Trucking Startup Cost Spreadsheet
Use this framework to track every startup cost category. Fill in your actual quotes as you gather them. Print or copy as needed. For a calculated estimate, use the Startup Cost Calculator.
| Category | Item | Notes / Source | Estimated ($) | Actual ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | ||||
| Truck down payment | % of purchase price; varies by lender | |||
| Trailer down payment | If purchasing a trailer separately | |||
| Pre-purchase inspection fee | For used equipment; strongly recommended | |||
| Equipment Subtotal | ||||
| Authority & Federal Fees | ||||
| MC authority application fee | Verify current amount at FMCSA.dot.gov | |||
| BOC-3 filing fee | Varies by process agent company | |||
| UCR registration fee | Annual; tier based on fleet size. ucr.gov | |||
| HVUT (IRS Form 2290) | If GVWR 55,000 lbs+. IRS.gov | |||
| Authority & Federal Fees Subtotal | ||||
| State Registrations | ||||
| IRP (apportioned plates) | Contact base state; varies by state/miles | |||
| IFTA registration & decals | Contact base state IFTA office | |||
| State business registration | LLC or corporation filing fee; varies by state | |||
| State operating permits | If applicable to your operation type/routes | |||
| State Registrations Subtotal | ||||
| Insurance | ||||
| Primary liability down payment | Typically 20–30% of annual premium | |||
| Cargo insurance down payment | If separate from primary | |||
| Physical damage down payment | If required by lender | |||
| Bobtail/NTL coverage | If applicable to your operation | |||
| Insurance Subtotal | ||||
| Equipment & Technology | ||||
| ELD hardware | Must be on FMCSA registered device list | |||
| ELD first month subscription | Ongoing monthly after launch | |||
| Phone and data plan (first month) | Ongoing monthly after launch | |||
| Other technology/software | Accounting software, TMS, etc. | |||
| Technology Subtotal | ||||
| Operating Reserves | ||||
| Fuel reserve (first 2 weeks) | Estimate based on expected weekly miles and MPG | |||
| Maintenance reserve | Buffer for unexpected repairs; scale with equipment age | |||
| Working capital (broker payment gap) | Cover expenses for 6–8 weeks before first check | |||
| Personal living expenses (startup period) | If income will be delayed while building pipeline | |||
| Reserves Subtotal | ||||
| TOTAL ESTIMATED STARTUP COST | ||||
Print this page or copy the table into your own spreadsheet. Add rows for expenses specific to your operation.