The first-year checklist for new trucking companies

Before your first load

• Register in Motus, FMCSA's registration system since May 2026, at motus.dot.gov. New registrants pass an identity check. FMCSA's fee schedule lists $300 for a registration application (49 CFR 360.3); pay any fee only inside Motus, never to a caller. Your USDOT number starts out inactive, and you can't operate until FMCSA tells you in writing that it's active (49 CFR 390.201).
• For-hire carriers: get operating authority. That needs two filings made by other companies on your behalf:
• A BOC-3, which names an agent in each state who can receive legal papers for you. A process agent company files it. FMCSA keeps a list of process agents.
• Proof of insurance, which your insurer files with FMCSA. The minimum liability coverage for general freight in trucks over 10,000 lbs is $750,000; many hazmat loads need $1 million or $5 million (49 CFR 387.9).
• Drug and alcohol testing, if you or your drivers need a CDL. Join a testing program with random testing (a consortium if you drive alone), get each driver a negative pre-employment test, and run a pre-employment Clearinghouse query before their first trip.
• A driver qualification file for each driver, including yourself. See the audit checklist for what goes in it.

Every year

• UCR. Interstate carriers register every year at ucr.gov, with a fee set by how many power units you run. 2027 registration is open now. Other sites charge extra for the same filing.
• Annual vehicle inspections for each truck and trailer, and an annual review of each driver's driving record.
• State filings, depending on your truck. Heavier trucks usually need apportioned (IRP) plates and an IFTA fuel tax account through your home state, and trucks of 55,000 lbs or more owe the federal heavy vehicle use tax (IRS Form 2290). Check with your state's motor carrier office.

Every two years

• The registration update (MCSA-1) in Motus, free (49 CFR 360.3), in a month set by the last two digits of your USDOT number (49 CFR 390.201). FMCSA has paused enforcement for updates due on or after June 1, 2026 while Motus settles in. The deadline lookup shows your month.

In your first 12 months of operating

• The new entrant safety audit. FMCSA or a state agency contacts you by letter or email to schedule it. If you don't agree to it, you can be placed out of service. What the audit checks.

Keep these records

• Hours-of-service records and supporting documents: at least 6 months.
• Vehicle maintenance records: 1 year, and 6 months after a vehicle leaves your fleet.
• Accident register: 3 years, even if it's empty.