# Start a Trucking Company With One Truck

> Own authority vs leasing on, the minimum filing set for a solo carrier, and what changes at truck two.

Source: <https://www.fasttruckingcompliance.com/guides/start-trucking-company-with-one-truck>
Publisher: Fast Trucking Compliance
License: All rights reserved. Citations welcome with attribution and a link back to the source.

## Key takeaways

- One truck is the normal starting point: in July 2026, 7,328 of 14,117 new USDOT registrations (about 52%) listed a single power unit (FMCSA Company Census File).
- Leasing on under 49 CFR §376.12 puts the truck under the carrier’s authority and public liability insurance; own authority means MC, BOC-3, BMC-91, UCR, and a consortium in your name.
- A self-employed driver must join a random testing pool of two or more under 49 CFR §382.103(b) and keeps a driver qualification file on themselves under §391.1(b).
- UCR bracket 1 covers 0-2 vehicles, so truck two does not change the fee; IRP, IFTA, and Form 2290 depend on the truck’s weight, not the fleet size.
- A second driver triggers the employer side of Parts 382 and 391: pre-employment Clearinghouse query and test, a DQ file, and an annual MVR review.

## Topics covered

- one-truck trucking company
- owner-operator
- lease on vs own authority
- 49 CFR Part 376
- minimum filings
- new entrant
- ELD

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