What the best state to move my trucking company to?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Nostopin, Dec 22, 2022.

  1. Nostopin

    Nostopin Bobtail Member

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    Hi folks,

    I’m looking to move my trucking company (an LLC) out of California, for many obvious reasons.

    I’m looking at buying a small property and putting up a very basic metal shop to have an “office” to register my business to. I drive OTR Step Deck, and honestly don’t plan on spending much time at this out of state office. I just need an address with a place for an FMCSA audit to take place.

    My question for all you business owners… which state would be the best? What are some pro’s & con’s about your state? I don’t really care about remoteness, like Wyoming or South Dakota, mostly interested in taxes, inspections (like Texas), insurance cost, and overall how much the government will have their nose in my business. I’ve found plenty of info regarding full-time RV’ers regarding income tax and whatnot, but they aren’t specific to trucking businesses.

    TIA for your comments
     
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  3. North Pole Nightmare

    North Pole Nightmare Heavy Load Member

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    Texas,I worked for a small company,he moved from California to Houston.Loves it here.He just moved his home and shop here,still runs the same routes.
     
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  4. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    I don't remember what exactly it is, but if you Google best states to live in or you Google best states for tax advantages that kind of a thing you'll find a whole lists of everything you're looking for

    If you are out and away from any major city your insurance would probably be reasonable. The cities, like with everything else, are the worst.
     
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  5. Nostopin

    Nostopin Bobtail Member

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    I do like Texas, a lot. Love every mile I drive in TX, with the exception of the major cities, especially Houston.
    What about vehicle inspections? Don’t you have to have a TX inspection sticker or something like that?

    The states I’m most interested in so far:
    TX, OK, KS, SD, MT, WY, AR, TN, KY

    I don’t run the northeast, so I haven’t considered any of the Great Lakes region or east of there. I like the south, but I haven’t heard anything one way or another about ease of doing business. I know FL is a pain to get a load out of, but so is CA right now.

    The full-time RV crowd seem to favor SD, TX, and FL for tax and healthcare reasons. But, they aren’t registering commercial vehicles and dealing with DOT like a trucking company would.
     
  6. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    Of these....I'd opt for either TX, or TN:

    Best and Worst States for Trucking Companies - (ezinvoicefactoring.com)

    In a bad recession, my take is that Texas would probably still offer the most stepdeck opportunities.

    When the economy rebounds, Texas will likely be leading the charge.

    Less ice and snow in Texas, as well.

    Plus: there's that Texas BBQ......:p :)

    --Lual
     
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  7. NightWind

    NightWind Road Train Member

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    Well TN and FL have no personal income taxes. I wouldn't move to FL simply because a decent freight rate at best is iffy from there. Plus I absolutely cannot deal with all the tourist. I lived there before. I looked into TN simply because of the tax structure (LLC too) there are areas where the property (per acre) is reasonable. Plus the number of interstates crossing the state is a plus. I live in Alabama and have not had issues with the government getting in my business. I'd look into the cost of insurance as well before deciding as each state is different
    Here’s which states are best, worst for truck drivers financially
    Top 5 Best and Worst States For Trucking - 123Loadboard
    Best and Worst States for Trucking Companies -
     
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  8. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    There is plenty of room in Oklahoma. A lower cost of living. They will appreciate you more.
    Every time I drive up 69/75 from Colbert to Joplin, I see towns that are half deserted just waiting for people to move there and hang out a shingle.
     
  9. OscarGoldman

    OscarGoldman Light Load Member

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  10. Eddiec

    Eddiec Road Train Member

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    I would start by requesting data from each states trucking association, as it pertains to my operation. I would check load board services like DAT that shows vital freight information, volumes and detail. A commercial real estate agent, and my CPA and or attorney for their insight as well.
     
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  11. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Recently did a full breakdown on both cost of living personally as well as the buisness end TN to IN (single operator), its a wash because tn gives you 0 breaks on sales taxes, doesnt matter if its commercial or not and they are pretty high. 0 income tax is nice, but taxes are about equivalent unless you just dont spend your money while living in TN.
     
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