LLC or INC for Truckers? Don’t Register Your Business Before You Read This

📌 Before you “just open an LLC” — read this.

We’ve helped dozens of trucking companies open their MCs, and one of the most common regrets we hear is this:

👉 “I wish I picked the right structure in the beginning — I’m paying for it now.”

Here’s what you really need to know.

📌 The Basics — Simplified:

LLC:

Easiest and cheapest to start

Flexible tax options

Good for 1–2 trucks and single-owner operations

Can file taxes as a sole prop or elect S-Corp later

Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure

S-Corp (INC):

Best if you’re scaling to 5+ trucks

Tax savings if you’re profiting $75K+/year

Payroll required (you pay yourself a “reasonable salary”)

More professional for investors, partners, and bigger contracts

IRS comparison: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/s-corporations

Real Situations We’ve Helped With:

📝 A company filed IRP under one name, MC under another — caused delays, audits, and confusion.

💰 A 10-truck fleet remained LLC and overpaid $12,000+ in self-employment taxes — all avoidable.

⚠️ A carrier brought on a partner but had no formal ownership structure. Ended in court.

🔑 Ask Yourself:

Am I going to stay solo or bring in others?

Do I want to avoid self-employment tax?

Will I ever sell, scale, or seek loans?

💡 Tip: You can start as an LLC, and once you’re earning consistently, convert to S-Corp. But don’t do it blindly — get trucking-specific advice.

📞 Need help choosing? We help truckers not only set up correctly but avoid all the mistakes we’ve seen others pay for.