Trucking Startup Cost Calculator
How much does it really cost to start a trucking company? Configure your setup — new vs used truck, equipment type, own authority vs lease-on — and get a complete cost breakdown with cash reserve recommendations.
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O TruckingFree Trucking Startup Cost Calculator
Configure Your Setup
Authority & Filing Fees
One-time costs to establish your motor carrier authority
FMCSA registration
Required for MC authority
Annual federal registration
Free with state application
Truck & Equipment
Used Dry Van — one-time down payments and deposits
Used trucks: $10,000-$25,000 down
Lease deposit: $3,000-$5,000
Insurance
Monthly premiums for your own authority
$1,000-$1,500/mo typical
$100-$200/mo typical
$200-$400/mo depending on truck value
Other Startup Costs
Essential tools, subscriptions, and compliance
One-time purchase
DAT, Truckstop, etc.
Most fuel cards are free
$50-$75/year
Startup Cost Summary
One-Time Costs
$19,526
Authority + truck + equipment
Monthly Recurring
$1,800
Insurance + subscriptions
Monthly Burn Rate
$1,805
All monthly costs combined
3-Month Reserve
$5,415
Recommended cash reserve
Grand Total to Get Started
$24,941
One-time costs + 3 months of operating expenses
Cost Breakdown
Total
$24,941
Detailed Cost Table
One-Time Costs
Monthly Recurring
Annual
Why 3 months of reserves?
Brokers typically pay Net 30-45 days. You need cash to cover fuel, insurance, and truck payments while waiting for your first settlements. Running out of cash is the #1 reason new trucking businesses fail in the first year.
Planning Your Trucking Startup
Starting a trucking business is one of the most accessible paths to business ownership in America — but underestimating costs is the fastest way to fail. The difference between drivers who make it and those who don't often comes down to one thing: having enough cash to survive the first 90 days.
Own Authority vs Lease-On: Quick Comparison
Own Authority
- +Higher revenue per mile
- +Full control over loads
- +Build your own brand
- −$50,000-$200,000+ startup
- −Handle all compliance
- −Higher insurance costs
Lease-On
- +$10,000-$30,000 startup
- +Carrier handles authority
- +Group insurance rates
- −Lower per-mile earnings
- −Less load control
- −Carrier takes percentage
The 90-Day Cash Rule
Most loads pay on Net 30-45 terms. Here's what that means for a new carrier:
Week 1-2
Haul first loads. Zero income.
Week 3-4
Invoices sent. Still waiting.
Week 5-6
First payments trickle in.
Week 8-12
Steady cash flow begins.
During weeks 1-6, you need cash to cover fuel, insurance, truck payments, and living expenses. This is why 3 months of reserves is the minimum recommendation.
Tip: If you're short on startup cash, consider freight factoring. Factoring companies advance 90-95% of your invoice value within 24 hours, so you don't have to wait 30-45 days for payment. The fee is typically 2-5% of the invoice — a small price for reliable cash flow when you're just getting started.
FAQ
How much does it cost to start a trucking company?▼
Can I start a trucking company with no money?▼
Own authority vs lease-on — which is better?▼
How much cash reserve should I have?▼
Ready to Start Your Trucking Business?
Our dispatch team helps new carriers find loads, negotiate rates, and build consistent revenue from day one — so you can focus on driving while we handle the business side.