The decision to leave behind your role as a company driver and start a trucking company isn't an easy one. If becoming an owner-operator were easy, everyone would do it. But even though getting your business started, complying with federal regulations, and putting in the long hours can be tough, there are many perks to starting a trucking company of your own.

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Thinking about starting a trucking company? Here's what to do before you start looking for a free DOT number. Becoming an owner-operator can be a promising business venture for anyone interested in how to start a trucking company and ultimately be their own boss. But in order for the business to be successful, there are a few considerations to make even before applying for a free DOT number.

Does your business require a UCR registration? Keep reading to learn what you need to know about the 2026 UCR filing. If you’re a motor carrier and you don’t currently have a Unified Carrier Registration (UCR), it’s important to get one right away. Unregistered motor carriers who cross state lines without one could be fined and have their trucks pulled off the road — meaning resources, time, and money can all be wasted. But what if you’re not sure your business is subject to UCR requirements? Now that the UCR filing period is officially open, the compliance specialists at Foley are ready to answer all your UCR-related questions. In this article, we’ll cover … What a UCR registration is When the 2026 UCR is due When UCR enforcement begins Who needs UCR registration How much a UCR registration costs The consequences of not completing your UCR filing If you can file multiple UCRs at once Who can help you with UCR filing What is a UCR registration? UCR stands for Unified Carrier Registration. It is a federally mandated system for registering operators of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in North America. Whether you operate CMVs in two states or twenty, you are required to complete your UCR filing every year, as long as you meet the requirements detailed below. When is this year’s UCR due? This annual UCR filing must be renewed by December 31st each year. Registration for the upcoming year began on October 1st, giving motor carriers over two months to file before the end of the year. When does UCR enforcement begin? According to UCR Board policy, enforcement for the 2026 registration year is recommended to begin on January 1st, 2026. But this doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute. The sooner you file, the more prepared you’ll be for a successful, compliant year. Foley can take care of your UCR filing for you, so there’s no reason to put it off any longer! Who needs a UCR registration? Any motor carrier who drives a commercial vehicle carrying cargo over state or international lines must file an annual UCR. Individuals and companies who arrange the shipment of goods, such as brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies are also subject to the UCR fee. Specifically, any business that operates CMVs meeting the following thresholds is required to file: Has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of over 10,000 pounds, or Carries placarded amounts of hazardous materials, or Transports more than 10 passengers (including driver) Still not sure if you need a UCR? The Unified Carrier Registration has a convenient questionnaire to help you determine if you must file. How much do UCRs cost? For motor carriers, the cost of the UCR filing fee is dependent on the total number of vehicles in a fleet. Brokers and leasing companies pay the lowest fee to register. You can see how fees are distributed based on this information in the chart on the bottom of this page. What happens if I don’t file my UCR registration? If you don’t pay for the UCR, and you are caught driving over state lines, enforcement officials could detain your vehicles. Plus, you could be required to pay additional fines and penalties. Depending on which state you’re from, the fine could be anywhere from $100 to $5000 for first-time offenders. What if my state doesn’t participate? Do I need a UCR registration in Florida? Do I need a UCR registration in Maryland? Do I need a UCR registration in Arizona? Currently, 41 states in the U.S. are participating in the UCR program. The following states are not participating: Arizona Florida Hawaii Maryland Nevada New Jersey Oregon Vermont Wyoming District of Columbia If the state in which your business is located doesn’t participate in the UCR program, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Any motor carrier that travels over state lines is required to purchase a UCR. If your business is in a state that doesn’t participate, you are required to purchase a UCR filing in the nearest participating state. Can I purchase multiple UCRs at once? Because the UCR system is based on a motor carrier’s unique DOT number, each business needs to file its UCR registration individually. If your business did not file a UCR for 2025 and it was in operation at any time during the year, however, you can file both your 2025 and 2026 UCR registrations at once to avoid additional fines and the risk of being put out of service. Trust Your DOT Compliance & UCR Registration Partner Now that you have the answers to the most common UCR questions, you should be able to determine if you need to file a UCR. We know you already have a lot on your plate with other annual DOT compliance matters. Foley can make the UCR filing process simple. Call us at (860) 530-6310 or click here to file your 2026 UCR registration with Foley now!

