One step closer to Independent

When mine went active, I got a recorded call from a third party provider offering to let me download it for about $15-20, IIRC. FWIW, I filed August 2nd (Monday) and went active August 20th (Friday), and I think I got it in the mail the following Saturday (28th).

 

Me too. I had the certificate in the mail in less than a week. Do not pay to get it faster. You will never need the certificate. Anyone that wants to know your status goes on line to find out. I carry a copy in the truck but don't really need to.

 

It has been a while since I have been pulled into a scale, but you should be prepared to show a copy of your authority at any time. You need to have a copy in your truck. I keep a copy in each truck in my permit book. I also have a copy of my dot number. Most brokers require you to fax or email a copy of your authority before they will load your truck. There is some fraud going on where people are using others authority or taking their identity. Brokers can check your authority on line, but they still want a physical copy for their records. You should only have a certificate of authority if it is your authority. Waiting one more week should not break the bank. If you move before you have everything in order you are asking for trouble. You don't want to start out in this business having problems. You could be pulled into a scale just because the scalemaster isn't familiar with your company.

 

When you apply for authority, the feds require that it be published. I believe it must be published for 2 weeks. That gives anyone who doesn't want you to get your authority to file a complaint or response. It goes back to the old days of the ICC and regulations where others who had their authority could prevent a new applicant from getting their authority, thus limiting competition. Back then, you almost had to purchase someone else authority to get started. It could cost thousands of dollars to get authority back then. Anyway, there is a minimum of 2 weeks that it will take to grant authority from the time you apply.

 

Every new broker I set up with requires a copy of my authority. Maybe you never need it, but most do. I looked back in my records, I paid $17.50 to download my authority letter and get it a week sooner. One week of revenue - $17.50 > waiting on a free copy + no revenue. Kind of a no-brainer.

 

You are correct sir!

They'll want a copy of your Authority, Insurance along with a signed W-9. In return, they'll email or fax a copy of their credentials and their contract that needs to be completed and returned BEFORE they will send you a load confirmation and dispatch.
Some companies will want references or want you to fill out an info sheet too.

 

I don't use a fax. I email everything. I have a PDF of my authority, W9, references, company profile, etc that I package with a scanned copy of the broker documents after it's filled out and signed. Living in the 21st century has it's benefits.

 

Yup, that's me too. Same setup. I don't think it's the norm however, as some brokers and such that I talk to are really quite impressed.

 

I have never had a broker not ask for it.