How to Write a Business Plan for Your New Trucking Company

📊 Thinking about starting a trucking company? Don’t hit the road without a plan. This article shows you how to write a trucking business plan step-by-step — including sections on costs, services, and financial projections.

CDL2CEO

8/27/20251 min read

a truck with a business plan for a business plan
a truck with a business plan for a business plan

Starting a trucking company is exciting, but without a solid business plan, even the best idea can fail. A clear plan not only keeps you organized but also helps secure financing, attract partners, and set measurable goals.

Here’s how to build a trucking business plan that works in 2025.

Why You Need a Business Plan

  • Keeps your startup process structured.

  • Helps banks, investors, and factoring companies trust your vision.

  • Guides you through expenses, compliance, and revenue targets.

Key Sections of a Trucking Business Plan

Executive Summary

  • Mission statement: Why your company exists.

  • Vision: Where you see the business in 3–5 years.

  • Quick snapshot of financial goals.

Company Overview

  • Business structure (LLC, corporation).

  • Founders and management team.

  • Services offered (dry van, reefer, drayage, regional, OTR).

Market Analysis

  • Target customers: brokers, shippers, niche freight (food, building materials, etc.).

  • Competitor analysis: who you’re up against in your region.

  • Market trends: demand for regional freight, e-commerce growth, driver shortages.

Services & Operations

  • Equipment owned/leased.

  • Operating area (regional, local, OTR).

  • Compliance plan: DOT, FMCSA, safety programs.

Marketing & Sales Plan

  • Website, email, and SEO strategy.

  • Networking with brokers and direct shippers.

  • Differentiators: reliability, niche specialization, 24/7 availability.

Financial Projections

  • Startup costs (authority, insurance, truck/trailer, working capital).

  • Revenue goals for year 1–3.

  • Expense estimates (fuel, maintenance, insurance, compliance).

  • Break-even point analysis.

Tools to Make Planning Easier

  • Use templates (like the CDL2CEO Business Plan Template) to save time.

  • Lean on accounting software like QuickBooks or trucking-specific tools.

  • Revisit your plan quarterly to stay on track.

Final Thoughts

A strong business plan is the roadmap to long-term success in trucking. Whether you’re aiming to run one truck or grow a small fleet, writing your plan upfront will save you time, money, and stress.

👉 Want a plug-and-play editable plan? Get the Trucking Authority Toolkit by CDL2CEO — complete with a ready-made business plan template you can fill in today.