My head is close to exploding with all of the information I'm trying to research in becoming an O/O. Every day while reading up on 1 topic, I come across something else that I had no clue I needed to know.
Let me give you an example:
Today I was looking into what it costs to get your own authority. A search on Google posted links to this and other forums so I begin reading the different threads and in those threads the posters mention that you need to set up a drug consortium and are in violation of some DOT reg's if you don't inquire about your own drug test results from previous employers.
So an inquiry of one topic spreads out to 2 additional topics and I have tons of different things that I know I need to know. If each 1 spreads out in different directions.....
How Do You Know What It Is You Don't Know?
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by RCH_Trucking, Jun 2, 2011.
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While I AM NOT advocating joining any organzation or suggesting one thing or another--but for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY--and to answer you post OOIDA does have some pretty good info out there--and people you can contact to get some solid information---ooida.com
ronin and outerspacehillbilly Thank this. -
http://www.nastc.com/
Being as you will be "A Small Trucking Company" join these guys and get the fuel discounts that the big fleets get.
Of course they can do your authority also.ronin Thanks this. -
No, you misunderstood. The drug consorteum is what you set up to pay for fuel and the truck payment.
outerspacehillbilly and ironpony Thank this. -
I feel your pain.
My suggestion is to keep reading. More and more will fall into place and as you ask questions you will learn (sometimes with pleanty of jabs included) what you need to know and find a new question.
As far as independent O/O, you are wearing two hats as far as DOT is concerned. On one side you are a carrier and need to follow all the rules. This includes getting a complete background on any drivers you have.
And since that is you. You need to have a complete driver file on hand for yourself. Seemed silly to me but the DOT officer that did my audit explained that if I am in an accident and in the hospital, when they are doing an investigation they will need to see that I am qualified to drive.
On drug consortium and testing. You need to perform a pre-employment test and show passing results BEFORE YOU DRIVE for your company. And you need to enroll in a random testing program.
First, if you get the right consortium they will get all the documentation on past companies for you as part of the pre-employment testing.
Second, look for a large program. It is highly unlikely that if you have a larger consortium that it will be shut-down by the DOT. Believe it or not, you have O/O that use drugs. I know, I was shocked. And these guys shop for smaller programs that test quarterly. This gives them three months to get clean for a "random". But they get in accident and fail the drug test. DOT looks into consortium and sees higher than average "pass" then "fail" and requires 100% testing with 48-hours notice. But it never happens because that bankrupts the consortium. -
good thing I know it all
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Cool! What's this weekends winning lottery numbers? I need some cash. -
Someone mentioned them and I agree OOIDA. I love them guys. You can call and ask anything and they get you the info you need. They are super helpful plus if you're a member they do your BOC-3 filing free. -
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Kittyfoot said: ↑Now waitaminnute. If you are your own employer you will know beforehand when you as employee will be tested, so you as employee could be taking advantage of this prior knowlege to "get yourself clean". This would subvert the whole idea of "random" wouldn't it?
Plus you, as the employee, would be the only driver being tested. That would constitute discrimination without cause would it not? Especially if you're a "minority". Dang, you could tie yourself up in court for years. Especially in Cali and you know what discrimination cases are like there. You could wind up before the Supremes.
Best hope one of yourselves is a dang good lawyer.Click to expand...
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