As a trucking company, about 90% of all the loads you run will be given to you by freight brokers, and as I've said before: "You'll get more business if you make it easy for people to do business with you." So let's go over the process of filling out New Carrier Setup Packets with brokers.
Before a trucking company can run their first load with a broker, they need to get set up by filling out that broker's Setup Packet. It's a simple document, about 4 pages long, with blanks for your contact info, MC#, email, phone, and other basic information the broker needs on file to add you to their system and pay you once the load delivers. It'll also include contingencies — like agreeing not to double broker the load — confirming you're responsible for it while it's in your possession. The broker will also need a copy of your W9, your certificate of insurance (COI), and a copy of your Notice of Assignment (NOA).
That's all a Setup Packet is. But back to what I said: you'll get more business if you make it easy to do business with you. Fill this out as quickly as possible and send it back ASAP, so the broker can add you to their system and email you the Rate Con so you can start driving toward pickup. If you take too long — brokers usually give you 15-20 minutes — they'll cover the load with a different carrier. I've found you can fill these out faster using a program like DocuSign or Adobe Sign, both of which have 30-day free trials and cost less than $100 a year. I highly recommend subscribing to one. Or, if you're using a dispatcher, they can fill these out on your behalf, and you won't need to subscribe to anything.
At the end of the day, get these packets done ASAP so you can get set up and get the load. Do your research and find a dispatcher or service that works best for your operation.