Experience in establishing a Logistics company in the US (United States) from AZ
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Updated on January 22 
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- 1. What do you need to prepare to set up a Logistics company in the US?
- 2. Experience in establishing a Logistics company in the US?
- 3. Procedures for opening a Logistics company in the US
- 4. How will GLA support Logistics businesses to open companies in the US?
- 5. Questions to ask when Logistics Enterprises open a company in the US?
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With advantages in economic level, infrastructure, transportation and advanced science and technology, the US is always the top country in freight forwarding and global logistics. Foreign investors and logistics enterprises with the need to develop their businesses to the international market all want to establish a logistics company in the US. So with experience in consulting and supporting businesses to successfully establish a logistics company in the US, GLA will share the notes to prepare when establishing a logistics company in the US in this article.
1. What do you need to prepare to set up a Logistics company in the US?
1.1 Choose the type of Logistics company to establish in the US
Based on experience in establishing Logistics companies in the US for many customers and partners, GLA shares 2 types of companies in the US that are often chosen by foreign investors and Logistics companies:
- Corporation: a type of company that has a legal entity separate from the business owner.
Note: In addition to C-Corporation, small joint stock company (S-Corporation) is also a popular type for Logistics businesses that want to open a company in the US because of the tax benefits that this type brings. However, this type is only for directors/shareholders who are citizens/permanent residents in the US and foreigners cannot open a Corporation in the US.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): a type of business that combines a joint stock company and a partnership. With this type of business, the company can avoid paying taxes twice.
- In addition, there are three types of US companies: sole proprietorship, limited partnership, and general partnership.
If Logistics Enterprises need more detailed advice on US company types and recommendations on US company types suitable for their scale and business orientation, please contact GLA today for the most detailed advice.
1.2 Choosing a state to establish a Logistics company in the US
In the United States (USA) there are 50 states, each state will have different regulations, policies and laws depending on the government of each state. Logistics businesses established in different states of the US will have to comply with different tax policies and legal regulations.
The 5 states that investors often choose to establish a company in the US include:
- Delaware
- Wyoming
- Alaska
- Neveda
- Oregon
To learn more about the 5 states where businesses should establish a company in the US, please refer to the following article by GLA: Top 5 states suitable for setting up a company in the US.
For the Logistics sector, when the specific characteristics of the Logistics sector require hiring employees, renting offices/warehouses to receive goods, parcels, and letters, businesses should contact GLA today for advice on the most suitable state to optimize taxes, compete in terms of brand as well as optimize operations. GLA, with experience supporting more than +300 customers in the top 50 largest enterprises in Vietnam and more than +10 years of experience, will support logistics businesses to establish a Logistics company in the most optimal state (USA).
1.3 Logistics License in the US (United States)
When a Logistics Business opens a company in the US, it needs to apply for licenses appropriate to the Business's method of transporting goods.
For example:
- Logistics businesses establish a company in the US to conduct water transportation business. Businesses need to apply for a license with the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).
- Logistics businesses establish a company in the US to conduct air freight business, the company needs to apply for a license with the US Department of Transportation (DOT).
Note: Logistics businesses opening a company in the US applying for a Logistics license will depend on the mode of transportation and the state in which the company operates.
1.4 Warehouse system and relationship with customs brokerage companies in the US
- Logistics includes warehouse systems, seaports, airports and cooperative relationships with partners and customs brokers. Therefore, to do logistics business in the US, business owners opening a logistics company in the US need to build relationships with transportation and customs companies to operate and develop their business more smoothly.
- In particular, with the characteristics of the Logistics industry, it is necessary to rent additional addresses to build a brand, rent warehouses to store goods. GLA, with its experience in supporting many logistics customers to establish logistics companies in the US and providing post-establishment support services such as providing offices, renting addresses in the US, tax and accounting consulting, will support logistics businesses in choosing offices, renting warehouses, and building warehouse systems.
2. Experience in establishing a Logistics company in the US?
2.1 Charter capital to establish a Logistics company in the US
When establishing a Logistics company in the US, Logistics Enterprises will not be required to register charter capital. Therefore, the Business owner can set the charter capital to suit the Enterprise.
2.2 Local Agent (A Registered Agent)
- Logistics businesses opening a company in the US with foreign owners are required to register a local agent (A Registered Agent) in the US.
- A Registered Agent is responsible for receiving legal and company documents from local, state or federal government, such as government notices of changes in regulations relating to Business, taxes, etc.
2.3 Tax identification number of Logistics company in the US
The US Logistics Company Tax Identification Number (Employer Identification Number - EIN) is a company identification number and a federal tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to each company in the US.
The company's tax identification number (EIN) is extremely important for a logistics company in the US, because this is a mandatory factor for a US company to submit a request to open a bank account in the US. Therefore, businesses establishing a company in the US need to consider and carefully check whether the consulting companies providing company establishment services include support services for applying for a federal tax identification number (EIN).
