How To Become An Owner-Operator
How To Become An Owner-Operator
From helping you get your authority to finding loads, DAT is ready to get your business up and running.
Whether you’re wondering how to become a box truck owner operator or how to become a sprinter van owner operator, DAT can help. DAT Authority will handle the paperwork for your MC/DOT number, permits, and more, so you can concentrate on growing your business and finding loads.
- Leave the details to DAT.
- Save valuable time and money.
- Discover loads with the DAT load board.
Leave the details to DAT.
Say goodbye to stressing over your paperwork.
Becoming an owner-operator means lots of paperwork. Not only will you need to determine what type of insurance you need to activate your MC number, but you’ll also need to fill out BOC-3 process agent forms and much more.
When you work with DAT, we’ll handle your paperwork, giving you more time to get the rest of your business in order, so you’re ready to go once everything is approved.
Save valuable time and money.
Start your business off on the right foot with DAT Authority.
With so much paperwork, a lot can go wrong. Mistakes can set you back days — or even weeks — and require you to resubmit paperwork or pay another application fee. They may also delay your business’ launch date, leaving you without any income!
When you invest in DAT Authority, you’ll have our team of experts at your disposal to fill out your paperwork and guide you through the application process as quickly and effectively as possible.
Discover loads with the DAT load board.
Get the perfect load at the right price with a shipper you trust.
Finding loads is a time-consuming process, and getting loads on lanes you want with quality shippers is even more challenging. Not with DAT.
DAT allows you to quickly search for loads and post trucks on the industry’s largest and most trusted load board. You’ll be able to use DAT to vet potential partners, see reviews, average time-to-pays, credit histories, and more, ensuring you won’t work with an unreliable company.
"Some say it's simple to get your authority, and that you should save your money and do it yourself. Other people, including myself, are not sure where to even begin. I used a service provided by DAT to get my authority. It was important to me that it was done right the first time, by people who have done this before."
- Chad Boblett - Boblett Brothers Trucking
"They took me by the hand an led me through all of the diffiult and confusing steps to ensure that I started off on the right food. I cannot say it any clearer than these folks know what it's all about."
- Gregg Knight, LTL Trucking
If you’re wondering how to become an owner-operator truck driver, you’re not alone. Starting a business is a big decision that will require lots of work.
After assessing your finances and creating a business plan, you’ll need to obtain your CDL if you don’t already have one. Then, you’ll need to form and register your business through your Secretary of State’s website, apply for trucking authority, pursue a DOT number and medical certificate, purchase insurance, find freight, negotiate contracts, and more.
Getting your trucking authority, also known as operating or motor carrier authority, is one of the first steps to becoming an owner-operator. Without one, you won’t be able to start your business and transport freight for pay.
After filling out several forms and submitting your business’ information to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), they will allow you to receive payments for transporting freight if they believe you will work safely and reliably. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. You’ll need to apply for state and federal permits, USDOT numbers, and more!
Unfortunately, it can take weeks to get your trucking authority. Getting federal approval typically takes around 16 days, and you’ll need to fill out BOC-3 process agent forms, pay registration fees, obtain insurance policies, and more. In total, completing the state and federal approval processes takes between 5 to 7 weeks.
If you make a mistake, getting your authority can take even longer. The good news is DAT can handle your paperwork and guide you every step of the way so you can start picking up loads as quickly as possible.
In addition to your MC number, you’ll need a USDOT number from the Department of Transportation. This number is used to track your business, monitor your company’s safety record, register your drivers, and keep track of other information gained from inspections and audits.
You’ll need to fill out the MCS-150, MCS-150B, or MCS-150C form, depending on your business, and file your application online or send it to the FMCSA. They will issue your USDOT number instantly if you register online. If you mail your application, processing may take four to six weeks.
Getting started as an owner-operator can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. DAT Authority simplifies the process of becoming an owner operator, so you can rest easy and spend your time working on building your business rather than pouring over paperwork.
Our experts are familiar with different states’ requirements, so we can help you attain your MC and DOT numbers, state, IFTA, and IRP permits, and more without any hassle. We offer three different packages, so you can find one that suits your needs.
Once you’ve got your authority and necessary permits, it’s time to find loads! However, that’s easier said than done. You might need to settle for low-paying loads on routes you don’t want. Or, you could use the DAT load board to find high-quality loads with reliable shippers.
With over 400 million loads posted annually, the DAT load board is the largest in the country. No matter what vehicle you have, you’ll be able to find the perfect loads. We’re also the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association’s exclusive load board partner, so OOIDA members will receive a 10% DAT discount for life.
Breeze through the steps to become an owner operator!
If you’re ready to become an owner operator, you probably want to start operations ASAP. That’s where DAT Authority comes in. We’ll help you apply for your MC and DOT numbers, file your paperwork, acquire permits, and more, so you can start your business sooner rather than later.