Starting new trucking company

[koerbs]

A large carrier from the area has closed its doors so there is a demand in the area for trucks, so I have decided to start a small trucking company and see what happens. 2 trucks/ 2 trailers.

Anyway, I need to start the process of getting all the proper paperwork to run all 48. I am based in mn.

I have a dot number. I have not applied for my mc number yet. I haven't purchased the plates for the trucks yet. I just got them the other day and have been to busy to worry about it.

So, what do I need to do to be legal in all 48 and canada? I have driven for years as a company driver for a private fleet so we didn't really know how that stuff worked, and I just want to make damn sure I have all my ducks in a row. Any help will be greatly needed!!

I know there are websites that offer to do this for a fee, but I would rather do it myself, I'm not a fan of the easy way out.

Thanks!!!

[Gonfercoffee]

pay the money you cheapskate
you are a business man
if you can't afford a couple hundred bucks
you better think twice about your own authority
join the ooida and pay them to do it right

eg..do you have a driver qualification file?
do you belong to a random drug test consortium?

[koerbs]

Why should I think twice about running my own authority?

[Gonfercoffee]

you need to make sure you are 100% compliant or you will not get a good safety rating which will immediately affect your relationship with the shipper.
many shippers will dump you with a conditional rating
you cannot run by the seat of your pants
you are going to get audited by your state DOT within the first 6 month's or so
after you get your authority
and they park in your driveway
there is an awful lot of bs that has to be in place
if you don't have for instance
an accurate driver qualification file
no drug test program....
they will pin your ears back

[Gonfercoffee]

you also need a ton of cash
scenerio
shipper pays in 30 days
you do 2 loads a week for them for 1500
in 4 weeks they owe you $6000
on week 5 you get a check for 1500
but they still owe you 6000 forever
you need enough capital to be comfortable about being in that situation
(I had one account,Fisher scientific paid in 60 days but claimed they paid in 45 days)

[Cerberus_Kelpie]

IF you pull loads for jb hunt in their supposed newly RE designed Owner Operator program (one is not leased to jb, one merely pulls their trailers AND loads AND gets a percentage), they claim 48 hour pay from proof of delivery.
I know a company that waited 8 days before being paid through the 48 hour pay program, so be aware which means BEWARE.

WHY go to Canada?? You like abuse or you read and speak French??
WHY ADD HASSLES??
Are not 48 States enough??
Going to California, Washington, FloriDUH and the North East a couple of times as an O. O. and you might lessen the amount of states you want to see.

As long as you have one or two RELIABLE and wreck less drivers, you may see some meager profits, maybe, depending upon loads picked up and delivered ON TIME.
You'll still have quarterly reports, Fuel, Insurance and the rest of the usual other reports/payments that a reputable Accountant/Tax PROFESSIONAL can deliver.
- - -
One CAN make a small fortune in trucking if one begins with a large one.