Carrier Packet Preparation Checklist

With a complete carrier packet ready, most brokers can process your setup in 1-3 business days. Without a complete packet, it can take a week or more as you go back and forth gathering missing documents. Having everything organized in a digital folder that you can email immediately makes a big difference.

Start with 15-20 brokers to give yourself enough freight options. Focus on brokers that handle freight in your preferred lanes and equipment type. The big three (C.H. Robinson, TQL, Coyote/UPS) are worth setting up with for volume, but also find smaller, regional brokers who often pay better rates and provide more personal service.

Expired or incorrect insurance certificates cause the most delays. Before submitting your packet, verify that every insurance certificate shows current dates, correct coverage limits, and your legal entity name (not your personal name if you operate as an LLC). One mismatch and they send everything back.

For most new owner-operators, factoring is essential for cash flow. Without it, you are waiting 30-90 days for payment while your fuel, insurance, and truck payment are due now. The 2-3% factoring fee is worth the cash flow certainty. You can always stop factoring later once you build up cash reserves.