Starting a Freight Brokerage in Texas

Build your Texas startup checklist around your business structure, legal identity, and proposed operations.

Texas business-setup resources

A legal entity and an assumed business name are not interchangeable. Texas requires filing entities using a different business name to submit an assumed-name certificate to the Secretary of State. The state guidance explains the removal of the county filing requirement for these filing entities; do not apply that rule to every business structure.

Texas assumed-name guidance is the official starting point for this part of your planning. Confirm current forms, fees, and deadlines directly before filing.

Prepare the right business identity

Review whether the name on your marketing materials is your legal entity name or an assumed name. Keep the formation record and any assumed-name filing together so your bond application identifies the correct principal.

Separate business formation from broker authority

Your state business record and federal authority application are separate. Use the freight-broker license checklist to review federal tasks and the filing guide to organize provider follow-up.

Questions for your advisers

• Does my structure require a state filing, assumed name, or out-of-state registration?
• Which city, county, and tax requirements apply to the work I plan to perform?
• Are my legal name, principal office, and authorized contacts consistent across records?
• How will I track state filings separately from provider notices and bond renewal?

Prepare a bond quote request

Have your legal business details, assigned authority numbers, desired date, and current-provider information ready. Ask about premium, collateral, indemnity, and payment terms using the cost guide.

Availability and approval must be confirmed for your business. This guide is not legal advice, an exhaustive licensing checklist, or permission to operate.

Explore the other state startup guides.

Prepared October 11, 2026. Requirements can change. Approval, rates, availability, and provider terms vary.