Owner Operator Checklist

@brian991219 does auto transport. Maybe he's around tonight

 

There really is not much to it, you will need all the same things a typical tractor trailer will need, some will depend on what state you are based in and where you plan on running. Here is what I can think of off the top of my head:

IRP (apportioned) Registration - this will cover you for all states and Canadian provinces
IFTA (fuel tax decal) - you will set up an account with your local State tax office
Annual Federal Inspection on truck
State Safety Inspection on truck, if your home state has one (PA and NY come to mind as they both do)
NY HUT (highway use tax) - If you will truck in NY you have to register for and pay NY HUT
Weight Distance taxes in NM and I believe OR and CO but I'm not sure I don't go west anymore
Possibly Kentucky tax (KYU) but that depends on weight, check the KY website for details
US DOT and MC numbers - easy to do yourself thru the FMCSA website www.fmcsa.dot.gov
Process Agent to file a BOC-3 on your behalf, pick from the list on the FMCSA website 1 time fee
Appropriate insurance, $1M minimum public liability if you are doing cars, $750,000 for other freight
Appropriate cargo insurance to cover the value of the cargo, car haul usually want $50,000 per car
Proper CDL for the vehicle and complete driver qualification file, including employment application
Register/Join a drug and alcohol testing consortium (OOIDA or check with a local occupational health facility for a regional consortium, may be much cheaper)
Over age 21 for interstate operations
Will need log books if you operate outside the 100 air mile radius or over 12 hours
Display the legal trade name and US DOT number on your truck, also last 8 of VIN for Colorado

The IRP and IFTA are because a tandem drive axle truck (total of 3 axles) will automatically require fuel tax decal and most likely over 26,001 gross so apportioned plates as well. You can check with your state trucking association, many of them have excellent compliance help for just the cost of membership ($200-$300), or go the OOIDA route, although they are a little clueless about anything other than typical OTR or leased on O/O drivers, and their insurance program does not cover auto hauling, at least not what I do. Also, if this is like a rollback tow truck you can check with your home state towing association, many of them also have compliance experts that can help. Good luck.

 

OOIDA