Let Foley keep an eye on your driver’s potential drug and alcohol violations in the DOT Clearinghouse and their traffic violations with MVR monitoring. We all wait until the last minute for things, but your annual FMCSA Clearinghouse queries should not be one of them.

UCR enforcement starts on January 1, 2026. Now is the time to take care of this DOT compliance requirement. Time is ticking! You only have until December 31, 2025, to complete your 2026 Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) filing.

Filing a DOT number application gets you on track toward meeting DOT recordkeeping requirements. At first glance, understanding and dealing with DOT regulations and DOT recordkeeping requirements seems complicated.

Every 12 months, employers must obtain an updated Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) for each CDL driver to ensure they are qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. This MVR check will show a record of all moving violations, accidents, and license suspensions and revocations. During this process, you must consider the following: Did the driver violate any hazardous materials regulations? Did the driver violate any motor vehicle laws that show a general disregard for public safety? This may include drug and alcohol violations, speeding, or reckless driving. This annual MVR must be placed in the driver qualification file along with a note showing the name of the person who performed the annual review and the date the review occurred. Reminder: Annual List of Driving Violations Eliminated by FMCSA According to an FMCSA final ruling passed on May 9, 2022, CDL drivers are no longer required to submit an annual list of moving violations to their employer. Employers are still required to retain the Record of Violations documents collected before May 9, 2022, and keep them for three years from the original document date, unless otherwise clarified by FMCSA. Automatically Comply with Annual Motor Vehicle Record Checks with MVR Monitoring Not only does an MVR monitoring program help you track your drivers' habits behind the wheel by alerting you to new violations and accidents, but it also fulfills your annual MVR check requirement. Don't worry about what your drivers are doing behind the wheel, or missing your annual motor vehicle record check deadline! Click here to schedule a call with our DOT compliance specialists or fill out the form below to see how MVR monitoring can make your job easier.

You must file your MCS-150 update on a regular basis to maintain your FMCSA compliance. There are a variety of reasons why motor carriers are required to update their MCS-150 form. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the update, why it’s important, and how to get it done fast. What is MCS-150? The MCS-150, or Motor Carrier Identification Report, is a form filed to obtain and update your USDOT number. Through this form, you provide specific information about your business to the FMCSA, including whether you’re designated as a passenger vehicle or hazardous materials carrier, your mileage, and the number of vehicles in your fleet. This allows the FMCSA to verify that the information associated with your DOT number is correct. Any motor carrier with a DOT Number is required to file a biennial MCS-150 update. You should also file an update any time something about your business changes, for instance, if you have a new company name or add trucks to your fleet. File Your MCS-150 Update Now Why It’s Important to Provide Accurate Information on Your MCS-150 The FMCSA uses the information you file in the report to calculate safety scores according to its safety measurement system, Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA). The data you provide is used to analyze your safety performance within CSA’s Behavior Analysis & Safety Improvement Categories, otherwise known as the BASICS. Inaccurate data can negatively impact your safety performance scores. What Happens if You Don’t Update Your MCS-150? The FMCSA takes this update seriously. Failure to file the update by the deadline could result in a deactivation of your DOT number, along with fines of up to $1,000 a day. You’ll need to know your DOT number when determining when your update is due, as it is based on the last two digits of your DOT number: The second-to-last number in your DOT Number determines what year your biennial update needs to be filed. If it’s odd, you’re required to file your MCS-150 in every odd-numbered calendar year. If it’s even, then you file in even-numbered calendar years. For example: If your DOT Number is 5555515, you’re required to file in odd-numbered years. If your DOT Number is 5555525, you’re required to file in even-numbered years. The last number in your DOT number determines what month your biennial update needs to be filed. If your DOT number ends with the number one, you need to file in January. If your DOT number ends with the number two, you need to file in February, and so on. Updates are due no later than the last day of the month in which they’re due. How Do I Complete My MCS-150 Biennial Update? If your biennial update is due, or you’ve made any changes to your business since your last filing, you must file your MCS-150 renewal. At Foley, we make the process simple by filing all the paperwork for you. Click here to file your MCS-150 form update quickly and accurately today.

