Quote:
Originally Posted by scm
Hmm, I have already done 2 trip permits in OR and have a third coming up ...
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So, it appears you have gone on your own, with your own authority.
But to give you some additional ideas.
I activated my own authority, after being inactive for 5 years, just last month.
I was leased on to a small company but did almost all my own arrangements.
But the arrangement left me with far less money and since I did the load bids I knew how much was coming in.
My own authority easy to set up.
Much tougher to keep up with the paper work, not to talk about the , "new entrant", DOT initial inspection coming soon.
many brokers won't touch you because you are a rookie.
But many of the big ones will,
C H Robinson, will and they only take 1.5% for quick pay. Since fuel and cash flow is important at the start this arrangement will get you though.
Since I used to own my own company I found it hard to work for someone else. Letting them take a piece that I already knew how to do.
You don't need a dispatch service. One load board and a positive attitude when ever talking with or emailing the broker will go a long way.
After only 40 days I am getting regular calls from my past load brokers asking for me because I delivered on time and more important, I kept them informed from the dispatch time to the arrival time, to the loaded time, updates during the trip, a quick text at arrival and most important, that call or text or email saying, "load delivered as promised and thank you for the assignment"
Your prior experience will guide you on personal interactions with the brokers, receivers and shippers. This element of trucking is sorely overlooked and the attitude of the dock workers proves it.
Make sure you get your direct deposits set up right. Its nice to get emails that say , We just deposited $3000 in your bank , while you are driving with another load.
You might try to get full communications in the truck.
Receive emails,( load confirmation), driver instructions, send your acceptance back. then with a scanner, scan all the docs, attach to an email, send directly to the settlement office, turn the key on to the next job.
Remember there are about a dozen profit centers in trucking. If you delegate everything to someone else then you will be giving your money to them also. But to take on everything for most people is too much. Start today figuring out which parts you want and can do and which ones need to left to others.
the money is getting better the freight getting more plentiful and more drivers dropping out do to age and regulation.
Keep focused on your mission, push, and you will do fine.
Hope this helps.
