Launch Local General Freight Trucking in Saint John Today
This page provides a practical, step-by-step roadmap to starting a local general freight trucking business in Saint John under NAICS 484110. You'll find a clear overview of the 12 requirements, the permits and licenses you'll need, estimated startup costs, and a realistic timeline to launch. Expect plain-language guidance, checklists, and actionable next steps you can tackle this week.
You’ll learn the essentials: how to structure your business, the capital needed, insurance requirements, vehicle and equipment standards, registrations and local permits, safety and compliance practices, taxes, and a practical, timeline from planning to opening. We map the typical costs and the approvals process so you can budget confidently.
Saint John’s strategic location near ports and regional markets gives you steady local freight demand and faster growth. With a clear 12-step path, you'll know exactly what to file, when to file it, and how long approvals take, helping you start sooner and scale faster.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a general freight trucking business in Saint John, New Brunswick is Dangerous Goods Transportation Certification. This certification is required by law if you transport hazardous materials, and regulators will not authorize you to move DG shipments without it. It’s non-negotiable: without this credential your trucks cannot legally carry dangerous goods, and attempting to do so could lead to serious penalties.
Next comes the core safety and operations framework. You’ll need to align with the National Safety Code (NSC) standards and hold a NB NSC Certificate, so your fleet meets national safety rules. For worker safety, you must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB employer coverage and carry appropriate cargo liability insurance to protect your business and clients. If you regularly transport hazardous materials, ongoing compliance with dangerous goods rules will also be part of carrier requirements and insurance qualification.
Business registration and tax numbers: Obtain a local business licence; register for a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency; register your New Brunswick business name (SNB) if applicable; consider NB Corporation Registration if you plan to form a corporation; and set up GST/HST and payroll deductions where required. These registrations keep your finances and reporting in order and help you operate legally and smoothly.
Next steps: start by confirming whether you will transport dangerous goods and ensure you have the critical credential; then gather documents and reach out to Service NB, the Canada Revenue Agency, and WorkSafeNB to set up registrations and coverage. With a clear plan and timely actions, you’ll be moving toward compliant, confident operation in Saint John.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a general freight trucking, local in Saint John:
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Dangerous Goods Transportation Certification RequiredCarriers transporting dangerous goods must comply with TDG regulations including training, placarding, documentation, and emergency response assistance plans. Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDGA). TDG certificate required. Training: general awareness + site-specific. Employer issues certificate. 3-year validity. Proper classification, packaging, documentation. Emergency response. CANUTEC: 613-996-6666 (emergencies). Contact TC: 1-855-824-2020.
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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Cargo and Liability Insurance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Commercial carriers must maintain adequate cargo insurance, public liability insurance, and in some cases surety bonds to cover loss, damage, and third-party claims. Cargo liability insurance for freight carriers. Transport Canada requirements. Minimum coverage levels. Interstate/international requirements. Bill of lading requirements. Contact insurance broker or Transport Canada.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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National Safety Code Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Interprovincial truck carriers must comply with National Safety Code standards for vehicle maintenance, driver hours of service, cargo securement, and safety management. National Safety Code (NSC) for commercial carriers. Provincial CVOR/NSC registration. Safety rating system. Hours of service (HOS) compliance. ELD mandate. Driver qualification files. Vehicle inspection and maintenance. Facility audits. Contact provincial transport authority.
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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
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New Brunswick NSC Certificate ConditionalRequired for commercial vehicle operators. Commercial trucking companies must hold a valid NSC Certificate from New Brunswick. Obtain NSC Safety Fitness Certificate from Service New Brunswick: 1. Required for carriers operating commercial vehicles >4,500kg GVW 2. Apply through Service New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Branch 3. Complete safety fitness requirements and knowledge assessment 4. Provide: company registration, insurance, driver qualification files 5. Safety ratings: Satisfactory, Conditional, Unsatisfactory 6. Maintain driver logs, vehicle inspection records, maintenance files 7. Subject to facility audits and roadside inspections Apply at snb.ca
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