How to start a trucking business in Florida

There are 50 states in the United States. Those who believe that there are 55 or 56 of them are mistaken. Do not confuse states, districts and territories. Where is it better to open a cargo business in the UNITED STATES? This is the question many Americans and people who are going there ask themselves. 

What to begin with

First of all, you should pay attention to the place of residence. If you are going to work even online, it is still more profitable for you to work in your home state. Having registered in another state, you will not be able to effectively carry out business in your home state if they do not recognize certificates of other states. In this case, you need to take additional measures that you may not like:

  • register another LLC. This will require the execution of unnecessary documents and the payment of double income tax;
  • close the license in another state and open it in the native one;
  • move a company from one place to another.

These measures are related to changes in addresses, bank accounts, re-registration with the tax authority.

Why Florida

In the United States, a rating of states Tax Foundation has been created. This organization determines the tax burden in various states on business. The rating is trusted by almost all well-known business publications. Florida in this list firmly occupies a place in the top five states most profitable for business.

Florida in America is called the “state of pensioners”, although the Spaniards who came here called it a “blooming land”. Increasingly, retired Americans are applying to the southern state to live remaining years comfortably.

Florida is very suitable for immigrants. Here the ideal tax conditions for their business have been created:

  1. Corporate tax: 5.5%.
  2. Income tax: 0%.
  3. Sales tax: 6%.
  4. Average property tax: 1.02%.

The unemployment rate is only 3%. 

In order to open own business in cargo transportation, a person must have an idea of this area and a certain work experience. You should be aware of what difficulties you will have to face in the process of work. Despite the fact that the trucking industry is in dire need of specialists, many businessmen leave business in the first year of work.

How to register

If you are determined to start your own business in cargo transportation, you should clearly follow a certain algorithm of actions:

  1. Create a detailed action plan taking into account even the smallest details. You need to:
    • make a resume;
    • outline the purpose of the business;
    • determine reasonable indicators of revenues, the number of customers, approximate parameters of business development for the year;
    • identify the target audience, assess the work of competitors;
    • determine the balance of expenses and income.
  2. Come up with an original name, then protect the domain name and trademark. Legal subtleties must be observed so that there are no conflicts in the future.
  3. You can’t start business without initial capital. You should be prepared to cover the costs of licenses, drivers’ fees, insurance, government fees, trucks. If you don’t have your own funds, you will have to take out a loan or find an investor.
  4. Determine the type of business from the 4 available:
    • individual entrepreneur, who is responsible for everything;
    • a corporation that gives the right to protection against claims for personal assets;
    • an LLC that provides legal advantages;
    • partnership – an association of 2 or more people to conduct a joint business.
  5. Comply with legal requirements:
    • all drivers must obtain a CDL license;
    • get DOT and MC numbers;
    • sign the IFTA fuel tax agreement;
    • register a BOC − 3 form if you want to have a representative in each state where your business operates;
    • register with UCR;
    • to enable your drivers to work in all states, purchase an International Registration Plan (IRP).
  6. Go through the asset insurance procedure.

So you can protect yourself, cargo, car in case of accidents.

Now it remains for you to hire the right staff, depending on the type of business you have chosen. To promote a business, create a website, use online boards for advertising, create memorable logos. Communicate in forums, develop your connections with other companies.

Do you want to acquire the prestigious profession of a cargo dispatcher? Then we invite you to our courses. We have extensive experience in training specialists for logistics.

06/29/2022