.

How Long Does It Take?

Texas Intrastate Only

As fast as 1 week if you provide required info quickly.

Interstate (MC Authority)

Minimum 21 days due to mandatory FMCSA waiting period.

Most New Trucking Companies Make Mistakes

Errors on permit applications lead to costly fines, audit failures, and revoked authority. Our team has helped hundreds of Texas carriers start right — with zero mistakes from day one.

FAQ for Trucking Authority & Permits

Texas Truck Permits has helped 100’s of Texas trucking companies start and grow successful trucking companies over the years. Most new Texas trucking companies make mistakes on the permits process when starting their trucking companies. With our guidance and expertise, we help you eliminate these mistakes so that you save time and money. Making mistakes on permit applications or not acquiring the necessary permits can lead to costly fines, failure of audits, and can result in your trucking authority being revoked.

No, we can start filing for your trucking authority and some of the permits without a truck. However, in order to make most of the permits active, we need insurance on file with the FMCSA which would require you to have a truck.

You don’t need to have a minimum amount of trucks to start. You can start with as little as 1 truck. In fact, most trucking companies are 1-6 sized trucking companies, mostly composed of 1 truck owner operators! We specialize in serving owner operators and small trucking companies.

We always support and encourage truckers to go out on their own. You have more freedom over your schedule, better pay, and your only boss is YOU! However, you should have some savings before you start and make sure you have the right partners in place before you start such as factoring, dispatch, insurance, and other necessary services(which we can help you with). When you lease on, the company may require you to still get some trucking permits such as a LLC or USDOT number.

Starting your Texas trucking authority can be as quick as 1 week to a minimum of 21 days depending on your operations type and required permits. If you’re looking to be a Texas intrastate trucking company only, we can finish all your permits in as quick as a week. If you’re a Texas interstate carrier, you have to wait at least 21 days as mandated by the FMCSA. Keep in mind, we finish permits filings quickly, but many permit activations are contingent on you getting your insurance on time.