When you receive your new Motor Carrier number (MC number), you’re eager to start hauling freight and generating income. However, because many brokers prefer to work with carriers whose MC numbers have been active longer, finding freight can prove to be difficult. This awkward period is often called “baking” your MC number. During this time, you’re allowing your MC number to build credibility, which makes brokers more likely to trust and work with you.
Typically, brokers begin considering new MC numbers after 3-6 months, but the real traction often happens between 6-12 months, when your authority is seen as “more established”. To navigate these early months and keep your business afloat, here are practical strategies to cover expenses and prepare for growth.
Strategy 1: Find Loads Yourself
One way to sustain your business during the 6-12 month waiting period is to find loads directly. This can be challenging, as many larger brokers will be cautious of newer carriers, often favoring those with established MC numbers. However, there are brokers willing to work with newer carriers. The key is to perform well on these jobs, proving your reliability early on.
Pro Tip: Finding smaller or specialized brokers can sometimes lead to consistent work, even if your MC number is new. Performing well on these initial jobs helps build your reputation, potentially reducing the time you’ll need to wait to gain broader acceptance.
Strategy 2: Work With A Dispatcher
A professional dispatcher can help bridge the gap during this critical period. Dispatchers often have existing relationships with brokers who might be willing to work with newer MC numbers. Leveraging their knowledge and connections can provide you with steady work, which can make the wait more manageable.
Pro Tip: Dispatchers are typically more experienced with the ins and outs of load boards and may have access to loads that aren’t readily available to the public. By partnering with a trusted dispatcher, you gain access to loads that could otherwise be out of reach for a brand-new carrier.
Strategy 3: Lease Onto An Established Authority
If finding work independently is challenging, consider leasing on to an established carrier during your MC’s baking period. By operating under their authority, you’re able to gain experience, generate income, and develop relationships with brokers and shippers. This experience can prove invaluable when you’re ready to operate under your own MC.
Pro Tip: Leasing on with a reputable carrier not only helps you get experience but also allows your MC number to age in the background, ensuring it meets that 6-12 month threshold while you stay operational.
Tips for a Smooth Start While Your MC Number Bakes
The “baking” period for a new MC can feel frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity to create strong foundations for future success. Here are more smart trucking strategies to help you maintain operations and prepare your MC for greater opportunities.
1. Secure Non-Recourse Factoring with OTR Solutions
Non-recourse factoring helps new MC holders maintain steady cash flow without the risk of non-payment. With OTR Solutions, you get paid immediately after invoicing, even if a broker defaults. Non-recourse factoring is a smart trucker’s tool to stay financially secure, as it shifts the risk of non-payment from you to the factoring company.
Benefit: Factoring ensures you have cash on hand to cover daily expenses like fuel, maintenance, and insurance. With non-recourse protection, you don’t have to worry about broker insolvency impacting your cash flow.
2. Build Relationships with Brokers and Shippers Early
Building good relationships with brokers and shippers is crucial in the trucking industry, especially when your Motor Carrier number is still “baking.” Being proactive with communication and maintaining reliability can help you stand out. Brokers and shippers appreciate consistent, dependable carriers, and even if they’re hesitant at first, your professionalism can turn a one-time job into a long-term partnership.
Pro Tip: Regular follow-ups, clear updates on delivery times, and timely responses to inquiries show professionalism and build trust. Consistent performance can lead to brokers and shippers choosing you even before your MC number matures.
3. Consider Local and Regional Jobs to Build Experience
While long-haul loads might not be readily available with a new MC, local and regional jobs can be more accessible and a great way to build your reputation. Many smaller shippers and local brokers have immediate load needs that require less scrutiny than major national contracts. These shorter jobs still generate revenue and keep your truck moving.
Pro Tip: Consistent local jobs not only build credibility but also keep your expenses manageable. The shorter distances reduce fuel and maintenance costs while helping you build a track record with a variety of brokers.
4. Leverage Load Boards and Subscription Services
Load boards are essential for new MC holders, connecting you with available loads from brokers nationwide. Some brokers on these platforms are more flexible with newer MC numbers, making it easier to secure jobs. Subscription-based load boards offer additional features to filter loads according to your business needs, providing real-time updates and access to a steady stream of opportunities.
Pro Tip: Partnering with OTR Solutions gives you access to trusted load boards like DAT and Sylectus, which offer premium filtering options and real-time updates tailored for new MC numbers. These partnerships enhance load visibility, helping you find the right opportunities quickly and giving you an edge as you build your reputation.
