Hi everyone, I just joined this group, any moving company owners in here? I would like to connect with you guys! I am a moving company owner.

If you just got your MC active, this is the question everyone asks: “How do I actually get my first load?” Here’s the real game 🚛 1. LOAD BOARDS (Fastest way to start) Use these immediately: - DAT Load Board - Truckstop - 123Loadboard 👉 You can find loads SAME DAY👉 Perfect for beginners Pro tip:Don’t just click “book now” — CALL the broker directlyThat’s how you build relationships + get better rates 📲 2. DISPATCHERS (Done-for-you approach) If you don’t want to hunt loads all day: - A dispatcher finds loads for you - Negotiates rates - Keeps you moving 💰 They usually charge 5%–10% per load 👉 Best for beginners who don’t know how to negotiate yet 🤝 3. BROKERS (Where real money is made) Brokers control the loads. Start calling + building relationships with: - TQL - CH Robinson - Echo Global Logistics 👉 Ask:“Do you have anything available for my truck in [your area]?” 📈 The more they know you = the more loads they send you directly ⚠️ REAL ADVICE (Most people won’t tell you this) Your first week might be slow. That’s NORMAL. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s:✔ Getting your first load✔ Building 1–2 relationships✔ Learning how brokers move 💡 SIMPLE GAME PLAN 1. Check load boards every morning 2. Call 10–20 brokers daily 3. Follow up consistently 4. Stay active — don’t wait for loads to come to you ; YOU WANT THE BALL RUN TO IT AND TAKE IT INSTEAD WAITING FOR A PASS !! 🎯 CTA If you want help getting your first load faster, comment “LOADS” — I’ll point you in the right direction.

If you just got your MC, here’s what it can look like: 🚛 Gross per week (starting out):$4,000 – $7,000 ⛽ Expenses (fuel, insurance, etc):$1,500 – $2,500 💰 Net profit:$2,000 – $4,500 / week If you stay consistent + build relationships: 🚛 Gross per week:$7,000 – $12,000+ 💰 Net:$4,000 – $8,000+ Reality check: You won’t hit this day 1 — but with the right setup + dispatch + consistency, it’s very doable. 🎯 CTA “If you’re serious about getting your MC active, comment ‘READY’ — I’ll guide you step by step.”

🔹 PHASE 1 — Business Formation Lay your foundation the right way. - ✅ Choose your business name - ✅ Verify availability on your state SOS website - ✅ File Articles of Organization (LLC)($50–$500 depending on state) - ✅ Appoint a Registered Agent(You or a service like Northwest Registered Agent) - ✅ Get your EIN (Free — irs.gov/ein, ~10 minutes) - ✅ Open a business bank account(Bring EIN + Articles of Organization) - ✅ Create an Operating Agreement(Free templates available online) 🔹 PHASE 2 — Federal DOT Registration Get legally recognized to operate. - ✅ Register for your USDOT Number(Free — Form MCS-150 at li.fmcsa.dot.gov) - ✅ Save your USDOT number(Needed for insurance + compliance) - ✅ Order USDOT decals for your truck(Both sides — minimum 2” lettering) - ✅ Update all business profiles(Website, Google Business Profile, invoices) 🔹 PHASE 3 — MC Authority Application Make it official — this is where you go active. - ✅ File Form OP-1($300 — choose HHG or Property) - ✅ Receive your MC Number(Issued immediately after filing) - ✅ File BOC-3 Process Agent(BOC3.com — $20–$40) - ✅ Bind commercial insurance(Minimum $750K liability) - ⚠️ Wait 20-day FMCSA protest period - ❗ DO NOT HAUL until status = ACTIVE - ✅ Verify status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov - ✅ Print your MC Authority Certificate 🔹 PHASE 4 — Insurance & Filings Protect your business and stay compliant. - ✅ Confirm BMC-91 filed (liability) - ✅ Confirm BMC-34 filed (cargo, if HHG) - ✅ Add commercial auto coverage - ✅ Add general liability coverage - ⚠️ Set renewal reminders(Lapsed insurance = authority shutdown) 🔹 PHASE 5 — Tax & Compliance Stay legal and audit-ready. - ✅ Register for UCR($69/year — 0–2 trucks) - ✅ Apply for IFTA (if crossing states) - ✅ File IRS Form 2290 (if 55K+ lbs)~$550/year - ✅ Check state intrastate requirements - ✅ Set up quarterly IFTA reporting - ✅ Track mileage + fuel per truck

If you’re looking to get into the trucking, transport, or logistics industry, here’s a simple breakdown of costs + timeline to get fully set up and running. 📋 Setup Overview 1️⃣ Form Your LLC💰 $50 – $500⏱ 1–3 days📍 Your state website 2️⃣ Registered Agent (Optional)💰 $50 – $300 / year⏱ Same day📍 Services like Northwest or ZenBusiness 3️⃣ Get EIN (Tax ID)💰 FREE⏱ 10 minutes📍 IRS website 4️⃣ USDOT Number💰 FREE⏱ 30 minutes📍 FMCSA Registration Portal 5️⃣ MC Authority (Operating Authority)💰 $300⏱ 20–25 days approval📍 FMCSA Licensing 6️⃣ Process Agent (BOC-3 Filing)💰 $20 – $40⏱ 1–2 days 7️⃣ Insurance (Required)💰 $2,000 – $8,000 / year⏱ 2–5 days ( Depending on the equipment you will be using ) 8️⃣ UCR Registration💰 Starting at $69 / year⏱ Same day 9️⃣ IFTA (Fuel Tax – if running interstate)💰 Varies⏱ 1–2 weeks 🔟 Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290)💰 Around $550 / year⏱ Same day