Foley Carrier Services

How to Start a Trucking Company Without Losing Your Mind

Wondering how to start a trucking company? Start with DOT compliance requirements. Learn more and find out how Foley can help.

By Foley Compliance Team · DOT Compliance Specialists · Updated April 2026

How to Start a Trucking Company Without Losing Your Mind

Starting a new trucking business can be exciting. For over three decades, we've shown New Entrants how to get DOT compliant while growing a successful business.

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New entrant trucking compliance
Trucking compliance

Trucking Compliance That Will Help You Thrive

As a new motor carrier, you have a lot to look forward to: The promise of a growing industry, the independence of owning your own business, and the freedom of the open road. There are also a lot of regulations you must meet and that starts with the permits, registrations, and DOT compliance programs you need to operate legally.

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Featured Article

Trucking Compliance That Will Help You Thrive

As a new motor carrier, you have a lot to look forward to: The promise of a growing industry, the independence of owning your own business, and the freedom of the open road. There are also a lot of regulations you must meet and that starts with the permits, registrations, and DOT compliance programs you need to operate legally.

Learn More >>
Owner operator guide

Your One-Stop Shop for DOT Compliance

1
Get Necessary DOT Permits & Registrations

Having the correct DOT permits and registrations is one of the first steps to operating a legal trucking company. You need a DOT number, Authority to Operate (MC number), BOC-3 (Blanket of Coverage), Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)and that's just the beginning. We'll decipher the acronyms, help you file everything correctly and on time, and answer your questions you have along the way.

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2
Prepare for Your New Entrant Safety Audit

You'll undergo a DOT safety audit within the first 12 months of operating a new trucking business to demonstrate that you're meeting all federal safety and compliance requirements. If you fail, the DOT could revoke your DOT number and place your operations out of service. Work with us, and well help you pass.

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3
Purchase Commercial Insurance

New entrants often have trouble finding insurance coverage or knowing how much is sufficient in the eyes of the DOT. At Foley, we have a vast network of reputable insurance providers to help you find the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

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4
Get a Handle on ELDs & Hours of Service

The FMCSA hours-of-service (HOS) rules help truck drivers operate their vehicles safely by avoiding excessive fatigue. We'll explain how long you can drive, when you must take time off, and how long to rest along with what to know about electronic logging devices (ELDs).

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Featured Article

The only way to know you're in full DOT compliance is by working with a partner like Foley. But remember, not all compliance partners are created equal. Here's how we're different.

How to Become an Owner-Operator Truck Driver in 2025

How to Become an Owner-Operator Truck Driver in 2025

Learn how to become an owner-operator truck driver in 2025 with this Foley guide. Get tips on a trucking business plan, staying DOT-compliant, and more.

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Unmatched Industry Expertise

Unmatched Industry Expertise

We've worked in the transportation industry for over thirty years. No one knows DOT compliance better than us. In fact, one of our customers called the FMCSA safety inspector who performed their audit and asked who to use for DOT compliance. The inspector said Foley was "hands down" the company to work with.

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Dedicated Support Team

Dedicated Support Team

Our goal isn't for you to simply buy products from us and call it a day. We're relationship-driven, not transaction-driven. Why? Because successful businesses are built on successful relationships. We WANT our customers to succeed in this highly competitive, incredibly tough industry.

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One DOT Compliance Partner

One DOT Compliance Partner

No more working with one vendor for driver files, another for drug testing, and still another for MVRs. We handle it all and counsel you along the way, ensuring that your filings are done correctly and on time, enrolling you in the programs you need to operate legally, and managing everything on a go-forward basis.

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Take the guesswork out of managing compliance.
Foley’s Dash platform handles drug testing, driver files, MVR monitoring, and Clearinghouse management — all in one dashboard.
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