Starting a trucking company can be an affordable option for businesses looking to get their products or services to market. The cost of starting a trucking company will vary depending on the size and scope of your business, but there are some general costs that you can expect. Here’s E Motor Swest overview of what it costs to start a trucking company.
How much does it cost to start a trucking company?
Commercial Driver’s License It’s possible to operate a truck without a commercial driver’s license, but if you plan on hiring any employees or using your truck for business purposes, you will need a CDL. The cost of the CDL is generally around $300 and includes all fees as well as the cost of studying for and taking the written test. You’ll also need to take a physical and drug screen to obtain the CDL.
Fuel and Highway Use Tax Every trucker in the country must pay a yearly fuel tax of $550 to use the nation’s highways. This is required whether your business uses its own vehicles or employs an outside carrier, which means these costs will need to be built into the cost of business if your trucking company uses less than its own small fleet.
Vehicles Trucks used for commercial purposes generally cost more than similar vehicles with a lower load capacity. The heavier weight of commercial trucks increases the risk on public highways, so these types of vehicles must meet stricter safety and performance standards.
Vehicle Insurance Businesses that operate their own trucking fleets will need to carry general liability insurance as well as cargo insurance. The cost of the policies, which are often written on an annual basis, can vary depending on business type and size; you’ll also need to make sure your policy meets Federal Motor Carrier safety requirements.
Facilities Many trucking companies will lease or purchase a facility for their business to operate out of. The cost of the building and equipment can vary significantly, but a typical lease agreement can be around $5,000 per month.
Marketing Every company needs a way to market its services or products and getting your name out there is particularly important for a startup trucking business. Marketing costs will vary depending on your specific market and strategies but expect to spend several hundred dollars or more on these expenses every month.
How much does it cost to start a trucking company? Safety The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict guidelines that must be met by all commercial carriers, including trucking companies. The cost of maintaining these safety standards can vary widely depending on the size and needs of your business.
About Trucking Companies Trucking companies are businesses that transport goods over land via trucks, trailers, or semi-trucks. These services can be booked with shipping brokers, who act as an agent between truckers and shippers; they receive freight from customers wishing to ship their goods and arrange for truckers to pick up the shipment. Other businesses might operate their own fleet of trucks to transport goods over land, but they may only do so in local or regional areas whereas shipping brokers generally work on longer routes that cover multiple states.
Trucking School Truck driving has become a popular career path, especially for those who don’t have time to go back to school. Many trucking companies will pay for tuition in part or in full if you enroll in an accredited truck driving school. This can be a great incentive that may save you thousands of dollars on your tuition costs.
Trucking Jobs Truck drivers are in high demand across the country, and those jobs can be extremely lucrative. There is a shortage of truckers due to the demanding nature of the job; new truckers must undergo weeks or months of training before they’re ready for on-the-road duty. The average salary for a truck driver is more than $44,000, but this varies by industry and location.
Truck Driver Requirements Every trucking company will have different requirements for its potential drivers. Two of the most important are CDLs (commercial driver’s licenses) and formal training at a truck driving school. Each state has its own licensing requirements that must be fulfilled before applying to trucking companies. Many truck driving jobs require their own advanced training, which can significantly increase your chances of being hired for a commercial driver’s position.
Truck Driver Salary Truck drivers are in high demand across the country, and those jobs can be extremely lucrative. There is a shortage of truckers due to the demanding nature of the job; new truckers must undergo weeks or months of training before they’re ready for on-the-road duty. The average salary for a truck driver is more than $44,000, but this varies by industry and location.
How much does it cost to start a trucking company? Truck Driver Lifestyle Truck drivers are some of the most overworked professionals in America; many work more than 70 hours per week to make ends meet. Long hauls are often rewarded with higher salaries but can take a toll on drivers who spend weeks at a time away from home and family. Some truck driving jobs will prioritize company loyalty over the needs of their employees, so it’s important to find a company that has your best interests in mind.
Is owning a trucking company profitable?
Yes, it can be.
Trucking Company Business Model Most trucking companies follow one of two business models; they either own or lease their own equipment (or both) and then hire their drivers as employees through full-time job positions. The second model works by leasing out trucks and hiring drivers who are responsible for buying their own fuel and truck maintenance.
Trucking Company Costs Owning or leasing a fleet of trucks can be extremely expensive, especially if the company hires employees instead of contracting out drivers as owner/operators. Truck driving can be a risky business because accidents happen frequently, and it costs money to repair or replace goods that are damaged in transit. Insurance premiums for trucking companies can be a huge burden that could put a company out of business.
Buying a Trucking Company If you’re looking to start your own trucking business, it’s important to begin with realistic expectations. It will take years for something like this to grow into a profitable venture and no amount of hard work or determination will erase those start-up costs. If you have a sizable nest egg saved up, then you may want to consider buying a small company that is already established and profitable.
