With nearly 70% of the freight transported through roads by trucks, there is a massive opportunity in starting a trucking company and earning handsome revenues. The average annual growth of transportation of goods through roads is expected to increase by 27 percent within a few years, logistical support through roads is booming, and it is high time to enter into this business and make a fortune. Studies have revealed that nearly 91% of the freight carriers on the road operate an average of six trucks or less. Small trucking companies predominantly control the segment. There is a massive amount of regulation in the trucking industry, which makes it best to do business in an organized manner by having the proper entity structures and trucking permits. One can follow various business plans to start a trucking company in Texas and enter the competitive market.

The modules

Depending on the ultimate business vision, one can start the business by forming a company entity which can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC or corporation.

  • Sole proprietorship –In many states of the USA, there is no need to register with your state to start a trucking company in Houston. You can go to your local county courthouse and form a DBA or assumed name. A DBA is considered a sole proprietorship organization. Although the entrepreneur can still enjoy the profits thoroughly when it comes to expanding the business as a DBA, it becomes challenging due to a lack of funds or an increase in investment risk. Any wrong decision can turn out to be sour, and the failures can entirely lie on the owner’s shoulders. Therefore, registering the organization with the state as a LLC or Corporation is best to start the business of a trucking company in Texas.  One can protect personal assets and increase profits through various tax savings schemes offered by the state. The risk of putting the personal assets is much less if the company is registered.
  • Corporations – Corporations are registered, and the share of partners in the business is mentioned in the agreement. Therefore, the profits and the liabilities are mentioned accordingly, and the risk of putting the personal assets in trouble at a time of distress is much less. With one or more partners in a corporation, the organization can manage the business in a better way. Some may look after the daily activities, some on the finances, while others can look into the marketing aspect and win new clients. The collective responsibilities of each partner can help the company to grow big.
  • Starting as LLC’s –Again, many sole proprietorship firms prefer to register themselves as LLC’s or limited liability corporations. Unlike sole proprietorship organizations, it enables the owner to keep away personal assets out of the business purview. We can say it is a mixture of a sole proprietorship company and a corporation with less stringent rules, unlike corporations. However, it is tough for any owner to transfer the shares to others and leave the business. One needs to appoint a registered agent who will manage the legal aspects, look into getting the permits and licenses for operations and most importantly, draft the articles of the business organization before it starts giving all the details of the partners, their share in the company and many more and get the organization registered.

As the process of business rolls out, forming an LLC or a corporation, one has to obtain the Employer Identification Number or the EIN and open bank accounts. Then, it is time to apply to various competent authorities for several permits and licenses required to operate as a trucking company in Houston.  One has to get the USDOT number from the FMCSA, the MC number from the Motor carrier Operating Authority for doing trucking business and areas of operations, IRP and IFTA decal for cross-border transportation, CDL or commercial driving Licenses and many more. The appointed registers look into all these matters as you intend to start the business of a trucking company in Texas.

Conclusion

Although forming LLC’s, partnership firms, corporations need much paperwork and the process looks cumbersome, a good registering agent can do all the needful work. The registering organization can even explain all the details of starting a trucking company in Houston, Texas. The owners can get coached by them about the tips and tricks of growing big with the business. They are expert professionals to help the owners to form a structured commercial trucking company without hassles. It is time to think big for the future as the demand is growing daily for offshore freight carriers operating on the road. Do business in a structured manner to reap the benefits.