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Our Trucking Insurance Insurance Partners
Are There Too Many Truckers?
Read this spending any of your hard-earned $$$
If you are thinking about starting your own trucking company, we strongly encourage you to go through this entire page.
This page was last updated January 2025, and we hope it will give you enough information to make the right choices moving forward.
Truth is, more than half of people who apply for a DOT #, never get authorized to haul freight. And of those who end up getting an MC, a majority of them will not operate under that DOT twenty-four months later. Why? Because they don’t make enough to cover their expenses and make enough to make a living.
Let’s start with raw numbers first. Below is a chart of authorized property carriers for the past few years. In 2024, the industry saw a 12,528 net loss in carriers.
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Thinking About Starting a Trucking Company? Here Is Our Recommended Timeline
01. Get an Insurance Estimate First
Yes, get a quote before anything else. Before applying for your authority, get a quote using a sample vehicle and your ID. This gives you a good idea of this significant startup cost.
02. Plan Your Authority & Business Setup
Use your insurance estimate to budget realistically. Then register your business, get your USDOT & MC number, and start your compliance setup.
03. Compare Quotes & Finalize Coverage
Once your authority is in motion, update your quote with VINs, driver info, and projected cargo to lock in your best coverage.
04. Hit the Road
We file your proof of insurance (Form BMC-91) with the FMCSA so your authority can go active. You’re ready to haul freight.
The Most Common Coverages
Primary Trucker Liability
Required for all carriers with an MC number. Covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others in an accident.
This will usually make up the biggest chunk of your insurance premium.
Motor Truck Cargo
Not required by FMCSA, but commonly required by shippers and freight brokers.
This policy protects the goods you haul in case of damage or loss due to fire, collision, theft, or reefer failure. Shippers require this coverage to ensure their products are financially protected while in transit.
Trailer Interchange / Non-Owned Trailer Insurance
Not FMCSA-required, but often required by carriers or brokers.
It provides physical damage coverage for trailers you’re pulling but don’t own—typically under a trailer interchange agreement. Without it, you’re personally liable for any damage to those trailers.
Non-Trucking Liability (NTL)
Not required by FMCSA, but often required by motor carriers for leased drivers.
This covers liability when your truck is used off-dispatch, like for personal errands. It ensures coverage when you're not under load but still behind the wheel.
Motor Truck Cargo
Required by law in most states if you have employees.
It covers medical bills and wage replacement for drivers or staff injured on the job. Even if you’re a solo operator, brokers may ask for proof of worker coverage, or you might opt for occupational accident insurance.
Physical Damage Insurance
Optional if you own your equipment. But usually required by lenders or leasing companies.
It covers repair or replacement costs if your truck or trailer is damaged due to collision, theft, fire, or vandalism. It’s essential if you're financing your equipment and want to protect your investment.
General Liability Insurance
Not required by FMCSA, but may be required by brokers, warehouses, or loading facilities.
It covers third-party claims unrelated to driving, like slip-and-fall injuries, property damage at docks, or advertising-related liability. Large logistics contracts often require it for added protection.
Downtime & Rental Reimbursement
It reimburses income loss and rental expenses if your truck is down due to a covered incident. This keeps cash flow stable while you're waiting on repairs.
Roadside Assistance
Breaking down with 80,000 lbs on the road can be costly. This may cover towing, fuel delivery, tire service, lockout assistance, and more. It’s often bundled with other coverages to reduce costly delays and breakdown-related disruptions.
Umbrella Liability Insurance
Optional but highly recommended. Extends your liability limits beyond what’s covered in auto and general liability policies—helpful for contracts with higher liability thresholds.
Financial Advice for Starting a Trucking Company: Costs, Requirements, and Key Considerations
Step 1: Understanding FMCSA Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for regulating and overseeing the trucking industry. Before you begin operations, you must comply with their requirements:
- Register for a USDOT Number
- All commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators involved in interstate commerce must have a USDOT number. Registration is completed on FMCSA.gov.
- Obtain Motor Carrier (MC) Authority
- If you plan to operate as a for-hire carrier, transport federally regulated commodities, or cross state lines, you’ll need MC authority.
- Comply with Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
- This annual fee-based program applies to interstate operators and depends on the size of your fleet.
- Secure Insurance Coverage
- Proof of insurance is mandatory before your MC authority is granted.
- File a BOC-3 Form
- This designates a process agent in each state where your business operates.
Step 2: Financial Costs Breakdown
To start your trucking company, you’ll need to account for various upfront and ongoing costs. Here’s a detailed estimate:
1. Licensing and Permits
- USDOT Registration: Free
- MC Authority Application: $300 (one-time fee)
- BOC-3 Filing: $20–$50
- UCR Fees: $60–$1,800 annually, depending on fleet size
- International Registration Plan (IRP) Plates: $1,500–$2,000 annually
- International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA): Costs vary by state and fuel usage
2. Insurance
Insurance is a significant expense but is essential to protect your business. Premiums vary based on factors like the type of cargo, your driving record, and your location.
