Own Authority Paperwork.

That's all I do and of course I have endless amounts of receipts to back it all up as well. Plus I keep all my inspection paperwork too even after they've expired.

 

I did something similar as well for my PM forms. I use the same ones TA uses but with my company information on them. I like how they have the brake and tire measurement sections on them. Not that there required but I like having that data around for financial/maintenance planning.

 

Another issue I had with them is it’s not jut one person you communicate with. It’s everyone in the office. I had 5-6 different people I dealt with. If I called and asked for a specific person they were usually busy. If I left a voicemail it was never returned.

I actually had to tell the operator how to be more efficient. She wanted me to keep calling back to reach a certain person. I asked if they had voicemail and she acted like that was a crazy question. She said “I guess we can do it that way”””. NO CRAP LADY. Why would I continue to call back when YOUR people are supposed to be contacting me?!?! I guess she forgot about that archaic paper and pen to take a message. Or better yet send a message on the screen in front of your face instead of checking Facebook or Pinterest. Very aggravating.

 

I certainly have nothing good to say about my interactions with them either. I stopped being a member once I realized they were more of a hassle than an asset. However, I will say they've done some really good work putting things together in print to help new entrants. They have a guide that I used heavily when I first started. OOIDA certainly aren't worthless to the OO but they definitely aren't a huge advantage to anyone that's been up and running over a little bit of time.

 

I do my home state as well as NY and KY the same time every quarter. I can't say for NM or OR unfortunately because I don't run those states. This year is also a renewal year for NYHUT too. They also just changed the reporting requirements if you're under a certain mileage ran there. I'm still reporting quarterly to help keep me organized though regardless of miles driven there.

 

OWN AUTHORITY : things not to overlook to stay compliant.

 

I have a reputable transportation consultant that I had experience with past jobs. So when it was my time to branch out, That was my go to guy. He is not overly cheap. But everything is proper and on time. Second, if you have a audit. They go to his office. The documentation on file at his office is only what you chose, or legally required. No one will be joining me in my personal office snooping around during a audit.

Now its not a cheap service, he has a set fee for everything. But calling for random questions is free and normally a great conversation.

I understand this is a not so necessary expense. But besides driving I do 99% of my own repairs, drive, find my own freight, invoice my own freight. Own 2 rentals and partners in a industrial property/business.

Wife has a job and we have 3 soon to be 4 year old daughter. She has nothing to do with the trucking.

So I had to look for something to free up my time. In the end its cheap to me.