How to start a trucking company in Washington State

Oct. 10, 2025, 7:20 p.m.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a trucking company in Washington State, including the business, legal, and compliance requirements — plus some practical tips for success in your first year of operation.
How to start a trucking company in Washington State

How to Start a Trucking Company in Washington State (2025 Guide)

Starting a trucking company in Washington can be profitable — the state is a major freight corridor for West Coast trade, agriculture, and port exports. However, it also requires careful planning, compliance with both federal and state regulations, and good financial management.

 Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure

Decide what type of business entity to register:

  • Sole Proprietorship – simplest, but no liability protection

  • LLC (Limited Liability Company) – most common for small carriers (protects personal assets)

  • Corporation (S or C Corp) – best for larger fleets or investors

Register your business with the Washington Secretary of State:
 https://www.sos.wa.gov/corps

 Step 2: Get a Washington State Business License

Apply for a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number and trucking endorsements through the Washington Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service.

https://dor.wa.gov/businesses

You’ll select:

  • “For-hire carrier” if hauling for others

  • “Private carrier” if hauling your own goods

You may also need city-level business licenses if you operate or park vehicles in a specific municipality.

Step 3: Obtain Your USDOT and MC Numbers

All commercial carriers crossing state lines or hauling regulated commodities must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

  • USDOT Number – identifies your company and safety record

  • MC (Motor Carrier) Number – allows you to haul freight for hire

 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration

If you plan to operate only within Washington, you may still need a USDOT number for intrastate carriers.

 Step 4: Set Up Insurance & Financial Responsibility

FMCSA and Washington require proof of insurance before you can operate:

Minimum coverage:

  • $750,000 liability (general freight)

  • $1,000,000 for oil

  • $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

  • $100,000 cargo insurance (recommended or required for brokers)

Tip: Most new carriers pay higher premiums at first — work with a trucking-specialized insurance broker to bundle liability, cargo, and physical damage coverage.

 Step 5: Apply for IRP and IFTA Accounts

If you operate across state lines, you’ll need:

  • IRP (International Registration Plan) – for apportioned license plates

  • IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) – to simplify fuel tax reporting

These are handled through the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) Prorate and Fuel Tax Office.

 https://dol.wa.gov/

You’ll need to report miles and fuel usage quarterly under IFTA.

 Step 6: Purchase or Lease Your Trucks

Choose whether to buy, lease, or lease-on with another carrier.

  • Buy: Full control, higher startup cost

  • Lease: Lower initial cost, limited flexibility

  • Lease-on: Operate under another carrier’s authority (good for first-year learning)

Make sure trucks meet Washington’s emissions and safety standards, especially in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

Step 7: Register for Permits & State Requirements

Depending on your operation, you may need:

  • UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)

  • Oversize/Overweight permits (through WSDOT)

  • Washington State DOT permits if operating intrastate only

 WSDOT commercial vehicle services: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/commercial-vehicles

Step 8: Build Your Operations Plan

Key elements for success:

  • Dispatch system (software or service)

  • ELD (Electronic Logging Device) for tracking hours of service

  • Fuel management (use IFTA-friendly fuel cards)

  • Driver qualification files (keep employment, drug test, medical cards)

  • Maintenance program (scheduled preventive maintenance)

 Step 9: Secure Loads & Build Relationships

Start finding freight through:

  • Load boards (DAT, Truckstop, 123LoadBoard)

  • Freight brokers and shippers

  • Local industries (ports, warehouses, agriculture, manufacturing)

 Pro Tip: Focus on one niche — e.g., refrigerated freight, flatbed, or regional LTL — to build a reputation faster.

Step 10: Stay Compliant & Track Expenses

Ongoing compliance includes:

  • Quarterly IFTA reports

  • Annual USDOT updates

  • Vehicle inspections and maintenance logs

  • Business taxes and state renewals

Use bookkeeping software (e.g., TruckingOffice, RigBooks, or QuickBooks for Truckers) to manage miles, fuel, and invoices.

Estimated Startup Costs (Single-Truck Operation)

Expense Estimated Cost
Truck & trailer $60,000–$150,000
Licensing, permits, and authority $2,000–$4,000
Insurance (first year) $10,000–$20,000
ELD & compliance equipment $500–$1,500
Working capital (fuel, repairs, tolls) $5,000–$10,000

Total: ~$80,000–$180,000 (depending on truck type and financing)

Pro Tips for Success

✅ Keep maintenance and safety records — Washington enforces strict inspections.
✅ Join the Washington Trucking Associations (WTA) for advocacy, training, and resources.
✅ Build a fuel and route strategy to minimize tolls and congestion (especially near Seattle).
✅ Network with brokers, ports, and shippers to establish consistent lanes.