- Primary Liability Insurance: $5,000–$7,000 annually per truck
- Cargo Insurance: $400–$1,200 annually
- Physical Damage Coverage: $2,000–$3,000 annually
- Total Estimated Insurance Costs: $9,000–$15,000 annually per truck
3. Truck and Trailer Purchase
- New Truck: $120,000–$200,000
- Used Truck: $50,000–$100,000
- Trailer: $30,000–$60,000
4. Maintenance and Operating Costs
- Preventative Maintenance: $15,000–$20,000 annually per truck
- Fuel Costs: $50,000–$70,000 annually per truck (based on average mileage)
- Tires: $4,000–$6,000 annually per truck
- Tolls and Miscellaneous Fees: $1,000–$2,500 annually
5. Technology and Administrative Expenses
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELD): $500–$1,000 per device
- Dispatching Software: $1,000–$3,000 annually
- Office Setup: $1,000–$5,000
Step 3: Financial Tips for Success
Step 3: Financial Tips for Success
1. Create a Budget
Start with a detailed budget that includes fixed and variable costs. Factor in unexpected expenses to avoid financial stress.
2. Secure Funding
Consider financing options like business loans, leasing programs, or working with investors to cover start-up costs.
3. Manage Cash Flow
The trucking industry often involves delayed payments. Use factoring companies or invoice financing to ensure you have enough cash flow to cover operating expenses.
4. Invest in Insurance Wisely
At DOK Insurance, we specialize in tailored trucking insurance solutions. We can help you find the right coverage to protect your assets while meeting FMCSA requirements.
5. Stay Compliant
FMCSA violations can result in fines and operational delays. Use resources on FMCSA.gov to stay up-to-date with regulations.
HOW DOK CAN HELP
Shop Around for insurance
Whether you’re a single-unit owner-operator or building a multi-truck fleet, we’ll design coverage that fits your exact needs — without overspending. As an independent agency, DOK Insurance shops multiple top-rated carriers on your behalf to find the best combination of price, protection, and policy flexibility. We compare options across liability, cargo, physical damage, and more — so you get real value and the peace of mind that comes with expert recommendations, not sales pressure.
Receive Service the Way You Prefer
Clients can reach us on their terms — by email, phone, text, or live chat during our expanded service hours. We also offer 24/7 self-service tools, including a quick and easy Certificate of Insurance (COI) generator, so you can get what you need anytime, without waiting. At DOK Insurance, convenience isn’t optional — it’s built in.
FMCSA & DOT Compliance
We’ll help you navigate federal filings, BOC-3, and insurance minimums to stay compliant and on the road. Our customers benefit from the latest regulatory and industry news, updates and potential risks.
Ongoing Support & Risk Management
Our relationship doesn’t end once your policy is issued. At DOK Insurance, we provide year-round support to help you stay protected and proactive. Whether you’re facing an upcoming audit, expanding your fleet, or filing a claim, we’re here to guide you through the process with clarity and urgency. We also review your coverage regularly to ensure it still fits your operation — adjusting as your business grows and risks evolve. With us, you’re not just insured — you’re backed by a partner committed to your long-term success.
Expert Guidance from Day One
We answer the questions you didn’t even know to ask — because when you’re starting a trucking company, the paperwork and policy choices can feel overwhelming. From permits and filings to choosing the right limits and endorsements, our team walks you through each step without jargon or pressure. We make sure you understand your coverage, your compliance requirements, and your options — so you can make informed decisions with confidence and focus on growing your business.
How Insurance Companies Determine Your Rate
The table below provides a general idea of how an insurance company might calculate your rates. These estimates assume a 35-year-old driver operating a 2020 Freightliner Cascadia 126 in a city with average risk.
Except for the comprehensive and collision premiums, the monthly premiums shown refer to truck auto liability coverage of $750,000, meeting FMCSA requirements.
| Factors | Importance | Lower Rate Factor | Higher Rate Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your Age | High | 35 Years Old: $1,090/mo | 25 Years Old: $2,750/mo |
| Your Credit Score | Depends on insurance company | Excellent credit: $940/mo | Worst Credit: $1,950/mo |
| Your Location | High | Yakima, WA: $880/mo | Houston, TX $2,480/mo |
| Your truck value | Medium | $20k truck: $300 per month for comp/collision | $100k truck: $516/mo |
| Your driving history | High | Clean Record: $1,090/mo | One Minor Violation: $1,480 | One Major Violation: $1,908 |
| Your marital status | Low | Not a factor | |
| Distance Traveled | Depends | Within 500 miles: $950/mo | Unlimited radius: $1,090/mo |
| Filing Requirements | Low | Filings only cost a few dollars |
Why Work With DOK?
