HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR FIRST 90 DAYS AS A NEW CARRIER

You got your MC number. Your insurance is active. FMCSA says you're good to go. Now what?

The first 90 days of running your own authority are the most dangerous period in your trucking business. Industry data consistently shows that a large portion of new carriers don't make it past year one — and the problems almost always start in the first three months. Not because the freight isn't there, but because cash runs out, compliance slips, or bad decisions stack up before the business finds its legs.

This guide is the week-by-week survival plan we wish every new carrier had. It covers what to do before your first load, how to manage cash flow when you're not getting paid for 30+ days, how to build broker relationships from scratch, and the specific mistakes that sink new authorities.

If you haven't gotten your authority yet, start with our step-by-step guide to getting your trucking authority in 2026 first, then come back here.

BEFORE DAY 1: YOUR PRE-LAUNCH CHECKLIST

The first 90 days actually start before your first load. If you skip these steps, you'll spend your first month putting out fires instead of hauling freight.

• MC authority active on FMCSA — verify at SAFER
• BOC-3 process agent filed
• Primary liability insurance active ($1M minimum — most brokers require this)
• Cargo insurance active ($100K minimum standard)
• UCR registration complete for current year
• IFTA decals on your truck (don't cross state lines without them)
• ELD installed and tested before your first dispatch
• Business bank account open — separate from personal, non-negotiable
• Factoring company set up (critical — more on this below)
• Roadside assistance plan active
• Cash reserves of $10,000–$15,000 minimum beyond startup costs
• Fuel card in hand with discounts activated
• Load board subscriptions active (at minimum, one premium board)
• Carrier packet ready with insurance certificates, W-9, authority letter, and signed broker-carrier agreement template

WEEK 1–2: SET UP YOUR MONEY SYSTEMS

This is the #1 reason new carriers fail: they run out of cash before their first payment arrives. Here's how the math works against you.

You haul a load on Day 1. The broker's payment terms are Net 30 — meaning they'll pay you in 30 days. Some brokers are Net 45. Meanwhile, you already spent $800+ on fuel for that load, your insurance premium is due, your truck payment is due, and you need to eat.

By Week 3, you've hauled 6–8 loads and you're owed $12,000–$18,000. But your bank account? It might be nearly empty. This is the cash flow gap that kills new carriers.

Solution #1: Freight Factoring (Strongly Recommended)

Factoring companies buy your invoices and pay you within 24 hours of delivery. Yes, they take a fee (typically 2–5%), but that fee is the cost of staying in business. A 3% factoring fee on a $2,500 load is $75. That's nothing compared to going broke waiting for payment.

These ranges are wide because every operation is different. The point is: you can be profitable in your first 90 days — but only if you manage costs, avoid deadhead, and don't accept loads below your breakeven.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I get loads with a brand new MC authority?

Yes, but it's harder. Most major brokers require 90 days of authority and proof of insurance. During the first 90 days, focus on load boards, smaller brokers who work with new carriers, and building direct shipper relationships through tools like Apollo.io. After 90 days, many more doors open.

How much cash reserve do I need for my first 90 days?

Minimum $10,000–$15,000 beyond startup costs. Broker payments take 30–45 days, insurance is due monthly, and fuel costs are immediate. Without factoring, you'll need enough to cover 6–8 weeks of expenses before your first payment arrives.

Should I use a factoring company as a new carrier?

For most new carriers, yes. Factoring solves your biggest first-year problem: cash flow. Companies like RTS Financial and Triumph pay you within 24 hours instead of 30–45 days.

What should I do if I break down during my first 90 days?

Have roadside assistance in place before your first load. Keep an emergency fund of at least $2,000 specifically for breakdowns. Communicate immediately with your broker if a breakdown affects delivery timing.

Why do so many new trucking companies fail in the first year?

Running out of cash, underestimating costs (especially insurance and maintenance), hauling loads below breakeven, compliance failures, and not building broker relationships early enough. Every one of these is preventable with the right planning.

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