So, you’re thinking about starting a box truck business? Good call. This can be a solid way to break into the trucking industry without needing a commercial driver’s license (if you stay under 26,000 lbs.), and it doesn’t require a fleet to get rolling.
Being your own boss is a wonderful feeling, but let’s get real—what does it actually cost to start?
The Truck Itself
Your biggest upfront cost is the truck. You’ve got two options: buy or lease.
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Used Box Truck (reliable condition): $25,000 – $40,000
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New Box Truck: $50,000 – $90,000
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Lease (per month): $1,200 – $2,500
Pro tip: don’t just grab the cheapest truck you find. Repairs will eat you alive if it’s not solid.
**We can get you into a used truck for a third of the cost, if you join our program. Let's talk!
Licensing and Paperwork
Before you hit the road, you’ll need your business set up and the right credentials:
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LLC or Corporation setup: $300 – $1,000 (depending on your state and if you DIY or hire a service)
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EIN (IRS tax ID): Free
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MC and DOT Number (interstate authority): Around $300
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BOC-3 Filing: $30 – $50
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UCR (Unified Carrier Registration): $37 – $1,800 (depends on fleet size; for one truck it’s on the low end)
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IFTA/IRP (if going over state lines with heavier trucks): Varies, but budget $150 – $500
Note: Business Service Companies may charge upwards of $4,000.00 to get you set up.
**We can get you set up with business registration, EIM, trucking requirements, website, domain name, and email for less than half of that cost.
Insurance
Here’s where many new owners are surprised. Insurance is a must, and it’s not cheap.
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Commercial auto liability (mandatory): $7,000 – $12,000 per year for new drivers
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Cargo insurance (recommended): $400 – $1,200 per year
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General liability: $500 – $1,000 per year
Insurance companies look at your driving record, credit, and even where you park your truck at night.
**We have resources that open the door to options, so you can choose the proper coverage at the best price.Learn more
Operating Costs
Don’t forget the money it takes to keep your truck moving:
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Fuel: $1,000 – $1,500 per month (depends on routes and mileage)
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Maintenance & Repairs: $300 – $600 per month (set aside more for older trucks)
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Tires (replacement set): $2,000 – $4,000 (not monthly, but budget annually)
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Tolls, parking, scales: $100 – $300 per month
**We have resources to help lower the cost of every day expenses in the trucking business. Find out more
Startup Total
If you’re buying used, setting up everything properly, and covering insurance, a realistic startup budget looks like:
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Low end: $30,000 – $40,000
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High end: $70,000 – $100,000
Leasing can drop your upfront investment, but you’ll trade that for ongoing higher monthly payments.
**We can help minimize the start-up cost when breaking into the trucking business. Ask us how!
The Bottom Line
Starting a box truck business isn’t a $500 hustle—it’s a real business that needs real capital. But with local delivery contracts, Amazon Relay, or regional freight, a single truck can gross $150,000+ a year if you run it right. The key is knowing your numbers before you jump in.
Hudson Brothers Expedite LLC can help make your entry in the business a smooth and cost efficient transition. We teach you how we do it, so you can be your own boss and start making real money. Contact us today!