Quick answer: Trucking companies win government contracts by registering on SAM.gov with the right trucking NAICS codes, getting small business certifications, and starting with local and state bids before going after large federal freight work. Cities, counties, school districts, Caltrans and federal agencies all buy hauling, delivery and courier services. The Ayangbah Foundation's Government Contracting Academy teaches the full process, in San Bernardino or live online.
Who buys trucking services?
Cities and counties: hauling, debris removal, material delivery, moving and courier services
School districts and colleges: deliveries, moving and surplus hauling
State of California: state agencies and Caltrans, including transportation projects that set goals for certified small and disadvantaged businesses
Federal agencies: freight, moving and courier work posted on SAM.gov. Some agencies, including the Department of Defense, also use their own carrier approval programs.
Prime contractors: large contractors that need small trucking subcontractors to meet their small business goals
Step 1: Register on SAM.gov with the right NAICS codes
SAM.gov registration is free and required for federal work. Choose the NAICS codes that match what you do, for example 484110 (General Freight Trucking, Local), 484121 (General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Truckload) or 484220 (Specialized Freight Trucking, Local). SBA uses a revenue-based size standard for trucking codes, so check sba.gov to confirm you count as small. Follow our step-by-step SAM.gov guide.
Step 2: Get certified
California Small Business (SB) certification through the Department of General Services, for state contracts
DBE certification through the California Unified Certification Program, for transportation projects with federal highway or transit funding
Federal programs such as 8(a), women-owned (WOSB), veteran-owned and HUBZone, if you qualify
Step 3: Find bids
Cal eProcure (caleprocure.ca.gov) for California state bids
City and county bid portals across San Bernardino and Riverside counties
SAM.gov for federal opportunities
Micro-purchases: federal buys under the micro-purchase threshold, currently $15,000, can be made without formal bidding, so introduce your company to agency buyers directly
Step 4: Build a one-page capability statement
Buyers want one page with your services, NAICS codes, certifications, fleet and equipment, service area, past performance, UEI and CAGE code, and contact details.
Step 5: Bid, learn and grow
Start with smaller local jobs and subcontracts to build past performance, then move up to larger state and federal work. Read every solicitation's insurance, licensing and safety requirements before you bid.
Get hands-on help
Government Contracting Academy: SAM.gov, certifications, finding bids and writing winning proposals. $1,497 or 3 payments of $499. Next cohort Monday, November 23.
Friday Contracting Workshops: 2-hour hands-on sessions on finding bids and reading RFPs. $97 each or 4 for $297.
Free help is also available from the IE APEX Accelerator, which assists Riverside and San Bernardino businesses with government contracting.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a government contract for my trucking company?
Register on SAM.gov with trucking NAICS codes, get small business or DBE certification, build a capability statement, and start bidding on local and state work before pursuing federal freight contracts.
Do I need DBE certification for trucking?
Not always, but DBE certification helps on transportation projects with federal highway or transit funding, including many Caltrans projects.
Can small trucking companies subcontract on government contracts?
Yes. Large prime contractors often need small subcontractors to meet small business goals, which is a good way to build past performance.
Where can I learn government contracting in the Inland Empire?
The Ayangbah Foundation's Government Contracting Academy, in San Bernardino or live online. Call or text (909) 454-7076, or apply now.