When: Thursday, January 15, 2026| 1:00 PM ET The FMCSA has launched a fully digital process for DOT medical certificates, but there’s an important waiver in place, and the deadline keeps changing. What does this mean for your business?

Cut audit risk, save time, and stay compliant with DOT/FMCSA rules.

It’s easy for critical DOT tasks to slip during year-end crunch time. Use this fast-paced session to button up 2025 requirements and roll cleanly into 2026 with fewer risks, fewer surprises, and a digital file cabinet that’s audit-ready.

Auditors keep nailing carriers for the same acute violations: letting disqualified/suspended drivers operate, weak or missing drug and alcohol programs, missed randoms, using a driver who tested positive, and failing the one-license rule. This webinar turns those five audit magnets into a simple, repeatable defense plan for owner-operators and multi-terminal fleets alike. We’ll show exactly how to structure your random testing program (and document rates), harden your CDL/MVR and Clearinghouse checks, and run a rapid RTD play when a positive test hits.

SDLAs now downgrade CDLs/CLPs for drivers in “prohibited” status—so the Clearinghouse isn’t just a database; it’s a business-continuity risk. This webinar turns the rule into a practical playbook for both one-truck owner-operators and enterprise fleets. We’ll walk through real-world scenarios (prohibited mid-route, denied consent, bad CDL data) and show exactly what to do in less than 60 minutes. You’ll leave with step-by-step query workflows, RTD coordination tips, and an audit-ready recordkeeping checklist.

Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated — you shouldn't have to piece together data from multiple sources to know where you stand. Having an all-in-one platform for everything compliance can significantly increase efficiency, provide better visibility into your overall compliance health, and alert you to any potential issues before they become problematic.

A Smarter Way to Manage Compliance & Safety

A Faster, Easier Way to Stay Compliant

Webinar On-Demand Staying compliant with FMCSA Clearinghouse regulations is no longer just about checking boxes. Running driver queries, collecting consent, and maintaining records are now the starting point—not the finish line. Join Foley’s expert-led webinar to uncover the full scope of what it takes to stay compliant, avoid costly violations, and use the Clearinghouse as a strategic tool for audits and risk management.

FMCSA regulations change every year, and even small compliance gaps can lead to costly violations, out-of-service orders, and failed audits.

Why fleets need continuous MVR monitoring It's a fact: annual MVR pulls miss the 364 days in between. Our new guide explains how real-time driver monitoring and alerts help you spot risks early, stay compliant, and protect your safety rating.

Keep drivers on the road—and regulators off your back. DQFs aren’t “paperwork.” They protect your operating authority, insurance standing, and brand. One wrong license or missing file can mean five-figure fines—and bigger liability after a crash.

Get Compliant. Stay on the Road. Pass Your Audit. Starting your trucking company is exciting — but missing even one compliance step can cost you thousands in fines or get your DOT Number shut down before you haul your first load.

Hiring great drivers is tough enough—you shouldn’t have to stress about compliance too. That’s why we created this step‑by‑step guide to help you onboard top drivers while staying fully aligned with FMCSA Regulation Part 391. Inside, you’ll find exactly what to do every time you bring on a new driver so you can keep their Driver Qualification Files (DQFs) complete, compliant, and audit‑ready.

