Trucking business playbooks, from the first truck to ten
These trucking business playbooks are written for owner-operators and small fleets: how to start, when to add a truck, how to hire and keep drivers, which systems to build, how to stay compliant and how to read the money. Every rule is cited, every benchmark is dated, and every example is labeled. Pick the step you're on to see the playbooks that fit it, or show them all. Each group opens with a longer guide marked start here, followed by the narrower topics it links to, so you can read in order or jump straight to the question in front of you today.
Start
Authority, costs, the business plan and the filings, in the order you'll need them. Start with the step-by-step guide, then use the checklists and cost tables as you go.
- START HEREHow to Start a Trucking Company: The Order That WorksHow to start a trucking company in the order that actually works: entity, authority, insurance, first truck, first loads, first driver, each step cited.8 min read
- NAICS Code for Trucking: Which 484 Code Fits Your FleetThe NAICS code for trucking is in subsector 484. Which of its six codes fits your company, what each covers, and where the code matters for SBA and loans.4 min read
- How to Get Funding for a Trucking Business When NewHow to get funding for a trucking business: equipment loans, SBA loans, credit lines, factoring and lease-purchase, ranked by what new carriers get.6 min read
- Do You Need an LLC for a Trucking Company? Plain AnswerDo you need an LLC for a trucking company? No law requires one. What an LLC does and doesn't protect, how it's taxed, and what brokers and FMCSA see.6 min read
- Types of Trucking: 11 Equipment Setups for a New CompanyTypes of trucking a new company can choose: 11 equipment types plus for-hire, private, OTR, regional, local and dedicated work, with CDL and capital needs.5 min read
- For-Hire Trucking: What It Means and What It RequiresFor-hire trucking means hauling other people's freight for pay. How it differs from private carriage, who needs authority, and the insurance minimums.3 min read
- What Is a Cab Card in Trucking? The IRP Card ExplainedWhat is a cab card in trucking? The IRP registration card for each power unit: what it shows, who issues it, and why every truck needs its own.3 min read
- Trucking Franchise: What You Buy and How to Read an FDDBuying a trucking franchise? What you pay for, how to read the key items in the Franchise Disclosure Document, and how it compares with your own MC.5 min read
- What Is a SCAC Code in Trucking? Who Needs One and WhyWhat is a SCAC code in trucking? The carrier code NMFTA assigns, who requires it, what it costs in 2026, and how it differs from MC and USDOT numbers.3 min read
- What Is a PAPS Number for Trucking? Cross-Border BasicsWhat is a PAPS number for trucking? The shipment number on freight entering the U.S. from Canada: who makes it, how it links to customs, and delays.3 min read
- Bonded Trucking Company: Which Bond Do You Actually Need?A bonded trucking company can mean a broker's $75,000 bond, a customs bond for in-bond freight, or a surety bond a shipper wants. Which applies to you.4 min read
- Truck Business Plan Template a Lender Can Read FastFree truck business plan template: lanes, equipment, per-truck P&L, cash runway and the trigger for truck two, in a plan a lender can read in ten minutes.4 min read
- How Much Does It Cost to Start a Trucking Company in 2026?How much does it cost to start a trucking company? Every startup line with its source, one-time costs vs 90 days of running cash, a calculator and a CSV.5 min read
- Starting a Trucking Business Checklist, in Filing OrderPrintable starting a trucking business checklist in filing order: entity, EIN, USDOT and MC, BOC-3, insurance, UCR, IRP, IFTA, testing, then first loads.4 min read
Grow
When to add a truck, where freight comes from, how to market a small carrier, and how the wider market and the largest carriers shape your options.