Starting a Trucking Company If it’s truly your passion to own and operate your own trucking business, then go for it! Many truckers dream of one day being their own boss, but the hard work and long hours should not be taken lightly. There are many ways to go about starting a trucking company, but there is no guarantee that it will turn a profit overnight.
Truck Insurance If you plan on leasing or buying your own equipment, then you must have sufficient insurance to cover all your assets in case of damage or an accident. Trucks and trailers are extremely expensive, and it’s critical that you have enough insurance to replace everything in the event of a catastrophe.
Learn more about Truck Insurance If you’re serious about buying commercial trucks for sale, then be sure to read up on trucking insurance options. You can Browse Commercial Truck Insurance Rates (and plans) online and get an estimate of your premium costs. If you want To Save on Your Truck Insurance, then be sure to shop around for the best rates and plans.
How much do trucking companies make?
Average Salary of a Truck Driver The average salary for a truck driver is more than $44,000 per year. However, the range of salaries that are earned by truckers varies widely based on company ownership and location.
Company Ownership vs. Employee Trucker If you’re looking to get into the industry as an independent contractor, then you will most likely be offered either an employee role or the choice to operate as a driver-owner. The job of an owner/operator is often more profitable, but it does carry greater risk and responsibility.
Truck Driver Salary by State Truck drivers can earn significantly higher salaries in states that have a high cost of living, such as California, New York, and Alaska.
Truck Driver Salary by Industry According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top paying industries for truck drivers are as follows:
Livestock Transporting
Refrigerated Warehousing
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
Can I start a trucking company with one truck?
Starting a Trucking Business with One Truck If you’re looking to start your own trucking business, then the first step is deciding how many trucks you need to get the operation off the ground. The more trucks you have, the larger your fleet will be and that may affect insurance rates as well.
Trucking Company Costs The costs associated with starting a trucking company can vary depending on several factors. If you already own the equipment, then you only need to pay for licensing and other administrative fees.
Estimated Trucking Company Start Up Costs $75,000 – $150,000
One of the biggest initial investments is leasing or purchasing trucks that meet the specifications of your chosen career.
In most cases, you will need more than one truck due to the amount of time that they will be out of service for repairs/inspections/registrations
The size of the fleet also determines whether you need employees or if you can opt for an owner/operator business structure.
How much does it cost to start a trucking company? In order to have a successful trucking business, you will also need a variety of support equipment such as dock plates, ramps, and scales so be sure to factor in some extra costs for this equipment too.
Which truck drivers get paid the most?
Truck Driver Salaries by Company In general, truck drivers who transport goods for large companies can expect better pay. Trucks that carry groceries and other retail products tend to haul the goods of major corporations such as Walmart or Target.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee Compensation There are also several variables that may affect how much a trucker earns. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Employee Truckers Make More Money In general, truck drivers who work as employees for a company receive higher salaries than those who operate as independents or owner/operators.
Truck Driver Salary by Job Location and Industry Truck drivers working in locations with a high cost of living, such as Alaska and New York, earn the highest salaries.
Truck Driver Salary by State As a general rule, drivers who transport goods for major corporations tend to earn more than those who haul items for smaller firms. The trucking company you work for can also affect your salary.
Truck Driver Salary by Experience and Years of Service In addition to having a larger fleet, many companies also pay experienced drivers more than those who are brand new.
Job Outlook According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for truck drivers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2012 to 2022. This rate will be much faster than an average occupation due to a growing population and demand for goods.
Employee vs. Owner Operator Truck Drivers
Driver Benefits and Perks Not only is the pay for truck drivers good, but there are also several benefits and perks that come along with this profession, such as access to company provided cell phones and computers.
Insurance benefits Some companies will offer health insurance benefits to employees as well. The type of insurance coverage offered may vary depending on the size and location of your fleet.
Retirement Benefits Employers will also often provide retirement benefits such as matching 401(k) contributions, pension plans, and profit sharing.
The trucking industry is an essential part of the United States economy, moving necessary goods across this great country. Truck drivers are one of the most important factors in this industry, getting goods from one destination to another efficiently and on time.
Truck Driver Salary by Company Size This is not to say that you won’t receive benefits if you’re an independent contractor, because some companies do offer retirement plans or disability insurance.
Top Paying States for Truck Drivers in Alaska, the average annual salary of a truck driver is $77,570.
New York has the second highest paying salaries with an average pay of $72,880 a year.
Rhode Island rounds out the top three with an average salary of $72,860 a year.
The trucking industry is an essential part of the United States economy, moving necessary goods across this great country. Truck drivers are one of the most important factors in this industry, getting goods from one destination to another efficiently and on time.
Is a trucking company a good investment?
Trucking Company Investment
Investing in a trucking business is risky. Even if you have the capital to purchase the trucks, insurance costs are often high.
Purchasing new trucks can set you back hundreds of thousands of dollars, and repairs aren’t cheap either.
Truck Loan Rates Loans for purchasing or leasing trucks or trailers can be difficult to secure and usually require you to make a sizable down payment.
