Local and looking for specific OTR tips

I run my own company but here’s tips that are across the board.

1. always verify paperwork matches load assignment. I’m talking pallets, product, addresses, seal number, everything before you leave shipper.

2. when delivering always get a signature that’s legible and a date. If you can’t read the signature ask them to print their name also next to signature.

3. pay attention to “page number x” or “page x of x”. If it’s a 2 page BOL and they sign the top page that’s “page 1 of 2” and they keep the 2nd page it always causes issues for me. Every single page must be accountable.

4. keep a folder with 2 pockets. Left side is paid, right side unpaid, I move it over soon as I verify the load was paid.

 

I never made out any receipts in over 25 years years OTR. Generally all I did was hand them to my dispatcher at the end of the trip, or use a phone app. I would take a pic of the receipt, the app would convert it to a PDF file and send it to my boss, like email or text. I think I used TinyScanner for android and PDF Converter app for android.

BOL's are created by the shipper and signed by the driver, carried by the driver to receiver, given to the receiver for unloading, then signed by receiver.
Afterwards you can use the Transflo smartphone App and take a pic of the BOL and then send it to your company without leaving the truck. Or, most truck stops have a Transflo terminal (simplified fax machine, and you scan and send it for free, if your company has an account with Transflo. Just search Google Play Store for Transflo App. Your company needs to tell you their 4 letter code for Tranfsflo.

At my last company where I never saw the office more than once every 2-3 months, I would upload the pics and PDF files to a company GoogleDrive account. I then held onto the papers in a file folder until I could give them to the company or another driver that would take them to the company. A pic or PDF is good enough verification of Proof Of Delivery or POD. A BOL becomes a POD once you have delivered and the receiving company has signed the BOL.

Each smartphone app has a video on their website or on YouTube that shows you how to use it. Normally, your company or trainer will tell you which apps you have to use. If all else fails you an fax receipts, BOLs, and PODs from a truckstop, pu you can expect to pay at least $1 per page. I believe the Transflo terminal in the truck stop is free to use.

I always recived a recipt from someone, shop, road service, whoever is providing the service or the parts. Before I spent ANY of my money I always called the company and verified what I am about to buy and the price is approved. I'm not spending my money to fix their truck. I would keep a list of any receipts you submit and check off each one that is reimbursed by your company.