Built for owner-operators, safety leaders, hiring managers, and compliance pros, Foley brings peace of mind and efficiency to companies of all sizes. Think of this guide as your quick tour of the Foley platform. From the moment a candidate applies to the day an auditor knocks, you’ll see how every piece of the platform works together to keep you organized, compliant, and ahead of risk. Inside, you’ll find:

BUYERS GUIDE: How to Choose the Right Compliance Tech for Your Fleet Running a small fleet is tough enough—don’t let compliance slow you down. Our new guide walks you through the key factors to consider when choosing compliance and monitoring technology. When you’re juggling routes, drivers, and vehicles, paperwork and compliance deadlines can quickly get overwhelming. Choosing the right compliance system isn’t just about staying organized—it’s about protecting your drivers, keeping your trucks on the road, and avoiding costly violations. That’s why we put together the Fleet Tech Buyers Guide—a practical resource made for owner-operators and small fleet managers. Inside, you’ll find:

Make smarter, safer technology choices for your commercial fleet with our new guide: Important Considerations for Large Fleet Compliance & Monitoring Technology Solutions. Selecting the right compliance and monitoring platform isn’t just about staying organized—it’s about protecting your drivers, your business, and your reputation. The Commercial Fleet Tech Buyers Guide provides fleet and safety leaders with everything they need to evaluate solutions with confidence:

Are you ready to take control of your trucking business and achieve success as an owner-operator? Our comprehensive eBook, "Pathways to Success: Navigating the Owner-Operator Trucking Business," is your roadmap for thriving through the complexities of the industry.

A third-generation family-owned carrier was ready to grow — but needed a compliance foundation that could grow with them.

For a company built on safety and precision, Stanley Tree Service wanted a hiring and compliance process that worked just as efficiently as their crews in the field. With hundreds of drivers to manage, paper files were slowing things down — until they discovered Foley Dash.

With 45 locations, managing compliance for drivers and warehouse employees can be complicated, but after working with Foley, the Lindenmeyr Munroe team is seeing real savings in time, as well as lower risk. Foley's real-time notifications are surfacing the right data for each location, so every important alert can be handled proactively.

As a text messaging software solution provider, Avochato knows the power of instant communication. They needed the same advanced approach with their hiring process. Foley’s background screening software offered a better solution than their former impersonal, outdated provider.

In this customer video, Bob Hickey talks about how partnering with Foley has helped their business reduce their risk exposure when it comes to compliance and insurance.

Being new to the trucking industry can feel stressful. Especially when 90% of trucking companies fail in the first 12 months.

Conductor finds a nimble and progressive background check partner in Foley, plus a seamless applicant tracking system (ATS). With Greenhouse Software as their ATS, Conductor had already structured and streamlined their hiring process. But Conductor’s background check vendor (one of the largest in the US and arranged through their former parent company) couldn’t deliver the type of candidate experience that adhered to their strong company culture.

In this customer video, Diana Cooley talks about the benefits she has seen with Foley's Drug and Alcohol Testing, Clearinghouse, Audit Risk Monitor, and Customer Support.

Foley's User-Friendly Solution Helps PKS Achieve Total Compliance and Save Time PKS Concrete Pumping Services turned to Foley to streamline their onboarding and compliance processes. With Foley's user-friendly software, PKS achieved total compliance and saved their team hours each week. The software automated tasks such as drug and alcohol testing, driver file management, DOT physicals, and MVR monitoring, making the onboarding process 75% more efficient.

What gaps or inefficiencies are slowing down your hiring and onboarding processes? Take this quick quiz and find out.

Take our quick assessment to determine your audit risk – as well as what you can do to prepare.

Our quick quiz will walk you through your requirements to make sure you’re running a safe and compliant program.

How much could you save with an MVR Monitoring Program?

Learn what inspectors will be looking for during the CVSA Roadcheck – and whether your company is prepared.

Make sure your driver files are ready for an offsite audit and beyond with our quick compliance quiz.

Are you running risky background checks? Take our short quiz to find out!