GLA provides professional, dedicated, and comprehensive logistics company establishment services in the US, including consulting and supporting businesses in registering and applying for US corporate tax codes.
2.4 How to open a bank account for Logistics companies in the US?
- After establishing a Logistics company in the US (United States), Logistics businesses need to open a bank account in the US. A bank account in the US is a safe and fast way for Logistics businesses to exchange currency and goods with partners and customers in the US.
- Banks in the US will not open a physical account if the business owner/director is not present in the US.
- Logistics businesses in the US will have the option to open an online bank account in the US but there will be restrictions on transaction limits and few online banks to choose from.
- To help Logistics Enterprises open companies in the US to conduct payment and currency activities quickly and safely, GLA will advise on types of digital bank accounts suitable for the Logistics Enterprise's business strategy and support Enterprises to open and authenticate appropriate electronic bank accounts.
- Digital bank accounts for US companies have a quick opening time, only 3-5 working days, simple documents and procedures.
2.5 Annual Reports and Taxes for Logistics Companies in the US
Annual report in the US is a report to declare the company's operating status. Logistics enterprises opening a company in the US must prepare and submit an annual report every year to the state government where the company is registered and operates.
GLA with a team of certified, experienced accountants will help Logistics Enterprises establish companies in the US to perform annual reports and taxes accurately, quickly and in accordance with US accounting standards in the state where the company operates.
3. Procedures for opening a Logistics company in the US
Step 1: Prepare information
Before establishing a Logistics company in the US, businesses need to determine:
- Authorized capital
- Type of Logistics Company America Wants to Establish
- State/State of Business Registered to Open Logistics Company
Step 2: Execute
Complete the company registration form, the registration form includes the following information:
- Company name: In the US, company names will need to be different, so Logistics Enterprises should propose 3 company names to avoid cases where proposed names are duplicated or invalid compared to government requirements.
- Provide local agent - Registered Agent.
- Provide the name, address of the director and shareholders of the Logistics company about to be established.
Step 3: Done
- Apply for a federal tax identification number EIN - Employer Identification Number for a company in the US.
- Renting a company office in the US is not a mandatory requirement, but if the Company intends to receive customers and partners in the US, or intends to hire staff or open a bank account in the US, the Company can rent an office address in the US.
GLA has services for office for rent usa In states across the United States, for detailed advice on this service, please contact GLA.
4. How will GLA support Logistics businesses to open companies in the US?
50 states in the United States (USA) with different policies on company establishment and regulations on taxes and business operations will make it difficult for foreign investors to open a company in the US during the company establishment process. However, GLA with experience in supporting Logistics Enterprises to successfully establish companies in the US will accompany Enterprises from the process of preparing documents to operating the enterprise.
GLA's full package of logistics business establishment services in the US includes:
- Consulting and supporting businesses in choosing the appropriate state to establish a Logistics company in the US.
- Support businesses in establishing companies from preparing documents to operating the business.
- Register for business licenses in the US.
- Consulting and supporting businesses to rent office addresses in US states without having to go to the US.
- Consulting and supporting businesses to open, authenticate, use and manage international payment gateways such as: Stripe, PayPal, PayPal Business, etc. with high trust.
- Consulting and supporting businesses in performing monthly tax and accounting reports and annual financial reports in accordance with US accounting standards.
5. Questions to ask when Logistics Enterprises open a company in the US?
How long does it take to set up a Logistics company in the US?
To establish a Logistics company in the US, it only takes 3-5 days for a business to complete the procedures for opening a Logistics company in the US.
Is it easy for a Logistics company to establish a company in the US and open a physical bank account in the US?
In the US, physical banks will not open a bank account for a company if the Logistics Business owner (company director/shareholder) is not present in the US. Instead, the Company can open an online bank account to pay/receive payments with partners and customers in the US.
Is it easy for a Logistics company to establish a company in the US and open a physical bank account in the US?
In the US, physical banks will not open a bank account for a company if the Logistics Business owner (company director/shareholder) is not present in the US. Instead, the Company can open an online bank account to pay/receive payments with partners and customers in the US.
Highlights- Choosing the right type of company: Logistics businesses in the US often choose between a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, depending on their business orientation and legal requirements.
- Choose your state and get the right licenses: Each state in the US has different tax and legal policies. Businesses need to research carefully to optimize costs and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Basic requirements for incorporation: Preparing charter capital information, local agent (Registered Agent), and registering for a federal tax identification number (EIN) are indispensable steps.
This article was published by GLA on 01/07/2021. Copyright and accompanying content are intellectual property of GLA. All rights reserved.
The guidance and content are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific guidance and advice on accounting, tax, legal or other professional advice. Readers should consult professional advisors on specific issues.
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