How to Choose a Good Trucking Company Name

What Should You Name Your Trucking Company

Deciding to go into business for yourself, taking control of your destiny, and starting your own trucking company is no easy decision! Before you really get started, you will have to pick a name for your trucking company. Sounds simple, right? This actually is a major decision and choosing the right name can be critical to your business strategy. These tips should help you decide on the best name for your trucking company.

Trucking Company Name Ideas

We suggest getting together with friends and family to brainstorm. Writing down any words you think describe your future trucking company will generate ideas you might not think of on your own. Don’t restrict yourself and be as creative as possible. You can then narrow down the list to your favorites.

What are Your Business Goals?

What do you want people to think of when they hear your trucking company’s name? Do you want to sound professional and trustworthy? Building a strong brand for your trucking company starts with the name, especially when marketing your trucking company later on. Thinking about your trucking company’s goals can help you to choose words that may attract the kind of customers you want to work with.

How will You Set up Your Trucking Company?

If you plan to form your trucking company as a corporation, it needs to have a corporate designation such as Corp or Inc. in the name. If your company is an LLC, you must similarly include a designation such as LLC. If you plan to form some type of limited partnership, your state will probably require similar wording in the name of your company. These naming requirements help your customers to know what kind of business entity they’re working with and avoids confusion.

Also remember that a state won’t allow two trucking companies operating within that state to have the same name or even one that is too similar. Some states are stricter about what they consider to be “similar”. Check your state’s database ahead of time to make sure your company’s name won’t be rejected. Keep in mind that some states may charge you to search their business name database.

Picture It

Imagine your trucking company’s name on the side of a truck, as a logo, on paperwork, or in an email address. Is it too long and complicated? Can you say it easily over the phone? When picking a name for your business, it will benefit you in the long-run to make things as easy as possible for you and your customers.

Unique Trucking Business Names

There are hundreds of thousands of trucking companies in the United States today, so it’s safe to assume that common trucking company names, like Smith Trucking LLC, probably won’t be available when you register your company in your home state. You don’t want to get set on one specific name only to be told it’s unavailable. Think about how common your trucking company name idea is before fully committing.

Avoid Replicas

If you develop a name with a logo, it’s a good idea to check with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s trademark search tool to make sure your company’s name and logo isn’t too close to one that’s already been registered.

Types of Trucking Company Names

Family Names

Giving your trucking company a family name can help you build a legacy in the trucking industry. If you dream about passing your business on to the next generation, a family-named business ensures that your company’s legacy in the industry will continue. Some customers might also appreciate working with a “family-run” or “family-owned” business.

Location-Based Names

If you plan to operate in a specific geographical area, consider a trucking company name specific to that location. This might appeal to customers who want local carriers to haul their freight. But also consider potential expansion plans. You don’t want to limit yourself if you plan to haul nationally.

Types of Freight

If you’re going to specialize in reefer, hazmat, heavy-haul, or other specific types of freight, consider including that type of freight in the name.

Unique Company Names

Do you want your trucking company to stand out from the crowd? Consider unique trucking company names that speak to your company’s culture or personality. This makes your company name more memorable to customers.

Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Your Trucking Company

Picking a Name That’s Too Common

Your customers want to remember you, and a common name could cause confusion. It’s important for your trucking company name to be memorable, and we’ve mentioned it a few times already, but avoiding names too similar to other trucking companies is crucial.

Choosing a Cliché

Some examples of trucking industry clichés are speedy, big rig, and haulin’. These words or expressions aren’t descriptive and don’t tell your customers what’s unique about your business. Try to think of positive words and metaphors that describe your trucking company, and you’ll come up with some great options.

Involving Too Many People

Everyone has an opinion! But getting feedback from too many people can overload your options and steer you away from your business objectives. Involve a few key people that understand your business goals and can provide strategic, smart opinions.

Additional Resources for Starting a Freight Company

It’s hard to believe that so much goes into naming your trucking company! Once you’re ready to move forward, read 7 Steps to Starting a Successful Trucking Company and get our free white paper, “How to Write a Business Plan for Your Trucking Company“, to make sure you aren’t missing important steps to get started.

Now that you have name ideas, let us help you start your trucking company! Give us a call at 844-827-4524. To learn more about what to expect in your first year of trucking, download our free white paper and subscribe to our channel on YouTube.