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19 guides
โœ…Compliance

FMCSA MOTUS Checklist: How to Prepare Your USDOT and MC Records

Step-by-step checklist to prepare your carrier records for the FMCSA MOTUS transition โ€” USDOT review, insurance filings, process agent, Login.gov setup, and common mistakes.

10 min readRead guide โ†’
๐Ÿ‘คCompliance

FMCSA Company Official Guide for MOTUS: Who It Is, Why It Matters, How to Fix It

Understand the Company Official role under FMCSA's MOTUS system โ€” who qualifies, how to verify or change your CO, Login.gov requirements, and what happens if the wrong person is listed.

9 min readRead guide โ†’
๐Ÿ”Compliance

FMCSA MOTUS Login.gov Guide: Setup, Verification, and Common Problems

How Login.gov fits into the FMCSA MOTUS rollout, how to set it up correctly, and what to do when verification or account matching goes sideways.

9 min readRead guide โ†’
๐ŸขGetting Started

How to Form an LLC for Your Trucking Company (2026 Guide)

Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC for your trucking business. Entity types, state fees, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.

10 min readRead guide โ†’
๐ŸŒCompliance

IRP Registration & Apportioned Plates: What Every Interstate Carrier Needs to Know

Complete guide to IRP registration: who needs it, base state selection, required docs, fee calculation, timeline, and common mistakes.

10 min readRead guide โ†’
๐ŸงพTax & Compliance

IRS Form 2290: Everything Truckers Need to Know in 2026

Heavy Vehicle Use Tax explained clearly: who files, deadlines, tax rates, Schedule 1, suspended vehicles, and how to avoid penalties.

12 min readRead guide โ†’
๐Ÿ’ธGetting Started

FMCSA Filing Fees in 2026: Every Cost New Carriers Should Expect

A clear breakdown of the FMCSA $300 authority fee, BOC-3, UCR, insurance filings, and the real costs to get active.

8 min readRead guide โ†’
๐ŸงพCompliance

MCS-150 Form Explained: What It Is, When to Update, and How to File

Your MCS-150 is how the FMCSA keeps your company info current. Hereโ€™s what it does, when updates are required, and how to avoid penalties.

9 min readRead guide โ†’
๐Ÿ†”Getting Started

How to Get a USDOT Number in 2026 (Step-by-Step)

USDOT number vs MC number: what you need, when you need it, and how to apply the right way the first time.

10 min readRead guide โ†’
๐ŸงชCompliance

DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing for New Carriers: Requirements and Setup

If you operate a CDL truck, you need a DOT drug & alcohol testing program. Hereโ€™s whatโ€™s required, how to set it up, and common mistakes.

11 min readRead guide โ†’
โœ…Getting Started

New Carrier Checklist: What to Do After You Get MC Authority

Authority approved? Hereโ€™s the post-approval checklist: BOC-3, insurance filings, UCR, drug testing, ELD, broker setup, and staying compliant.

12 min readRead guide โ†’
๐Ÿ•ต๏ธCompliance

BOC-3 Filing Cost in 2026 (and How to Avoid the Scams)

What a BOC-3 should cost, what you actually need, and the common add-ons and subscriptions that waste your money.

7 min readRead guide โ†’
๐ŸงฎCompliance

UCR Fees in 2026: How Much Youโ€™ll Pay (By Fleet Size)

UCR is annual and required for many interstate carriers. Hereโ€™s how the fees work, how to register, and how to avoid penalties.

8 min readRead guide โ†’
๐Ÿ“Compliance

UCR Registration Guide: What It Is, Who Needs It, and How to File

The Unified Carrier Registration is required for every interstate motor carrier. Here's everything you need to know.

6 min readRead guide โ†’
โ›ฝCompliance

IFTA for Truckers: The Complete Guide to Fuel Tax Reporting

If you drive in more than one state, you need IFTA. Here's how it works, how to file, and how to avoid penalties.

7 min readRead guide โ†’
๐Ÿ“ฆGetting Started

What Is a Broker Packet? Everything Owner-Operators Need to Know

Before you haul a single load for a broker, you'll need a broker packet. Here's what goes in it and how to set it up.

6 min readRead guide โ†’
๐Ÿš›Getting Started

How to Get Your MC Authority in 2026: A Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about applying for Motor Carrier authority with the FMCSA โ€” step by step, no jargon.

12 min readRead guide โ†’
๐Ÿ“‹Compliance

BOC-3 Filing Explained: What It Is and Why You Need It

The BOC-3 is one of those things every new carrier needs but nobody explains well. Let's fix that.

5 min readRead guide โ†’
๐Ÿ’ฐBusiness

Real Costs of Starting a Trucking Company in 2026

From authority fees to insurance to your first truck โ€” here's what it actually costs to start a trucking business.

10 min readRead guide โ†’

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Free MOTUS Readiness Check

Is your carrier ready for FMCSA MOTUS?

FMCSA is transitioning all carrier registrations to MOTUS. Take our free 2-minute readiness assessment to find out if your USDOT, MC authority, and Company Official records are set up correctly.

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