How to Start a Box Truck Business
Are you looking for a business opportunity that allows you to be your own boss? Do you have a passion for road trips and want to see the country while making money? If so, starting a box truck business may be the perfect venture for you! This article will show you how to start a box truck business. This blog post will provide a checklist of items you need to start.
Are you ready to begin your journey? Start reading and learn how to start a box truck business!
Additionally, we will examine some benefits associated with owning and operating a box truck business and how to become an owner-operator.
You will need to get your authority and commercial and cargo insurance. Next, you will need a registered agent and file a few more things. I will post a starting a box truck business checklist below. Feel free to bookmark this page and return to it later as you go through the process.
Starting a Non cdl Box Truck Business Checklist
Here is a checklist I have created in detail. Make sure to read all the steps and bookmark the page in case you need to come back later.
Find a box truck
Depending on your needs and budget, you can buy or rent a box truck. Box trucks are available in various sizes, so be sure to choose a 26-footer so you can maximize the amount of freight you can haul. If you rent a box truck, make sure you sign up for a commercial account, as this will get you a better rate. Also, the same rental companies often offer discounts for long-term rentals.
If you are looking to buy a used box truck, these same rental places offer a wide variety of used box trucks for sale. Usually, these trucks are sold before they have logged 200,000 miles and can be pretty expensive.
Make sure to bring a mechanic with you to inspect it before buying it. There are a few things you’ll need to make sure the truck can do: It needs a lift gate, needs to have a 26000 GVWR, and it needs to be in good condition.
Pass a DOT physical exam
You will need to pass a DOT physical exam to drive a commercial truck. The test’s purpose is to assess your physical ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle. You can find a list of DOT physical exam locations near you on the Department of Transportation website.
A DOT exam costs about $75-$125 and only takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Once you have completed your DOT physical, your doctor will issue you a DOT medical card that is valid for one or two years.
Come up with a company name
A good box truck company name is easy to spell and relevant to your business. It’s easy to get carried away with creating a catchy name, but your box truck company name should reflect what you do and who you are as a business. When choosing a name for your box truck company, make sure to do your research and check if the domain is available.
Once you have decided on a company name, the next step is to secure your domain name. Your domain name is how customers will find you online. A business name should be easy to remember, and you can register a domain on Namecheap for less than $10 a year.
This video shows you how to find a unique name and check for trademarks.
Create an LLC
Once you have come up with a company name, you will need to create an LLC. An LLC protects your business from any legal issues and gives you a certain level of professionalism. You can register an LLC on your State Secretary of State website. Depending on which state you are filing in, the registration fee varies from $50 to $250.
An LLC also allows you to file taxes as a business, providing you with some valuable tax breaks.
You will also need your LLC to open a business bank account. A business bank account will help you keep your business finances separate from your personal bank account and make it easier to track your business expenses. Also, make sure to consult with an accountant to find out which tax breaks are available to you and how you can best take advantage of them.
Many online resources can help you do this quickly and easily. You can also watch my video on my YouTube channel, and I will show you step by step how to file an LLC for your box truck business. You can watch that video below:
Apply for an EIN
An EIN is a nine-digit number used to identify businesses for tax purposes. You can apply for a free EIN on the IRS website online.
Once you have filed for your LLC, make sure to file for an EIN. An EIN is an employer identification number necessary to open a business bank account. Your EIN is like a social security number for your business; it will serve as your tax ID number.
There will be a lot of websites pretending to be an official IRS website, but they are not and will charge you $100 to do it for you. I have created a video on how to get your EIN for free, and it only takes about 5 minutes. You can see that video by clicking here.
Register your business
The next step is to register your business with the state. This process can vary slightly depending on which state you operate in, but generally, you will need to file some paperwork and pay a registration fee.
To do this, you will need to go to your state’s website and look up the business registration form.
This form will ask for your company’s name, address, and contact information. You will also need to provide a brief description of your business.
Be sure to have all of the required information ready when you fill out this form.
