Industry Data

Trucking Business & Authority Statistics

What it actually takes to start, run, and survive a U.S. trucking business — from authority filing through year-three retention.

Quick answer

What it actually takes to start, run, and survive a U.S. trucking business — from authority filing through year-three retention.

29,400
down
New MC authorities granted per year (avg.)
Source: FMCSA L&I (2024)
85%
flat
New authorities that fail in 18 months
Source: FMCSA / industry analysis (2024)
$15,200
up
Average cost to start a one-truck authority
Source: Bonafide research (2026)
$12,800
up
Annual primary liability + cargo (1 truck)
Source: ITC / Reliance Partners (2026)
67%
up
Small carriers using invoice factoring
Source: OutGo / Apex industry data (2024)

Cite this page

When citing these statistics, please use:

Bonafide Trucking Solutions. (2026). Trucking Business & Authority Statistics. https://bonafidetruckingsolutions.com/statistics/trucking-business

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