What to Know When Changing Your Trucking Company Name

Are you in the business of commercial shipping and you're thinking about changing your trucking company name? Overlooking details when you change your company name can lead to some significant inconvenience and expense, so you need all the best information. From helping change the name of your trucking company to providing everything you need to file your DOT biennial MCS-150, you can do it all on the FMCA Filings website.

The Importance of Your Trucking Company Name

Your company name is more than just a way for clients to identify you. It's essential for branding, filing essential documents, and communicating with government authorities.

The name you use says a lot about your company. Whether you're communicating a sense of luxury or need clients to know you're reliable, you should think carefully before choosing trucking business names.

Factors to Consider When Changing Your Name

If you're looking into creative trucking company names, remember the following tips to ensure you don't overlook anything important.

Name Research

You should do research into the best trucking company names to find one that people easily recognize and gives you a good overall brand image. If you have a name in mind, you should do an in-depth internet search for the following purposes:

• You should determine any positive or negative associations or connotations with the name. Avoid names that could reflect negatively on your company.
• Is the name you want easily convertable to an available website URL?
• You don't want a name connected to a meme or teenage fad.
• Does another company own a trademark (check with the U.S. Patent Office site) for the name and is it available on the Secretary of State's website?

If you Google a name and you can't find any results for it, you'll have a good indication that not many other places use it, and that's a good thing.

Insurance Considerations

Before you choose from among the best catchy trucking names for your business, remember that changing the name opens you up to insurance policy changes. When you change your name, many insurance companies prefer you take out a new policy to avoid any legal confusion. Federal law also requires you to file a new BOC-3 and insurance policy within 30 days of the name change.

Prioritize your name change for when you're already due for a policy renewal so you're not hit with expensive down payments earlier than you budgeted for. You may find it beneficial to reach out to your insurance agent before you change your name and obtain an estimate for associated fees.

Permits and Legal Forms

After you decide on which of the unique trucking company names work best for you, you'll need to change your official name with several organizations. You'll start with the Secretary of State in your home jurisdiction. The following documents may also require updating, all of which will have additional fees:

• State business registration
• Class A driver's license
• United States Department of Transportation Number
• Commercial liability insurance
• State transportation permits
• Heavy highway use tax return, Form 2290

IRS Communication

Every change in cool trucking company names requires filing new paperwork with the Internal Revenue Service. First, you may need a new Employee Identification Number.

You'll also need to complete Form 720 and, if you're operating trucks over 55,000, Form 2290. You should take the opportunity to refresh your knowledge of employment taxes, including depositing and reporting them, due dates, and how to e-file.

Contact the Authorities

Several federal entities use your name to keep track of your safety records and other important information. Ensure you change your business name or refile on the following documents:

• Operating authority (MC, FF, or MX number)
• CT number (where applicable)
• MCS 150B and HM safety permit

You can complete all these changes in your registration on the FMCA Filings website.

Branding Specifics

Once you have all the details out of the way, don't forget to capitalize on your new branding opportunity. Communicate the name change to your customers and confirm you have the following elements in place:

• Logo: Take the opportunity to create a stylish new logo for your company.
• Color scheme: Rebranding offers the opportunity to change the colors associated with your logo. Consult color theory to understand the associations between branding and how your customers interact with your brand.
• Website: Ensure every place on your website has a new name, logo, and colors. A Ctrl-F search can help you avoid missing any instance of your old name on the site.

Change Your Name on the FMCA Filings Website

If you want to change your trucking company name, you can complete the process with FMCA Filings. From changing your company address to filing a new BOC-3, you can complete all the administrative work in a centralized location. We're always standing by to answer questions if something feels confusing.

Chat with a live agent or fill out our contact form to get started.