- START HEREHow to Grow a Trucking Company: From 1 Truck to 10How to grow a trucking company from one truck to ten: the numbers that say add a truck, the rules that start at each step, and the systems to build first.9 min read
- How to Switch Dispatcher Without Losing a Load or LoginHow to switch dispatcher cleanly: read the agreement, finish loads in progress, take back every login, keep your broker setups, and hand over unit by unit.4 min read
- Adding a Truck to Your Fleet: Unit 102 Loaded in Week OneAdding a truck to your fleet, in the order things block the first load: insurance, IRP and IFTA, UCR, 2290, driver file, drug testing and door markings.4 min read
- Dispatch for Mixed Fleets: Company Units and Leased O/OsDispatch for mixed fleets with company drivers and leased owner-operators: pay models, what the lease decides, fair load offers and clean settlements.4 min read
- Dedicated Trucking: What It Means and How to Get ItDedicated trucking explained for small fleets: what a dedicated contract is, who offers it, what it asks of a carrier, and how it compares with spot.5 min read
- Regional Trucking: How Small Fleets Set It Up RightRegional trucking explained: what regional means (no legal definition), home time, freight, cost per mile, and how a small fleet sets up regional lanes.5 min read
- Trucking Market 2026: What the Latest Indicators SayThe trucking market now: Cass shipments, ATA tonnage, trucking jobs and diesel, each dated and sourced, and what they mean for a small fleet next quarter.6 min read
- Trucking Website Template: 6 Pages a Small Carrier NeedsFree trucking website template for small carriers: six pages shippers and brokers look for, with copy-and-fill sections and sample text you can adapt now.6 min read
- Buying a Trucking Company: Due Diligence for Small FleetsBuying a trucking company: what you actually get, the due diligence documents to request, asset vs stock purchase basics, and a free checklist to download.5 min read
- Trucking Company Leads: Where Small Carriers Find FreightTrucking company leads without buying lists: brokers, load boards, direct shippers, RFPs, networks, with effort, time to revenue and fit for a new MC.6 min read
- Marketing for Trucking Companies: A Low-Cost Plan for FleetsMarketing for trucking companies on a small budget: an accurate carrier profile, a simple website, capacity emails, shipper references, a weekly checklist.5 min read
- Trucking Consultant: What They Do, Cost and How to Vet OneWhat a trucking consultant does for startups, safety and DOT audits, how pricing works, how to vet one, and what to handle yourself before you pay anyone.5 min read
- Private Fleet Trucking: How It Differs From For-Hire FleetsPrivate fleet trucking explained: companies hauling their own goods, how authority and insurance rules differ from for-hire, and where small carriers fit.5 min read
- Largest Trucking Companies in the US: 2026 Top 15 by RevenueThe largest trucking companies in the US by 2025 revenue, from Transport Topics' 2026 Top 100, with tractor counts and lessons for small fleets.4 min read
- List of Trucking Associations: National, Segment and StateList of trucking associations for small carriers: national, segment and state groups, what each says it offers, links to their own sites, checked Oct 2026.4 min read
- Trucking Mergers and Acquisitions Tracker: 2024-2026 DealsTrucking mergers and acquisitions tracker: published deals from press releases and SEC filings, with dates, buyers, segments, values and a CSV download.4 min read
People
Hiring drivers, the files the rules require, owner-operators and leases, pay, cameras and what research says keeps drivers.
- START HERETruck Driver Recruiting for Small Fleets: Hire, File, KeepTruck driver recruiting for 2 to 10 truck fleets: where to find drivers, the driver file and testing the rules require, pay that competes, and onboarding.9 min read
- What Is SAP in Trucking? Return-to-Duty Steps ExplainedWhat SAP means in trucking: the substance abuse professional process after a DOT violation, return-to-duty and follow-up tests, and a small fleet's duties.3 min read
- What Is Slip Seating in Trucking? Pros, Cons and the RulesSlip seating in trucking means two or more drivers using one truck on different shifts. Why fleets do it, why drivers mind it, and what it means for HOS.3 min read
- MVR in Trucking: What It Is and When Carriers Must Check ItMVR in trucking explained: the motor vehicle record carriers must pull at hire and every 12 months, what to review, and what disqualifies a driver.3 min read
- Lease Operator Trucking: How It Compares With Owning a TruckLease operator trucking explained: how leasing compares with owning a truck or company driving, what settlements deduct, and how to read a lease.5 min read
- Driver-Facing Cameras in Trucking: Research and PolicyDriver-facing cameras in trucking: what they record, what ATRI found about driver approval, privacy concerns, and a policy checklist before you install.5 min read
- How to Hire Owner-Operators: Leases, Files and Fair DispatchHow to hire owner-operators onto your authority: the lease terms federal rules require, insurance, driver files and testing that stay with you, and pay.5 min read
- Truck Driver Turnover Rate: Published Figures by SegmentTruck driver turnover rate data: ATA long-run averages by segment, ATRI's 2024 and 2025 figures, what each measures, and what turnover costs a small fleet.5 min read
- Truck Driver Handbook Template: Free Company Policy BuilderFree truck driver handbook template for small fleets: 11 policy chapters, the ones federal rules touch marked, fill-in fields, print or download for Word.4 min read
- Trucking Company Org Chart Template: 1 to 10 Trucks, FreeFree trucking company org chart template: who handles dispatch, safety, maintenance, billing and recruiting from 1 to 10 trucks, with an SVG download.4 min read
- Driver Retention Strategies That Work: What Research ShowsDriver retention strategies sorted by evidence strength: home time, steady pay, dedicated runs, referrals and camera policy, with sources and a budget.4 min read
Systems
Maintenance, compliance files, dispatch, software, documents and the numbers that tie them together, sized for two to ten trucks.
