How to file and register an LLC:
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I work with Carriers all across the United States. I have some Carriers in Philadelphia and I have some Carriers in California. I work with people from coast to coast, and it can be tricky sometimes to work with your state's register office to set up and file your LLC for the Trucking Company you're trying to start. So, if you want to do it yourself here are some tips and resources to help you set everything up.
First, "Tip # 1" if you have multiple owners in this new trucking business that you want to put together DO NOT put all the owners on the LLC's articles of incorporation. Pick one person and have them be listed on the articles of incorporation as the "Organizer" or the "Officer." Why? It slows down the process. You want to be able to get set up quickly with banks, financing, factoring, insurance, DOT Compliance, Etc... and you want to do this as quickly as you can. But, if you have more than one person listed on the articles of incorporation for the LLC this will slow the process down. So, only pick one person to list on the articles of incorporation for the LLC and then create an operating agreement separately that says "The articles of incorporation for the LLC was filed under Mike Smith, but there are other owners in the business that hold an equity share in the business." Then have all the owners sign that document, an operating agreement, to show ownership. Trust me,... If you're going to play the Freight Game SPEED is the name of the game. This tip is not cutting corners it's smarter than what I should really be typing out, so I'll leave it right there. . . So, when you are filling out a factoring application and/or getting quotes for insurance, or bank financing just list that one person's name. . .
Second, there are a lot of companies out there that you can pay to "cookie-cut" and set up your LLC for the State you live in. That's cool, or you can follow the steps on this website to do it yourself (https://www.llcuniversity.com/). I used the word "cookie-cut" because that is what these companies do. They just take your personal name, and your business name, and cookie-cutter up the documents you need. They charge you for each cookie-cutter document you need with a fee ($50 -to- $150), but as long as you're cool with paying them for a document every time you need something... use them it's your call.
I would just note... When you do use these services (and I'll list them below) call them and make sure on day one when you pay them you want these two (2) documents: 1st) the articles of incorporation for the LLC with your name LISTED as the "Organizer" or the "Officer." 2nd) Their cookie-cutter version of their operating agreement for your business showing your name as the owner.
Now, some places might tell you "Ohh no you don't want your name listed/showing on these documents." This is basically their moment to plug you with an upcharge at a later date when you need another document from them and they will charge you. What I mean is yes... If you're in the real estate business yaa you don't want your name listed. That is good protection for someone who owns 5 to 25 rental properties. Or if you are an individual that owns a Subway franchise yes you don't want your name listed. BUT,... That is NOT the case for Trucking. No! This is a Trucking business and you are an owner operator, and everyone you work with needs to have paperwork verifying you are who you say you are, and that your First name, Midel Initial, and Last name are on the articles of incorporation for the LLC with your name LISTED as the "Organizer" or the "Officer," and a version of an operating agreement listing your full name.
Trust me... I've been doing this for a minute.
Here are several businesses you can use to help you create an LLC:
A.) https://www.zenbusiness.com/
B.) https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/
C.) https://www.legalzoom.com/
Note: They're all going to say free this... free that... What costs money is when you need to go back to them to get your name to show on the form when they give you one not showing your name when they say they're protecting your business by hiding your name. Then you have to call them and say "I need one with my name listed, please." And then they will say ok that's going to be $100 for us to cookie-cut that document together. Nothing is free except for sunshine, oxygen, and God's love ;)
Thank you,
-Paul Clark
678-987-4393
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