How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Own Trucking Authority in 2025?

Wondering how much it costs to start your trucking company with your own authority? This 2025 breakdown covers MC number fees, insurance, BOC-3, UCR, IFTA, IRP, and startup expenses every new carrier should expect.

CDL2CEO

8/22/20251 min read

One of the most common questions aspiring owner-operators ask is:
“How much does it cost to get trucking authority?”

The answer depends on several factors, but in this article we’ll break down the mandatory FMCSA fees, insurance requirements, registration costs, and real-world startup expenses so you can budget with confidence.

FMCSA Application Fees

  • MC Number: $300 (non-refundable, paid online via FMCSA)

  • USDOT Number: Free, but required with MC number

  • Processing time: 21 days before activation

Insurance Costs

Insurance is the biggest expense in getting authority.

  • Liability Insurance: $750,000 minimum (brokers typically want $1M)

  • Cargo Insurance: $100,000 standard

  • Typical monthly premiums: $1,200–$2,500 (depends on experience, equipment, credit)

👉 New entrants usually pay the higher end until they build a track record.

BOC-3 Filing

  • Designates a process agent in each state

  • Cost: $20–50 (one-time filing through a service)

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

  • Annual fee based on fleet size

  • 1–2 trucks = $47/year

IFTA & IRP Registration

If you run interstate:

  • IFTA (fuel tax reporting): ~$0–$50 depending on your state

  • IRP (apportioned plates): $1,500–$2,000 annually depending on state & weight

Other Startup Expenses

  • ELD (Electronic Logging Device): $400–$800 + monthly service $20–40/truck

  • Drug & Alcohol Consortium: $100–200/year

  • Business Formation (LLC, etc.): $100–$300 depending on your state

  • Factoring Setup (optional): usually free, small % fee per invoice

Total Estimated Startup Costs (2025)

  • Low end: ~$6,000 (very lean operation)

  • High end: $12,000–$15,000 (with higher insurance & multi-state registration)

Tips to Save Money

  • Shop around for insurance brokers who specialize in new entrants

  • Consider starting with local/regional lanes to reduce premiums

  • Join a safety/mentorship program (sometimes lowers insurance costs)

  • Keep your credit clean — it directly impacts insurance rates

Conclusion

Getting your trucking authority isn’t cheap — but it’s an investment in freedom and long-term profits. With the right budget and preparation, you can launch your own authority in 2025 without costly surprises.

👉 Next Step: Download the Trucking Authority Toolkit for a complete startup checklist and budgeting worksheet.