Open a Business Bank Account
Your business should have a separate bank account to help keep track of your finances. Contact the bank where your personal bank account is and ask about business accounts. They will likely ask what type of business you are starting, so be prepared with that information. Be prepared to provide your business name, address, and EIN (Employer Identification Number).
It is always a good idea to keep your personal bank account separate from your business bank account.
Doing so will help you track your expenses and income separately, making tax time a little bit easier.
Also, make sure to research which bank offers the best rates and services for small businesses.
Apply for your box truck authority
You will need to obtain an Operating Authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
The FMCSA is a federal agency that regulates commercial trucking companies. The application process is online, and you will need to provide information about your company, such as its size and the type of goods it will be transporting.
Before going over the road, you will need your box truck authority to be active. This will allow you to transport freight across state lines legally. You can find information on how to get a box truck authority through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
Obtaining your authority is one of the most critical steps in starting your box truck business, so be sure to do your research and apply for an authority as soon as possible.
This is how you get your MC/DOT Numbers. Failure to complete this step will bar you from delivering freight across state lines.
There is a fee associated with this application, which is $300.
Your authority won’t be active until you have complied with the minimum commercial insurance requirements ($750.000 in liability).
Also, your MC Number won’t go live until the 21 vetting period is over, so make you time the insurance accordingly.
File your BOC-3
A BOC-3 processing agent will be required to accept legal papers on your company’s behalf. A BOC-3 filing is a nationwide filing with the United States Department of Transportation. You can find a BOC-3 proccing agent for about $25-$60.
Finding a BOC-3 processing agent is something you will need to file right away.
Register your UCR
A UCR is universal commercial registration. It is a requirement for all businesses that operate commercial vehicles. You will get an email from FMCSA asking you to register your UCR every year.
The fee varies depending on how many vehicles your company has. It is an easy process, and the fees start at $59 for two trucks and the prices go up from there.
I have created a step-by-step tutorial on registering your UCR for your box truck business. Companies will charge hundreds to file this for you, but you can do it yourself in a few minutes. Click here to watch it.
Get commercial insurance
You will need commercial insurance to cover your truck and cargo. Your personal insurance policy will not cover any losses or damages that occur while you are using your truck for business purposes. You can get a free quote for commercial insurance from an insurance broker.
I recommend you call many insurance agents since the cost of commercial insurance can be expensive.
To save money, don’t get commercial insurance until you’re almost done with the FMCSA 21 day vetting period.
Although the minimum insurance required by the FMCSA is $750,000 liability, most brokers will not work with that.
The minimum insurance coverage needed for a box truck business is $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Brokers will not allow you to book loads with anything less than that.
Set up an ELD/Logbook
An ELD is an electronic logging device. It is a small, portable unit that logs a driver’s Hours of Service (HOS). The ELD records driving time, distance, location, and other HOS data.
By communicating with a truck’s engine, the ELD records whether the engine is running or not. It also records when the vehicle is in motion and stopped. The ELD may store data on its internal memory or external storage devices, such as a thumb drive.
An ELD is required for all commercial motor vehicles in 1997 or newer. There are a few different types of ELDs, but they all essentially do the same thing: They track and record a driver’s hours of service.
Many companies offer ELD systems, but KeepTruckin is one of the most popular ones.
You may also use paper logs if you wish, but an electronic logging device is more convenient.
DOT Decals
Now that you have your MC/DOT numbers, you will need to add them to the doors on the truck. You will need to include your MC number, DOT number, and your company name.
You can add them to the truck with vinyl or order a custom door magnet, but make sure to put them on both doors.
Below is an example of what should be on there.
DOT Inspection
Knowing the DOT inspection requirements is essential for starting a box truck business. A DOT inspection is a safety check that all commercial vehicles must undergo regularly. During a DOT inspection, inspectors will check to ensure your vehicle complies with safety regulations. If your vehicle fails the inspection, you may be subject to fines and other penalties.
To prepare for a DOT inspection, you should familiarize yourself with the safety regulations that apply to your vehicle. You can find a list of these regulations on the Department of Transportation’s website. In addition, you should make sure your vehicle is adequately maintained and in good condition. This includes ensuring that all required safety equipment is functional and up-to-date.
