From trucking authority to your first paid load — legal, insured, and ready to book freight.
Answer a few questions and get matched with the services that fit your business — free.
What's available in your state?
or browse all statesHow it works
Tell us where you are
A short questionnaire about your stage and what you need.
Get matched
We line up the services that fit — no calls, no spam.
Set up in minutes
Follow curated links and checklists to get each one done.
Popular right now
Advertiser disclosure: First Load HQ may earn a commission when you get a quote or sign up for a service through links on this site. It never changes your price, and it never changes the path we show you — every government filing on this site links the official FMCSA or state portal, where the only cost is the government fee.
Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance
The largest commercial truck insurer in the country, and one of the few that quotes brand-new authorities online. Liability, cargo, and physical damage — the filing the FMCSA must see before your authority activates.
Get a truck insurance quoteMotive ELD & Fleet Platform
The ELD most new authorities start with — FMCSA-registered, driver-app-first, with the IFTA mileage reports you'll need every quarter baked in.
Get your ELDDAT Load Board
The biggest freight marketplace in North America and the default answer to "where do I find my first load" — plus the rate data that tells you whether a load is worth hauling.
See loads on DATGuides
How to Get Trucking Authority: Rules, Steps & StatusLearn how to get trucking authority through the current FMCSA process, complete BOC-3 and insurance filings, check active status, and avoid costly delays.
New Trucking Company Checklist: Authority to First LoadUse this new trucking company checklist to verify authority, insurance, UCR, driver compliance, equipment, broker paperwork, and first-load readiness.
Leased on vs. Own Authority: How to ChooseCompare leased on vs own authority across cost, requirements, risks and fit. Use clear decision criteria to choose the better path for your situation.
How to Get Loads With New Authority: First-Load GuideLearn how to get loads with new authority: verify active status, build your carrier packet, find brokers, screen rates, avoid fraud, and book your first load.