5. Maintain Compliance and Safety Standards from Day One
Compliance is essential for any trucking business, especially one with a fresh Motor Carrier number. Make sure you’re meeting all MC number requirements from the start, including having the right insurance, maintaining safety records, and staying compliant with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. A spotless safety record boosts your credibility and helps attract more business.
Pro Tip: OTR Solutions partners with industry experts like Simplex Group to support you in meeting MC number requirements, reducing the risk of fines, delays, and negative marks on your record. A clean compliance record helps your MC number age without issues and builds confidence with brokers.
6. Explore Side Services for Additional Income
To keep cash flow steady, consider offering side services related to trucking. This might include towing services, vehicle recovery, or partnering with local businesses that may need equipment hauled short distances. These additional services can provide supplemental income while your MC number is “baking.” You can think of this as a short term period where staying in business is the goal. You likely wont go from starting out to flourishing right away, but after the awkward phase, you’ll be ready to book loads with ease.
Pro Tip: Side services don’t have to be full-time commitments. Flexibility allows you to bring in additional revenue without interfering with your primary hauling operations, helping to cover costs like insurance and fuel while your MC gains credibility.
7. Prepare for Future Back-Office Needs
While your MC number is baking, you may not have a lot of back-office operations yet, but this is the perfect time to set up systems that will streamline your processes once you’re fully operational. Strong back-office support is essential for managing cash flow, invoicing, and collections as your business grows.
Pro Tip: Partner with OTR Solutions to establish efficient invoicing and payment processes in advance. Their full-service back-office support can help you hit the ground running by ensuring you’re ready to manage finances effectively and maintain strong relationships with brokers right from the start.
8. Secure and Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Insurance is a critical step for operating in the trucking industry, especially as you establish your new MC. Since insurance is mandatory for obtaining loads, we recommend focusing on securing the right coverage from the start rather than worrying about updates at this stage. Fully understanding your policy ensures you’re prepared to meet broker and shipper requirements confidently.
Pro Tip: Our non-recourse factoring services include guidance on insurance requirements, so you’ll have the coverage you need while building credibility with brokers and shippers.
9. Plan Finances Carefully and Build a Budget
During the “baking” period, it’s essential to budget for all operational expenses. This includes fuel, maintenance, insurance, loan payments, and any additional costs related to your truck and business. Running on a tight budget and carefully monitoring expenses helps you weather the initial months and prepare for a sustainable business as your MC number matures.
Pro Tip: Use factoring as a tool to stabilize your cash flow, so you’re not left waiting on payments while managing expenses. OTR Solutions’ non-recourse factoring ensures immediate payment, even if a client defaults, giving you financial confidence and control over your budget.
Why OTR Solutions is the Smart Choice for New MC Holders
When you’re a new motor carrier, having the right partner in your corner can make all the difference. At OTR Solutions, we offer True Non-Recourse Factoring to protect you from non-paying clients, meaning you get paid up front and we assume the risk. As a smart trucker, choosing non-recourse factoring keeps your cash flow steady, reduces financial stress, and positions you for success in an industry that values experience.
Whether it’s access to top load boards, compliance support, or efficient back office solutions, we’re here to help your business grow during those critical early months. Smart trucking is about having the right tools and support, and with OTR Solutions, you’re backed by a team that knows the challenges of the trucking industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Motor Carrier Number?
A motor carrier number, or MC number, is an identification number issued by the FMCSA. It’s essential for carriers involved in interstate commerce, as it allows them to legally operate and is required for working with brokers and shippers.
How long does an MC number need to bake?
Typically, an MC number should age for 3 to 6 months to gain trust among brokers. The exact timeframe can vary based on individual brokers’ preferences and the quality of relationships built during this period.
What are MC Number Requirements?
MC number requirements include proper insurance coverage, DOT registration, and compliance with safety regulations. Adhering to these requirements from the start sets a strong foundation for future success.
How can OTR Solutions help my MC business?
OTR Solutions provides factoring, compliance support, and connections to brokers. Our non-recourse factoring ensures you get paid up front, even if your client defaults, making it easier to manage cash flow and focus on growing your business.
Start Building a Profitable Trucking Business Today
Success in trucking goes beyond hauling loads; it’s about creating a stable, profitable business that stands the test of time. Waiting for your MC number to bake might seem slow, but with smart strategies like non-recourse factoring, building strong broker relationships, and using the right tech, you’re laying the groundwork for future growth.
At OTR Solutions, we’re here to support new MCs through every challenge. With compliance support, guaranteed payments, and a focus on your long-term success, we help you truck smarter. Start today with non-recourse factoring and a trusted partner dedicated to your success.
Happy trucking!