Carrier Launch KitGuides for new carriers
Every rule cited to 49 CFR or an official agency page. Last checked October 20, 2026.
What to Do After Getting Your MC Authority: The First 90 Days Checklist
Just got your FMCSA operating authority? Here's what to do next: insurance, BOC-3, UCR, drug testing, DQ files, ELD, IFTA/IRP and audit prep, with citations to 49 CFR.
New Entrant Safety Audit Checklist (2026): The 16 Automatic-Failure Items and What to Have Ready
A new entrant safety audit checklist built from 49 CFR 385: what auditors review, all 16 automatic-failure violations, the documents to upload, and what happens if you fail.
UCR Registration: Due Date, 2026 and 2027 Fees, and What New Carriers Need to Know
When is UCR due? Before January 1 of each registration year. See the 2026 and 2027 UCR fee brackets ($46 to $55 for 0–2 trucks), who must register, and first-year tips.
What Is a BOC-3? Process Agents Explained for New Carriers
A BOC-3 designates process agents in every state where you operate. Learn who can file it, blanket companies, whether it expires, and how it affects your FMCSA authority.
Insurance Requirements for New Trucking Authority: Federal Minimums, Filings and Cancellation Rules
FMCSA insurance requirements for new authority: $750,000 for most for-hire property carriers, $300,000 under 10,001 lb, higher for hazmat. Learn how BMC-91X filings and cancellations work.
MCS-150 Biennial Update: When It's Due and How to Find Your Month
Every carrier must update its MCS-150 every 24 months, even with no changes. Find your filing month and year from your USDOT number, what it costs, and what happens if you miss it.
Form 2290 for New Trucking Companies: Due Dates, EIN and Schedule 1
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290) for new carriers: who files, the first-use due date rule, the 2026–27 due-date table, the EIN requirement, and why you need a stamped Schedule 1.
Drug and Alcohol Testing for New Owner-Operators: Consortium, Clearinghouse and DER
How a new owner-operator sets up a DOT drug and alcohol program: join a consortium, name a DER, register in the Clearinghouse, run queries, get a pre-employment test, and meet 2026 random rates.
Driver Qualification File Checklist for New Carriers (49 CFR 391.51)
What goes in a DOT driver qualification (DQ) file: application, MVRs, road test or CDL equivalent, medical certificate, annual review, investigation history file, and how long to keep each.
IFTA and IRP for New Carriers: Who Needs Them, Deadlines and Records
Do you need IFTA and IRP? The qualified-vehicle test, IFTA quarterly due dates, decals, IRP apportioned plates and cab cards, trip permits, and the records an auditor expects.