The paperwork, in order, and what goes on the truck.
Each checklist is the registrations, permits and insurance you need before the first job, then exactly what the doors have to say. Checked September 2026.
Starting a towing companyA California tow company needs a Motor Carrier Permit (with a CA number), a USDOT number, commercial registration and insurance, a CHP tow truck inspection, and...Starting a trucking companyTo run your own authority you need a USDOT number, MC operating authority (for-hire interstate), a BOC-3 process agent, insurance on file with FMCSA, UCR regist...Starting a hotshot businessHotshot is trucking with a pickup and a gooseneck, and the paperwork is the same: USDOT, MC authority, BOC-3, insurance, UCR, IRP and IFTA if interstate, then n...Starting a landscaping businessIn California, landscape construction over the CSLB threshold needs a C-27 license; maintenance-only gardening doesn't. Either way you need a business license, ...Starting a contracting businessCalifornia contractors need a CSLB license for any job over the contract threshold, a contractor's bond, insurance, a city business license, and the business na...Starting a moving companyCalifornia household movers need a permit from the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (a CAL-T number), a USDOT number, cargo and liability insurance, worke...Starting a box truck delivery businessA 26 foot box truck is over 10,001 lbs, so it needs a USDOT number and, for paid interstate freight, MC authority. Amazon Relay and most load boards require bot...Starting a dump truck businessA dump truck business in California needs a Class B CDL for trucks over 26,001 lbs, a USDOT number, Motor Carrier Permit with CA number, BIT enrollment, commerc...