How profitable are trucking companies?
Trucking Company Profitability
According to the American Trucking Association, 58 percent of all for-hire carriers lost money in 2012. Investing in a trucking company is risky. Even if you have the capital to purchase the trucks, insurance costs are often high.
Truck Driver Salary by Years of Experience and Fleet Size With the average salary for a truck driver ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 and only about 50 percent of all drivers employed full time, this is not an occupation that you want to enter unless you’re willing to work hard and really put in the hours.
Job Opportunities Trucking companies will often provide employees with access to company provided computers and phones, which are valuable benefits.
Insurance benefits Some companies will offer health insurance benefits to employees as well. The type of insurance coverage offered may vary depending on the size and location of your fleet.
Retirement Benefits Employers will also often provide retirement benefits such as matching 401(k) contributions, pension plans, and profit sharing. Truck Driver Salary by Years of Experience and Fleet Size With the average salary for a truck driver ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 and only about 50 percent of all drivers employed full time, this is not an occupation that you want to enter into unless you’re willing to work hard and really put in the hours.
Job Opportunities Trucking companies will often provide employees with access to company provided computers and phones, which are valuable benefits.
How much does it cost to start a trucking company? Insurance benefits Some companies will offer health insurance benefits to employees as well. The type of insurance coverage offered may vary depending on the size and location of your fleet.
When is it financially beneficial to hire a full-time driver instead of using an owner operator?
Hire Full-Time Drivers
If you’re running a small to medium sized fleet, hiring full time employees is usually not cost effective.
Owner Operator vs Company Driver The average full time employee costs anywhere from $60,000 to $75,000 per year when all the different benefits are figured into that figure.
>>> See more: How to Start a Trucking Company (How much does it cost to start a trucking company?)
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Owner operators make per mile?
Owner Operator Salary The average owner operator makes anywhere from $.75 to $1 per mile on their truck (not including fuel).
How much does it cost to become a professional truck driver?
Before becoming a commercial truck driver, you must first obtain your Class A CDL by finishing up at least 120 hours of behind the wheel training and passing your driving test.
Can truck drivers work beyond the age of 65?
Trucking Job Outlook According to the United States Department of Labor, the number one job that is going to grow over the next ten years is commercial truck driving.
Working as a Commercial Truck Driver Beyond Age 65 In order to become a commercial truck driver, you must be at least 21 years old.
Do truck drivers get paid per mile or by the hour?
Truck Driver Salary Truck drivers typically make anywhere from $.75 to $1 per mile on their truck (not including fuel).
What is the average salary for a tractor trailer driver in the United States?
The average annual salary for a commercial truck driver in the United States is $40,000 to $50,000.
Truck Driver Salary by Years of Experience and Fleet Size With the average salary for a truck driver ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 and only about 50 percent of all drivers employed full time, this is not an occupation that you want to enter unless you’re willing to work hard and really put in the hours.
Job Opportunities Trucking companies will often provide employees with access to company provided computers and phones, which are valuable benefits.
What do truck drivers need?
Before becoming a commercial truck driver, one must first complete at least 120 hours of behind the wheel training, pass their driving test, have a clean driving record, have no DUI offenses on their record, be at least 21 years old, have no felonies on their record, and pass a DOT physical.
Trucking Company Operating Authority Before an owner operator is allowed to operate a commercial truck on the road, they must be granted operating authority from their state DOT. This is often granted after an inspection of both the driver and the vehicle.
How long does it take to get operating authority?
Before an owner operator is allowed to operate a commercial truck on the road, they must be granted operating authority from their state DOT. This is often granted after an inspection of both the driver and the vehicle. It’s typical for any process involving permits or regulations to take at least 6 months in some cases, so it’s not something that you want to wait on if you’re currently unemployed.
How much do rookie truck drivers make?
Most truck drivers that are employed with trucking companies make anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 each year.
What is the starting pay for a new driver?
As with any job that you apply for, the starting pay will vary from company to company and from location to location.
Do truck drivers get paid by the hour or per mile?
The average full time employee costs anywhere from $60,000 to $75,000 per year when all the different benefits are figured into that figure. Truck Drivers typically make anywhere from $0.75 -$1/mile not including fuel expenses which increases them
Do trucks need special license plates?
Just like all vehicles that are driven on public roadways in the United States, commercial trucks require registration with your state’s DMV office before they can operate legally on roadways.
Is it worth becoming an owner operator?
The number of owner operator jobs available is usually based on how many trucks the company has, the size of the fleet.
How much can an 18 wheeler make?
The amount of money drivers can make per mile is usually based on the number of hours that they work.
Conclusions
How much does it cost to start a trucking company? While it is very easy for any owner operator to get started in the business, there are some costs that they must consider before beginning their commercial truck driving career. This includes the initial purchase of their equipment, permits and licenses, food and grooming supplies, diesel fuel expenses, insurance policies, DOT physicals, medical exams required by law, tolls or anything else associated with operating on roadways.
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