What to Expect in Your First 90 Days as a New Authority
Your first 90 days with a new MC authority set the foundation for your trucking business. This period is challenging, educational, and crucial. Knowing what to expect helps you navigate the challenges and build momentum toward long-term success.
Days 1-30: The Setup Phase
Your first month focuses on getting everything in place and making initial contacts.
What Happens:
- Verify all FMCSA filings are correct and active
- Get proper insurance coverage in place
- Set up load board accounts
- Create your carrier packet
- Start contacting brokers and getting onboarded
- Run your first loads (expect lower rates initially)
- Learn the basics of rate negotiation
Realistic expectation: This month is about learning and establishing systems. Don't expect peak profitability yet.
Days 31-60: Building Momentum
Month two is where patterns start to emerge and efficiency improves.
What Happens:
- You've completed several loads and have some track record
- Some brokers start recognizing your company
- You understand your operating costs better
- Lane patterns and preferences become clearer
- Rate negotiation improves with practice
- Cash flow challenges may peak (waiting for early payments)
- More brokers become willing to work with you
Realistic expectation: Revenue should increase, but you're still learning. Mistakes are still part of the process.
Days 61-90: Finding Your Rhythm
By month three, many new authorities start feeling more comfortable and efficient.
What Happens:
- You have a track record brokers can see
- Preferred lanes and strategies emerge
- Some broker relationships are solidifying
- Operations become more systematic
- Revenue per mile typically improves
- Cash flow stabilizes (if managed well)
- Confidence in the business grows
Realistic expectation: You should see improvement over months 1-2, but you're still early in the journey. 90 days is a milestone, not a finish line.
Common First-90-Day Challenges
- Broker rejections – Many brokers won't work with you yet. This is normal.
- Rate pressure – You may need to accept lower rates initially to build history
- Cash flow gaps – Money going out before money comes in
- Learning curve – Everything takes longer when you're learning
- Unexpected expenses – Costs you didn't plan for will appear
Our new authority support program helps carriers navigate these first 90 days more smoothly by providing the guidance and connections that accelerate progress.
Tips for a Successful First 90 Days
- Track everything – Know your numbers from day one
- Stay patient – Success takes longer than expected
- Be professional always – Every interaction builds your reputation
- Learn from mistakes – They're inevitable; make them count
- Ask for help – Don't struggle alone when resources exist
- Manage cash carefully – Financial survival enables long-term success
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be profitable in my first 90 days?
Some carriers are; many aren't. Focus on covering costs and building foundation. Profitability often comes after the learning phase when efficiency improves.
How many loads should I run in the first 90 days?
There's no magic number. Quality matters more than quantity. Focus on completing each load professionally rather than rushing to maximize volume.
When will broker rejections decrease?
Many more brokers open up after 90 days of authority age. After 6 months, significantly more. After a year, most major brokers will consider you.
What's the biggest mistake to avoid in the first 90 days?
Running out of cash. Many promising new authorities fail not because they can't find loads, but because they can't survive the cash flow timing gap.
Disclaimer: Results vary based on carrier experience, equipment, lanes, and market conditions. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not guarantee specific outcomes.
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