Trucking startup costs include the truck and trailer (bought, financed or leased), insurance down payments, authority and registration fees, IRP plates, heavy vehicle use tax, ELD and software, drug testing enrollment, permits, a fuel card, initial maintenance and working capital, because brokers often pay in thirty days or more unless you factor invoices.
Itemized budget
| Line | What it covers | How to get the number |
|---|---|---|
| Truck | Purchase, down payment or lease | Dealer quotes, inspection |
| Trailer | Dry van, reefer, flatbed | Dealer or lease quotes |
| Insurance | Liability, cargo, physical damage | Agent quotes for new authority |
| Registrations | USDOT, MC, UCR, IRP, IFTA | Agency fee schedules |
| Heavy vehicle use tax | Form 2290 | IRS schedule by weight |
| ELD and software | Logging, dispatch, invoicing | Monthly plans |
| Drug testing program | Consortium and tests | Provider quote |
| Maintenance reserve | Tires, brakes, repairs | Per-mile reserve you set |
| Working capital | Fuel and costs before payment | Cash flow projection |
| Website | Authority info, equipment, contact | From $399 plus $30/month Website Care |
Worked example: cost per mile
Andre adds his fixed monthly costs (truck payment, insurance, permits, software, phone) and estimates monthly miles. Dividing gives fixed cost per mile. He adds variable costs per mile: fuel, maintenance reserve, tires and tolls. Adding his own pay per mile gives the minimum rate he needs. When a broker offers a load, he compares the rate, including the empty miles to reach it, against that number instead of guessing.
Costs that surprise new carriers
- Deadhead miles to reach loads
- Detention time not paid
- Factoring fees
- Repairs on the road
- Higher insurance for new authorities
Costs that surprise new carriers
- Insurance down payments
- Tire replacement
- Tolls
- Truck downtime
- Factoring fees
One-time costs
| Item | Your quote |
|---|---|
| Equipment | $ ______ |
| Authority and filings | $ ______ |
| Software | $ ______ |
| Website build and domain | $ ______ |
Monthly costs
| Item | Your quote |
|---|---|
| Fuel | $ ______ / month |
| Insurance | $ ______ / month |
| Maintenance | $ ______ / month |
| Payroll | $ ______ / month |
| Software | $ ______ / month |
| Website care | $ ______ / month |
Free tools
Common questions
What is the biggest cost?
Fuel and the truck payment, followed by insurance, which is often high for new authorities.
Should I factor invoices?
Factoring speeds cash flow for a fee. Read terms carefully, including recourse.
Lease or buy?
Compare total costs, maintenance responsibility and terms.
How much working capital do I need?
Enough to cover fuel and costs until payments arrive; build a projection.
Should I budget for insurance increases?
New authorities often pay more; plan for premiums and down payments.
Should I start with a box truck?
Box trucks cost less and may not need a CDL depending on weight; rates and lanes differ.
Sources
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
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