How to Start a Trucking Company in California
What does it cost to start a trucking company in California?
A California trucking company files $70 LLC articles with the Secretary of State, owes an $800 minimum franchise tax each year, gets a free USDOT number and $300 MC authority, and registers IRP through the DMV. Intrastate for-hire work also needs a CA number and Motor Carrier Permit, and most heavy-duty trucks must meet CARB Clean Truck Check reporting.
Last verified by ELD Hub.
Register now, activate the day your MC clears
FMCSA requires an ELD from your first mile under authority. Set it up while you wait — $15 per truck per month, no contract, cancel anytime.
4 quick steps — personal details, company info, billing, done. About 2 minutes.
California entity and registration facts
- LLC formation fee
- $70 articles of organization, plus $20 statement of information
- Ongoing state cost
- $800 minimum franchise tax every year
- IRP / IFTA office
- California DMV Motor Carrier Services
- Intrastate authority
- Intrastate for-hire carriers need a CA number and a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) from the DMV, in addition to federal authority.
What is different about launching in California
The $800 franchise tax changes the math
Every California LLC owes an $800 minimum franchise tax annually regardless of profit. Budget it from year one.
CARB Clean Truck Check
California requires periodic emissions compliance reporting for most heavy-duty vehicles operating in the state, including out-of-state trucks.
MCP is the intrastate gate
Hauling within California for hire requires a Motor Carrier Permit tied to your CA number and proof of insurance on file with the DMV.
The federal filings, in order
USDOT number →
Free, issued in minutes. The first filing every carrier makes.
MC operating authority →
$300, non-refundable. Roughly 4–6 weeks from filing to active.
BOC-3 filing →
About $40 one-time. Must be on file before authority activates.
UCR registration →
About $46/year for 0–2 trucks. Due before the calendar year starts.
IRP apportioned plates →
$1,200–$2,500 in year one, filed with your base state.
Drug & alcohol consortium →
$50–$100 per driver per year. Required before the first dispatch.
Keep going
Startup cost calculator →
Year-one budget for a California authority.
90-day launch checklist →
Every step from LLC to first load.
ELD requirements in California →
State rules, inspections and enforcement.
ELD for a new authority →
What FMCSA expects from day one under your MC.
Other states
Register now, activate the day your MC clears
FMCSA requires an ELD from your first mile under authority. Set it up while you wait — $15 per truck per month, no contract, cancel anytime.
4 quick steps — personal details, company info, billing, done. About 2 minutes.