| DOK INSURANCE | OTHER AGENCIES | |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Quoting | Yes | ? |
| Access to multiple carriers | Yes | ? |
| Live Operators (chat, phone and SMS) | Yes | ? |
| Extended Business hours | Yes (8 am to 12 am EST) | ? |
| Self-Service COIs | Yes | ? |
| Dedicated Tow Truck Team | Yes | ? |
| Fleet Quoting Available | Yes | ? |
| Multi-State Operation | Yes | ? |
| Experience with High-Risk or Lapsed Operators | Yes | ? |
| On-Hook and Garagekeepers Expertise | Yes | ? |
Ready for a Quote?
Please fill out the form and include as much information as possible. Please upload pictures of all driver’s licenses (front only) and any documents that you think would be helpful.
Once you submit the form, we will shop around for the following for you.
Here is what we need for the most accurate quote:
Driver’s License
A clear photo of the front of your license. You can send it to us via this form, texting it to us at 425-242-5252 or emailing info@doktrucking.com
MC or DOT Number
If already active
Value of your equipment
If you are thinking about adding physical damage (comp/collision), please provide us with the approximate value.
VIN Numbers
For each truck and trailer you want to insure. If you don't have those yet, no problem, just provide a year, make, model of equipment you are considering.
Loss Runs Report
Very helpful if you have current/prior coverage
Years of Driving Experience
And years under your own authority
Type of Cargo Hauled
Dry Freight, reefer, flatbed, hazmat, etc.
Let’s work together
Get in touch today and receive a complimentary consultation or instant quote
📋 Real Trucking Insurance Claims
1.🚛 Cargo Spill on Interstate
What happened: A trucking company was transporting industrial chemicals when the driver lost control on a wet highway, causing the trailer to overturn. The cargo spilled across multiple lanes, prompting a hazardous materials response and temporary highway closure. Cleanup costs and environmental fines were substantial.
The company’s pollution liability and cargo insurance covered over $450,000 in damages, including third-party claims from motorists and government agencies. This case highlights the importance of specialized trucking endorsements. Source: Assured Standard [link]
2.🛠️ Improper Maintenance Leads to Lawsuit
What happened: A commercial truck’s brakes failed while descending a hill, resulting in a multi-vehicle collision. Investigators found that the fleet operator had skipped routine maintenance. Several injured parties filed lawsuits against the company for negligence.
The company’s liability insurance paid out $1.2 million in settlements and legal fees. This incident underscores how maintenance logs and compliance with DOT standards are critical to risk mitigation. Source: Commercial Trucking Insurance [link]
These verified U.S. cases show how fitness professionals face liability from equipment injuries, cyber threats, and legal disputes—highlighting the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How can I lower my insurance costs?
Shop around. There is no silver bullet to lower your insurance cost. Agencies like ours should be looking at various options for you, to reduce the amount of time you need to spend talking to insurance companies.
2.Same company but lower price. How is that possible?
At DOK, we pride ourselves to providing accurate quotes. That's why we might be asking more questions than other agents. If you get a quote from the same company from another agent but the premium is different, one of us made a mistake.
The last thing we want to do is sign you up for a policy that goes up the 2nd month because the information was incorrect. We have dealt with other agencies offering a lower (wrong) quote on purpose and then having to make excuses once the first bill was higher.
3.Is there a fee for getting an insurance quote?
We do not charge any fees for quotes, insurance reviews or risk consultations.
4.Can I pause or cancel my insurance if I’m not working for a few months?
Most commercial trucking policies do not allow short-term suspensions. Cancelling may affect your DOT/MC authority and create a lapse in coverage, which can raise future premiums.
5.How long does it take to get a quote?
We can sometimes offer a quote after a short phone conversation or after you provided us with all the information in a quote form.
When possible, we provide quotes within twenty-four business hours, assuming we have all the information that we need.
6.What is non-trucking liability insurance?
Non-trucking liability (NTL) covers you when you're using your truck for non-business purposes, like driving it home or running personal errands. It’s especially important for leased owner-operators.
7.What’s the difference between bobtail and non-trucking insurance?
Bobtail covers you when you're driving without a trailer, even under dispatch. Non-trucking liability covers personal use when you're not under dispatch. Some insurers bundle or distinguish them differently.
8.How fast can I get a policy and start hauling?
If you have your DOT/MC authority and documentation ready, some policies can be issued within 24–48 hours.
9.Can I switch my agent?
Most commercial trucking policies do not allow short-term suspensions. Cancelling may affect your DOT/MC authority and create a lapse in coverage, which can raise future premiums.
10.Do I need insurance before applying for my MC number?
No, but to activate your MC authority, FMCSA requires you to file proof of insurance (Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X) within 90 days of application.