Frequently asked questions.

The NFTA is an association of food truck associations. Our primary purpose is to help regional food truck groups with changing laws and location and event management. We support existing associations, help create new ones, and answer general questions from individual operators.

Start with our tutorials, then research. Running a Food Truck for Dummies by Richard Myrick is a great resource. Start with the “where” — what city, what county, do they permit trucks? Call your City Hall and regional Health Department. Once you know you can open, call commissaries, truck manufacturers, and rental companies for quotes.

You will need a health permit and business license everywhere you plan on vending. Some places also require a fire permit. Temporary permits exist for festivals. There are no national food truck permits that exempt you from these requirements.

Every business is different. Get quotes from every truck manufacturer/renter, commissary, and wrap shop you can find. The average cost for a new truck in California can reach $150,000; in Texas it's around $80,000 because California has the strictest build standards in the world.

Don't sign a vague one-page lease. Spell out responsibility for towing, breakdowns, lost events, health-department shutdowns, maintenance, and commissary security. If a commissary claims security cameras, require shared footage when needed. Protect yourself in writing.

Make sure your builder understands your region's building codes. Create a contract that holds the builder responsible if the truck fails inspection. Add financial penalties tied to the permitted date — not the completion date. Ask to see other trucks they've built and talk to those vendors.

Yes. If your truck or commissary kitchen can't support your menu, the health department won't issue a permit. Source any pre-prepared food from approved (licensed) facilities.

Be very careful buying trucks you can't inspect. Older trucks may be grandfathered out of new regulations only while owned by the same person. After a sale, the health department may require updates to current code — costly. Talk to your regional health department before buying.

Best Food Trucks runs a great catering platform — create an account and reach out to their staff. Great pictures and fast responses to inquiries win the most catering events.

Best Food Trucks has the best online ordering system for new trucks. It helps connect you with customers who've ordered from other trucks in the same area you're working from — expanding your reach without cold outreach.

We can help connect you with trucks in your region and set up a regular rotation through Best Food Trucks.

Traditional catering often uses off-site caterers, chafing dishes, and warmers — food sits for hours. Trucks make meals to order with on-site kitchens, accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions easily, and serve individually wrapped food that's safer and less susceptible to spreading germs.