In your first 90 days, confirm your authority, insurance and BOC-3 are active with FMCSA, pay UCR, join a drug and alcohol testing program and the Clearinghouse, set up ELD, IFTA, IRP and factoring, book loads with brokers who accept new carriers, and keep records ready for the new entrant safety audit.
Week 1: Make sure you're legal to roll
- Check your status in FMCSA's Motus system: authority active, insurance on file, BOC-3 on file
- Pay your UCR for the current year
- Enroll in a drug and alcohol testing program and complete a pre-employment test
- Register in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and run your queries
- Install a registered ELD and learn its basics before your first load
Weeks 2 to 4: Set up the business side
- Open IFTA and IRP accounts if you run interstate and qualify
- Set up factoring if you need cash faster than 30 to 45 day broker terms
- Build a carrier packet: authority letter, W-9, certificate of insurance and Notice of Assignment
- Know your break-even rate. Our cost per mile guide shows how.
Months 1 to 3: Build your history
Many brokers wait until an authority has some age before working with it. In the meantime, focus on brokers who accept new carriers, and run every load clean: on-time, with good communication and no claims. Each good load opens more doors.
Keep your files organized from day one: driver qualification file, hours of service records, drug test results and maintenance records. FMCSA reviews these during the new entrant safety audit in your first months.
Don't do it alone
Rich Hauler helps new carriers with authority setup, compliance and dispatch for new authorities.