If your vehicle fails a DOT inspection, you will need to take corrective action. This may include making repairs or replacing safety equipment. You can find more information on the Department of Transportation’s website.
When it comes to DOT inspections, Knowledge is Power!
Familiarize yourself with the safety regulations that apply to your vehicle, and ensure your vehicle is maintained correctly.
If you are prepared for the DOT inspection, you should have no problems.
The cost of a DOT inspection can vary, but the last time I had a DOT inspection, I paid $125.
Makes sure to make copies of the DOT inspection report, and keep one in the truck.
Sign up with a factoring company
Starting a box truck business can be a great way to make money and provide a needed service in your community. However, it’s important to do your research before getting started, and one of the most important things you need to do is sign up with a trucking factoring company.
Factoring is when a business sells its accounts receivable (in this case, the money it earns from transporting goods for other businesses) for a fee. This fee is usually about 3% of the total rate paid for any particular load. Factoring companies will pay you in about 24-48 hours, then collect the payment from the broker 30-60 days later.
Factoring can be a great way to get the cash flow going quickly, and it can help you manage your finances better by freeing up cash that you would typically have to wait a month to receive.
When you’re looking for a trucking factoring company, it’s essential to make sure you choose one that’s reputable and has a good track record.
You also want to ensure the company can provide you with the services you need, such as invoice factoring, freight factoring, or credit checks.
Buy a trucker GPS
If you’re a truck driver, you know the importance of a good GPS unit. This is a crucial tool to have because it could save you from losing your top by crashing into a low bridge. Whether you’re driving across the country or just making a short trip to the next town over, a trucker GPS can help make your journey easier. Not only does it help you find your way, but it can also provide information about current road conditions and traffic updates. This is important for avoiding accidents and keeping yourself safe while on the road.
When looking for a trucker GPS, you should keep a few things in mind. First, make sure that the unit is specifically designed for trucks. This will ensure it has all the features you need, like routing for large vehicles and warnings for low bridges and tight turns. You’ll also want to make sure that the GPS is easy to use.
Many units come with preloaded maps and audible turn-by-turn directions, which can make it easier to find your way.
If you’re in the market for a trucker GPS, there are a few different options to choose from. Garmin is one of the leading manufacturers of GPS units, and they offer a variety of models that are perfect for truckers. They have units designed for both long-haul and short-haul drivers, and they come with a variety of features that will make your journey easier.
TomTom is another popular option, and they offer a range of trucker GPS units that include features like lane guidance and spoken street names.
No matter which brand you choose, a trucker’s GPS is an essential tool for any driver. It can help you stay safe and informed on the road, and it can make your journey a little bit easier. So if you’re in the market for a new GPS unit, be sure to consider one that’s designed for truckers. You won’t regret it!
Here is the trucker GPS I use in my business – Garmin Dezl OTR700 https://amzn.to/3vIls2T
Sign up for a Box truck load board
A Box truck load board is a website or app connecting people who need to send or receive a box truckload. Load boards supply all the contact information needed, so box truck businesses looking for a load can contact a broker directly. You can search for loads near you or post your empty truck and wait for brokers to contact you.
Signing up for a Box truck load board is easy. You can also post your truck’s size and location, which will help you find suitable loads for your trip.
When you’re ready to travel, search for loads in your area. You can filter your results by distance, type of cargo, and truck size. You can also see how many miles away you are from the pickup.
You’ll get information about the load, including the distance from you and the estimated time it will take to complete the trip.
You can also contact the broker directly if you have any questions.
Two of the biggest and most popular load boards are DAT and Truckstop.
Hit the road
Now that you have booked a load, it’s time to hit the road. Ensure to obey all safety regulations and stop at all commercial vehicle weight stations.
Launching your own box truck business can be a great way to start your own business with low overhead costs. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to get started in the transportation industry.
If you’re interested in starting your own box truck business, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more information on getting started. In the meantime, we wish you the best of luck as you take the first steps in starting your very own business!
(www.boxlyfe.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
