How to Start a Trucking Company in Canada (2026 Guide)
A step-by-step guide to legally launching your trucking business in Ontario. Covers CVOR, IFTA, IRP, insurance, costs, and timeline.
Step-by-step guide
Follow these steps in order. Each builds on the last.
Register your business
Incorporate federally (Canada Business Corporations Act) or provincially (Ontario Business Corporations Act). You can also operate as a sole proprietor, but incorporation limits personal liability.
Key tips:
- Choose a name that doesn't conflict with existing carriers
- Ontario incorporation: ~$360 + legal fees
- Federal incorporation: ~$200 + legal fees
- You'll need this before applying for CVOR
Get your CVOR certificate
Apply for your Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Required for all commercial vehicles over 4,500 kg GVWR operating in Ontario.
Key tips:
- Requires minimum $2M liability insurance
- You need your Ontario business registration first
- Safety rating starts as 'Satisfactory-Unaudited'
- TruckComply handles the entire application process
Get commercial truck insurance
Commercial truck insurance is mandatory before you can operate. Premiums depend on your experience, cargo type, and vehicle weight. Budget $8,000–$20,000 per year for a single truck.
Key tips:
- Shop at least 3 brokers — rates vary dramatically
- Bobtail insurance for owner-operators without cargo
- Cargo insurance is separate (required by most shippers)
- New carriers pay highest rates — improve over 3 years
Register for IFTA (if multi-jurisdictional)
The International Fuel Tax Agreement is required if you'll operate in multiple provinces or US states. IFTA simplifies fuel tax reporting for carriers crossing borders.
Key tips:
- Required if you cross provincial or US borders
- Quarterly fuel tax returns required
- Track all fuel purchases and mileage by jurisdiction
- TruckComply handles IFTA registration and quarterly filings
Register for IRP (for multi-province fleet)
The International Registration Plan allows you to register your fleet for travel in multiple provinces and US states with one licence plate and cab card.
Key tips:
- Required for vehicles operating across multiple jurisdictions
- Annual apportioned registration based on distance traveled
- Ontario IRP processed through MTO ServiceOntario
- Complex calculation — let TruckComply handle it
Get your WSIB coverage
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage is required in Ontario for all employees. Owner-operators may opt in voluntarily.
Key tips:
- Required if you hire any employees
- Register within 10 days of first hire
- Owner-operators: highly recommended for self-coverage
Hire drivers & complete safety compliance
If hiring drivers, verify licences, run abstracts, and set up your internal safety management system. Ontario carriers must maintain logs under the NSC Safety Fitness Certificate requirements.
Key tips:
- All drivers need valid licences for vehicle class
- Run abstract checks before hiring
- Hours of Service logs required (federally)
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate in effect
Skip the paperwork — we'll handle everything
Our done-for-you service handles CVOR, IFTA, and IRP registration so you can focus on getting your first load.
Get Started — $149 Setup FeeStartup costs breakdown
Real costs for starting a trucking company in Ontario in 2026
| Item | Estimated Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Business incorporation | $300–$800 | one-time |
| CVOR application (MTO fee) | $250 | one-time |
| TruckComply setup service | $149 | one-time |
| Commercial truck insurance | $8,000–$20,000 | annual |
| Truck purchase/lease | $50,000–$180,000 | one-time |
| WSIB premiums | ~$1.47/$100 earnings | ongoing |
| IFTA quarterly filing | $0–$200/quarter | quarterly |
| Fuel (diesel) | ~$0.55–$0.75/km | variable |
* Costs are estimates for Ontario-based carriers. Actual costs vary based on vehicle type, cargo, and business structure.
Required documents
Prepare these before you apply. Missing documents = delays.
Ontario Business Registration Certificate
Before CVOR application
Articles of Incorporation (if incorporated)
Before CVOR application
Commercial vehicle insurance certificate ($2M+)
Before CVOR application
Vehicle registration and title
For IRP and CVOR
Driver's licence and abstract for all drivers
For CVOR application
Proof of Ontario address (physical, not PO Box)
For CVOR
WSIB account number (if applicable)
Within 10 days of first hire
IFTA licence (if multi-jurisdictional)
Before crossing borders
Mistakes to avoid
The most expensive errors new carriers make — and how to avoid them
Starting without the right insurance
Many new carriers buy insurance that doesn't meet MTO minimums. This delays your CVOR and can result in fines. Get your policy reviewed before applying.
Incorporating without a trucking-specific structure
How you structure your company affects taxes and liability significantly. A generic incorporation without trucking considerations can cost you thousands annually.
Ignoring IFTA from day one
If you ever cross into Quebec, Manitoba, or the US, you need IFTA. Setting it up after the fact is harder. Register early even if you don't cross borders immediately.
Not tracking Hours of Service from day 1
Federal HOS regulations apply immediately. Starting bad logging habits is a major liability. Get your ELD set up before your first load.
Underestimating insurance costs
New carriers face premiums 2–3x higher than experienced operators. Budget $15,000–$20,000/year minimum and improve your rating to reduce costs over 3 years.
From new carriers who made it
“Spent 3 months trying to figure out what I needed. TruckComply gave me a clear checklist, handled my CVOR, and I was running loads within 6 weeks of calling them.”
Tony Bianchi
New owner-operator, Hamilton ON
“Starting a trucking company is overwhelming. TruckComply made it manageable. They knew every single thing MTO needed. Zero rejection.”
Maria Santos
Santos Freight Ltd., London ON
Ready to launch your trucking business?
Don't spend weeks figuring out the paperwork. Let TruckComply handle the compliance so you can focus on building your business.
One-time setup fee. Monthly compliance plan available at $39/month.