LLC Formation & FMCSA Registration Services

Starting a carrier requires two separate registrations: forming your business entity (LLC and EIN), and filing for your USDOT number and operating authority with FMCSA. Some providers handle the first, some handle the second, and a few offer both. Here’s what’s available.

LLC and EIN Formation

These providers help you establish your legal business entity and tax identification number.

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent charges $39 plus your state’s filing fee for one-time LLC formation. The package includes a free first year of registered agent service, digital document storage, and mail forwarding. The company states it has a privacy policy against selling client data. Registered agent service renews at $125 per year after the first year ends.

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness offers a starter plan at $0 plus your state fee, which covers name search, articles of organization filing, and an online dashboard with document storage. A paid Pro plan costs $199; a Premium plan is $299. The Worry-Free Compliance subscription includes registered agent service, annual report reminders, and compliance alerts. It’s free for the first year, then renews at $199 per year.

LegalZoom

LegalZoom provides basic LLC formation at $0 plus your state fee. Registered agent service is sold separately as a $249 per year subscription. LegalZoom also offers broader personal legal services including trusts and wills, and states it has a partnership with Bank of America for business banking setup.

FMCSA Registration Filing

These options help you file for your USDOT number and operating authority. Filing in the correct sequence (LLC → EIN → USDOT → MC) avoids delays and avoidable costs.

FMCSA Motus (Official)

FMCSA Motus is the free, official government registration portal run by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You file directly with the government for your USDOT number and operating authority at no cost.

CarrierForge

CarrierForge offers a free account and a free step-by-step “Trucking Business Checklist” dashboard tool. The platform emphasizes filing in the correct sequence to avoid delays and unnecessary costs caused by filing out of order.

Truckers Authority

Truckers Authority provides done-for-you filing services as part of the wider Trucker’s Affiliate Program (TAP) bundle.

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Get started: Read LLC, EIN, and licensing basics and USDOT and MC numbers for plain-English explanations of what each registration means.