Thinking about starting your own trucking business in Texas?
Good move. Texas is one of the busiest freight states in the country—and going independent means bigger checks, more control, and the freedom to haul your way.
But before you hit the road, there’s paperwork to get done. Skip the wrong step and you could end up sidelined before your first load.
Here are the 5 steps every trucker needs to get right when starting out:
1. Form Your Business (LLC or Corporation)
Don’t start with your truck—start with your business.
Most owner-ops go with an LLC to protect their personal assets and look legit when working with brokers and shippers.
Texas makes it easy to file, but it still has to be done right—especially if you want to save on taxes later on.
Tip: Don’t forget your EIN from the IRS. That’s like a Social Security number for your business
2. Get Your DOT Number
This is like your ID with the FMCSA. If you’re driving a truck over 10,000 lbs and hauling for hire, you need it.
Even if you only plan to haul within Texas, it’s required.
Already bought a truck? You can’t legally move loads without this.
3. Apply for MC Authority (If You’re Crossing State Lines)
Planning to haul loads across state lines?
You’ll need your Motor Carrier Authority.
This gives you permission to operate as a for-hire carrier in interstate commerce. Without it, you’re not getting loads from most brokers.
Don’t forget: You’ll also need a BOC-3 and to enroll in a Drug & Alcohol Consortium to stay compliant.
4. Handle Texas State-Specific Filings
Texas has its own set of rules.
If you’re running commercial freight, you’ll likely need a TXDMV Certificate (Texas Motor Carrier Registration) and maybe Apportioned Plates (IRP) if you’re crossing state lines.
Confused? You’re not alone—Texas compliance trips up a lot of new carriers. We help truckers with this every week.
5. Stay on Top of Ongoing Compliance
Getting started is just the beginning.
You’ll need to file things like:
- UCR registration (every year)
- HVUT (2290 Tax) if your truck is over 55,000 lbs
- Biennial MCS-150 Updates
- IFTA fuel tax reports
- Driver Qualification Files, even if you’re the only driver
And that’s just the start. DOT can audit you any time, especially in your first year.
Want to Skip the Headaches? Let Us Handle It.
At WP Agency, we help truckers across Texas get legal, stay legal, and focus on what matters—hauling and making money.
Whether you’re brand new or switching from lease-on to authority, we’ve got your back.
Need help getting started?Shoot us a message or give us a call.We’ll handle the paperwork—you focus on the road.