Many drivers want the chance to earn more money and run a trucking business independently. To begin with, any carrier doing interstate business must have a US DOT number. However, in order to get your own authority in trucking and get your DOT number, you need to have a business name and know your business type. For example, will you be organized as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation? When getting trucking authority, you also need to know what kind of freight you’re going to haul and for whom? This is crucial information. Then, before the FMCSA will approve your trucking authority, you’ll need to submit proof of liability insurance. Often this can be a big obstacle in how to get your own authority in trucking. There are so many different factors in determining insurance, and the cost can be higher for new carriers. When you’re wondering, “How do I get my own trucking authority?” these are some things you may not necessarily always think of. Owner-operators who have taken the steps on how to get authority for trucking have reported a variety of insurance quotes, anywhere from $8,000 to $16,000. Rates, however, tend to fall as the business becomes more established. And there are also many factors that determine rate quotes, so don’t panic yet.