A New Or Used Truck at least a 3-year-old to qualify for a warranty & coverage up to 200,000 miles. Remember warranties have dimensions 24 – 48 months or 400,000 miles so take advantage and get the free quotes. Liabilities have Limits; they do not cover the engine or its critical components. A broker or shipper want even touch you with a 53 semi. Protecting your truck is protecting your business.

• Half Ton or A 1 TON Truck
• Diesel: Ford, Ram, or GMC $15,000 – $45,000
• Dually if your load is 12,000 -15,00 pounds (A dually is a truck with dual rear wheels. They are made to tow heavier weight than a single rear wheel truck.) A dually provides more torch, towing capacity, and stability while driving.
• 9000lb rear axle; minimum
• Gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch in the bed for a smooth ride
• Long Bed  (so the trailer will not hit cab) check clearance requirements usually 4 inches to be on the safe side
• Short Bed (you most likely will need a slider hitch or Sidewinder pin box installed)
• TRAILERS $8,000 $29,000
• Depends on what you want to haul: More if you are doing CDL loads. An Example: Big Tex Made, gooseneck set up, research capacity, can add a 5th wheel option, 35×5 36ft wood space, tandem set up or two tires each side, 5tf tails ramps fold-out convenience.
• Open 3 & 4 car wedge styles for autos
• Enclosed trailers for autos, motorcycles, general cargo
• Flatbeds for general cargo and equipment
• Use goosenecks and 5th wheels
• Make sure axles and tires are heavy enough
• Remember more axles = higher toll
• EQUIPMENT & Securement Tools
• Laptop computer for online access $600
• Internet access on the road via wi-fi or cellular $50/month
• 20ton or 40,000 pounds Bottle Jack & Jack Stand
• 60gal fuel tank attaches fuel line when the gas runs out truck tank via gravity feed. $900
• (10) 2-inch traps/flat hooks with mandatory WILL label on 2-inch traps (Working Load Limit of 3,333 pounds) with ratchet as a set. This setup puts you over the 10,000 loads. Confirm your straps breaking strength usually at 10,000 lbs. 10 straps $124.00
• Cargo straps, chains, tie downs, pad, etc.
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Hard Hat, Safety Glasses, Hi-Visibility Safety Vest, Protective Gloves, Facemasks. No PPE. No Entry.
• ADMINISTRATIVE
• Business checking account (i.e.: Bank of America) also savings or separate emergency account
• Tax ID number (online)
• Customer contracts/receipts
• Business expense receipts/bookkeeping
• Business license/service permit (city hall) $
• Certificate of the assumed name (courthouse) $
• CPA $275 to do taxes
•  DOT Completed Paperwork:  Profession folder with sleeves to maintain paperwork integrity
• FMCSA requirements vary by state
• MCS-150 form online $300
• USDOT #1553028
• MC #576750
• Minimum Insurance requirements $1,000,000 liability/$5,000 cargo (minimums) $6000 – $10000/year
• BOC-3 form $
• Safety inspections will be scheduled
• Fire extinguisher & safety triangles in truck
• Bills of lading
• Hours of service logbook
• DMV: PRICE VARIES
• CDL Class A $50 in NC
• Complete medical exam form & card completed by MD $150
• Vehicle registration, for hire tags 26,000lbs ($400 NC)
• ADVERTISING/EXPOSURE
• Dedicated business phone number
• Website $100yr
• www.uship.com for Carriers & Brokers
• Central Dispatch | The Auto Industry’s Vehicle Transport Marketplace for Carriers & Brokers $89,95/month
• Business cards (vistaprint.com) free + S/H
• Signage $100
• Business name, phone number, slogan, USDOT#, MC#, city & state
• Google my Business page $100

Please note this is not a complete list each state has its specific requirements. By contributing to this list, it will help the hotshot drivers on the road. Send me an email with your recommendations.