- START HERETruck Fleet Management for 2 to 10 Trucks: Systems to BuildTruck fleet management for small fleets: maintenance, compliance files, fuel, safety, dispatch and billing, and what each needs before the next truck.9 min read
- Trucking Dispatch Software vs a Dispatch Service ComparedTrucking dispatch software explained for small fleets: what it automates, what it can't do, a feature checklist, and software plus hours vs a desk.6 min read
- TMS for Trucking: What It Does and When Small Fleets Need ItTMS for trucking explained: what a transportation management system does for a small carrier, the core modules, when to buy, and a buyer checklist.5 min read
- Trucking Equipment List: What Each Type of Operation NeedsTrucking equipment by operation: power units, trailers, securement gear, ELDs and required safety gear, with rule citations and new vs used basics.5 min read
- AI in Trucking: What's in Use, What's a Pilot, What's HypeAI in trucking without the hype: what small fleets can use now, what's still a pilot, and what's only claimed, each tagged by evidence, with named sources.5 min read
- EDI for Trucking: 204, 990, 214 and 210 for Small CarriersEDI for trucking explained: the 204, 990, 214 and 210 transaction sets, which shippers and brokers require them, and how a small carrier gets connected.5 min read
- What Is a Power Unit in Trucking? Counts, Fees, RegistrationWhat a power unit is in trucking: any self-propelled truck or tractor, why trailers don't count, and where the count matters for UCR fees, MCS-150 and IRP.3 min read
- Trucking Compliance Software: What the Rules Require FirstTrucking compliance software for small fleets: driver files, testing records, maintenance and logs, what rules require, how long to keep them, when to buy.5 min read
- Dwell Time in Trucking: What It Costs and How to Get PaidDwell time in trucking: published data on how long trucks wait at docks, what it costs per hour, and how to document and claim detention on every load.5 min read
- Trucking Telematics: What It Tracks Beyond the ELD and WhyTrucking telematics for small fleets: GPS, engine data, fuel and driver behavior beyond the required ELD, what each is good for, and how to judge the cost.5 min read
- What Is PTI in Trucking? Pre-Trip Checklist and the RulesPTI in trucking means pre-trip inspection: what drivers check before driving, the federal rules behind it, and a printable checklist with rule citations.3 min read
- Trucking Document Management: What to Keep and for How LongTrucking document management for small fleets: load papers, driver and truck files, how long rules say to keep each, and a phone-friendly folder setup.5 min read
- Trucking Company KPI Dashboard Template: Free, With FormulasFree trucking company KPI dashboard template: revenue per truck, cost per mile, operating ratio, empty miles, on-time share and turnover, with formulas.5 min read
Safety and compliance
Every record and renewal with the rule behind it, a written safety plan, litigation risk and the federal rules that changed this year.
- START HERETrucking Company Compliance Checklist: Rules, Dates, RecordsTrucking company compliance checklist: authority, insurance, driver files, CDL testing, hours, inspections, IFTA, IRP, UCR and marking, each with its rule.9 min read
- Safety Management Plan Template for Trucking CompaniesFree safety management plan template for small trucking companies: policies, training, inspections, accidents, testing and hours, mapped to the CSA BASICs.5 min read
- Nuclear Verdicts in Trucking: What the Research Shows So FarNuclear verdicts in trucking: ATRI's 2020, 2021 and 2025 research on large awards, why small fleets are exposed, and the risk controls that matter.4 min read
- New Trucking Laws 2026: Federal Rule Tracker for CarriersNew trucking laws and rules for 2026: final, proposed and withdrawn FMCSA and EPA rules, each with status, effective date and Federal Register link.4 min read
Money
Benchmarks to compare your cost per mile, the accounting and tax calendar, downtime claims, and the warning signs to catch early.
- START HEREFleet Benchmark Report: Cost per Mile and Margins for 2025Fleet benchmark report: 2025 cost per mile by line and sector, operating margins and fleet-size splits from ATRI, with a tool to compare your own numbers.4 min read
- Accountant for a Trucking Company: What They Do, What to AskWhat an accountant for a trucking company handles: IFTA, Form 2290, per diem, depreciation and payroll, a year-round deadline calendar, and what to ask.5 min read
- Trucking Downtime Claims: Proving Lost Income After a CrashTrucking downtime claims after a crash you didn't cause: what loss-of-use claims can cover, how to prove lost income, and a documentation checklist.5 min read
- Trucking Company Shut Down: Why Carriers Close and the SignsWhy trucking companies shut down: published margin, cost and authority data with dates, the warning signs in per-truck numbers, and what owners do in time.4 min read
Data, templates and trackers
Some playbooks are tools you'll come back to: benchmark tables you can compare against, templates you can fill in and download, and trackers we update as sources change.
How to use these playbooks
Start with the pillar guide in each group, then follow the links it gives to the narrower topics. Facts that come from a rule or a published study carry a source tag showing where they come from and when we checked. Examples are marked as examples. None of this is legal, tax or accounting advice; where a decision needs a professional, the playbook says so.
Written by Edwin Horton and reviewed against the sources cited on each page. If a rule changes, we update the page and its date.
Read the playbook. Let the desk run the loads.
We book freight for owner-operators and small fleets, and you approve every load before it's booked.
4% for 2+ trucks, 5% for one, 7% while your MC is new