New authority checklist

• Before grantApply for USDOT number + operating authority in Motus

  FMCSA's fee is $300 per authority type, nonrefundable. Motus replaced the old URS system on May 14, 2026; MC numbers are still issued (eliminating them is only proposed).

  Source: FMCSA: Get an MC number / authority to operate · FMCSA: Registration modernization FAQs
• Before grantHave your insurer file proof of liability coverage (BMC-91/91X)

  Minimums for for-hire general freight in vehicles of 10,001+ lb: $750,000; oil and most hazmat: $1,000,000; certain bulk hazmat: $5,000,000. The filing comes from your insurance company, not you.

  Source: 49 CFR 387.9: Financial responsibility, minimum levels · FMCSA: Insurance filing requirements
• Before grantFile your BOC-3 (process agents)

  Insurance and BOC-3 must be on file within 20 days of your application being published in the FMCSA Register. If not, FMCSA serves a dismissal notice and you have 60 days to comply.

  Source: FMCSA: Insurance filing requirements
• Before grantWait for the grant: don't haul interstate for-hire loads until your authority is active

  In FMCSA's own data, new property authorities granted in the last 30 days took a median 26 days from first recorded status to grant (middle half: 16–42 days). See the data.

  Source: FMCSA open data on data.transportation.gov
• Before grantRegister in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and set up a testing program

  You need a drug and alcohol testing program with random testing (most owner-operators join a consortium). Having no program or no random testing is an automatic fail on the New Entrant safety audit. A full pre-employment query costs $1.25.

  Source: FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse · FMCSA: Clearinghouse query costs · FMCSA: New Entrant Safety Assurance Program
• Days 1–30Pay UCR for the current year

  Interstate carriers register with the Unified Carrier Registration plan. 2026 fees: $46 (0–2 vehicles), $138 (3–5), $276 (6–20), $963 (21–100). 2027 fees (registration opened Oct 1, 2026): $55, $167, $333, $1,163.

  Source: Federal Register: UCR fees for 2027 (doc 2026-17893) · 49 CFR 367: UCR fees
• Days 1–30File Form 2290 (HVUT) for trucks at 55,000 lb or more

  For July 2026–June 2027: $100 at 55,000 lb taxable gross weight, plus $22 per 1,000 lb over that, up to $550 over 75,000 lb. Partial-period tax applies if the truck is first used after July.

  Source: IRS: Form 2290 instructions (July 2026–June 2027)
• Days 1–30Set up IRP apportioned plates and an IFTA license in your base state

  Required for qualified vehicles running interstate (generally over 26,000 lb, or three or more axles). Fees are set by your base state, so ask your state DMV or revenue office.

  Source: IRP, Inc. (apportioned registration) · IFTA, Inc. (fuel tax agreement)
• Days 1–30Build a driver qualification file for every driver (including you)

  Valid CDL, medical certificate, application, MVR, road test or equivalent, plus the pre-employment drug test and Clearinghouse query. Using a driver without a valid CDL is an automatic audit fail.

  Source: FMCSA: New Entrant Safety Assurance Program
• Days 1–30Keep hours-of-service records (ELD) from your first load

  Having no records of duty status is an automatic audit fail.

  Source: FMCSA: New Entrant Safety Assurance Program
• Days 1–30Start a maintenance and inspection file for each truck and trailer

  Keep inspection, repair and maintenance records. Operating a vehicle placed out of service before it's repaired is an automatic audit fail.

  Source: FMCSA: New Entrant Safety Assurance Program
• Days 31–60Put together your broker setup packet

  Brokers usually ask for your authority letter, certificate of insurance, W-9 and, if you factor, a notice of assignment from your factoring company.
• Days 31–60Decide how you'll handle cash flow (factoring or quick pay)

  Compare published rates and contract terms (recourse vs. non-recourse, minimum term, reserves). Factoring rate table.
• Days 61–90+Prepare for the New Entrant safety audit

  New carriers are monitored for 18 months, and FMCSA does a safety audit within the first 12 months. Have your drug and alcohol, driver qualification, HOS, maintenance, insurance and accident records ready.

  Source: FMCSA: New Entrant Safety Assurance Program
• Days 61–90+Update your MCS-150 every 24 months, and whenever your details change

  Biennial updates are required even if nothing changed.

  Source: 49 CFR 390.19: MCS-150 updates

Checked against official sources on Oct 18, 2026. This is a planning aid, not legal advice. State rules (intrastate authority, weight-distance taxes in states like NY, KY, NM and OR) vary.