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Cost to start a trucking company in Michigan: the government fees

Helm PartnersUpdated Oct 28, 2026Sources checked Oct 28, 2026
Short answer

The fixed government fees to start an interstate trucking company in Michigan are $50 to form an LLC, nothing for a USDOT number, $300 per type of FMCSA authority, $55 for 2027 UCR with up to 2 trucks and nothing for an IFTA license. Michigan's registration tax for a tractor at 72,001 to 80,000 pounds is $1,992 a year. Insurance varies by truck and operation.

In this guide
  • The fees at a glance
  • Federal fees
  • Michigan fees
  • Hauling only inside Michigan
  • Costs that vary
  • FAQ

Starting a trucking company in Michigan means fees to LARA, FMCSA, the IRS, UCR, the Michigan Department of State and Michigan Treasury. Most are fixed. Registration, tax and insurance depend on your trucks. Here is each fee with its official source.

The fees at a glance

ItemPaid toFee
Michigan LLC articles of organizationLARA Corporations Division$50
USDOT numberFMCSANo charge
Operating authority (MC number)FMCSA$300 per type of authority
UCR, 2027 registration yearUCR$55 for 0 to 2 vehicles, $167 for 3 to 5, $333 for 6 to 20
Heavy vehicle use tax (Form 2290)IRS$100 plus $22 per 1,000 pounds over 55,000; $550 over 75,000
Registration, truck tractor at 72,001 to 80,000 poundsMichigan Department of State$1,992 a year in Michigan; under IRP, each state's share by miles
IFTA license and decalsMichigan TreasuryNo fee
CVED Authority, intrastate onlyMichigan State Police$100 a year per power unit

Federal fees

  • USDOT number. FMCSA says there is no charge to get a USDOT number (FMCSA).
  • Operating authority. 49 CFR 360.3T sets $300 for an application for motor carrier operating authority, with a separate fee for each type. The older section 360.3 is suspended, so 360.3T is the one in force.
  • UCR. Registration year 2027 fees took effect Oct 1, 2026 (49 CFR 367.50, FMCSA final rule, Sep 1, 2026, UCR fee brackets).
  • Heavy vehicle use tax. For trucks at 55,000 pounds or more, the tax is $100 a year plus $22 per 1,000 pounds over 55,000, and $550 over 75,000 (26 U.S.C. 4481). You file Form 2290, and Michigan IRP asks for proof before it registers the truck.

Michigan fees

  • Your business. Articles of organization for a Michigan LLC cost $50 (MCL 450.5101, form CSCL/CD-700). The annual statement is $25 through Sep 30, 2027, then $15.
  • Registration and IRP plates. Michigan's full-year registration tax for a truck tractor at an elected gross weight of 72,001 to 80,000 pounds is $1,992, with lower tiers for lighter weights (MCL 257.801(1)(k)). Under IRP, Michigan bills each state's fee by your share of miles in that state.
  • Proof of insurance for plates. Michigan IRP asks for a Michigan no-fault policy and does not accept cargo, bobtail or non-trucking insurance as proof (Michigan IRP manual). See Michigan no-fault and semi trucks.
  • IFTA. Michigan Treasury says there is no fee for a Michigan IFTA license and decals, but you must file quarterly returns even for a quarter you did not run (Michigan Treasury).

Hauling only inside Michigan

  • For-hire carriers that stay in Michigan need CVED Authority. Michigan charges $100 a year for each self-propelled intrastate vehicle, or $50 if the vehicle starts after June 30 (MCL 478.2).
  • Your insurer files a Form E. See Michigan CVED Authority.

Costs that vary

  • Insurance. Your insurer must file proof of liability with FMCSA before your authority is granted (FMCSA). The price depends on your trucks, drivers, cargo and operation. See insurance on file for a new MC authority and what drives truck insurance cost.
  • BOC-3 process agent. The price is set by the process agent company you choose.
  • Drug and alcohol testing. Carriers with CDL drivers need a testing program under 49 CFR Part 382. The provider sets the price.

Comparing states? See the cost to start a trucking company in Ohio and in Indiana. Plates and fuel tax for one truck: Michigan owner-operators: IRP and IFTA.

FAQ

How much does it cost to start a trucking company in Michigan?

The fixed fees are $50 to form a Michigan LLC, $0 for a USDOT number, $300 per type of FMCSA operating authority, $55 for 2027 UCR with 0 to 2 trucks and $0 for a Michigan IFTA license. Registration, heavy vehicle use tax and insurance depend on your trucks and operation.

How much does an LLC cost in Michigan?

$50 to file articles of organization (MCL 450.5101, form CSCL/CD-700). Each year after, the annual statement is $25 through Sep 30, 2027, then $15.

How much are IRP plates in Michigan?

Michigan's full-year registration tax for a truck tractor at an elected gross weight of 72,001 to 80,000 pounds is $1,992 (MCL 257.801(1)(k)). Under IRP, Michigan bills each state's share by your miles there.

Is there a fee for a Michigan IFTA license?

No. Michigan Treasury says there is no fee for a Michigan IFTA license and decals. You still file quarterly returns, even for a quarter with no miles.

What does Michigan CVED Authority cost?

For hauling for hire only inside Michigan, Michigan charges an annual fee of $100 for each self-propelled intrastate vehicle, or $50 if it starts after June 30 (MCL 478.2).

How much does trucking insurance cost for a new authority?

There is no fixed price. Each insurer prices on its own, using the trucks, drivers, cargo, radius and record. Our guide to what drives truck insurance cost explains the factors.

This guide is general information, not legal advice or an offer of insurance. Rules and programs change, so check the sources below.

Sources

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