Brand New to running under my own authority

When we obtained our authority we used TBS Factoring service who supplied us with all forms and instructions on how to organize our office files. Whether you have one driver (yourself) or 100 drivers the system is the same. You have to do an annual records check on yourself and subscribe to a company for drug and alcohol testing. Once the office is set for one person you will use the same forms and system for each additional driver.

 

You're getting flack because the questions you're asking are easy to find answers to. Even truck stops sell driver qualification files. But no, you're either unable or unwilling to do your own legwork on the basics. So you're asking in a separate thread the same question that's answered somewhere else a hundred times. Spyder wasn't out of line with his comment. If you're already running under your own authority, you shouldn't need to wonder about driver qualification requirements.

Don't get butthurt over it. You'll need thicker skin than that anyway. How about a different approach? You don't just walk into a room full of strangers asking questions do you? Normally you watch, listen, and introduce yourself first. Figure out a short list of others running a business that's similar to yours, and get to know them a little. Then ask those people. You'll probably get more useful, relevant answers.

 

You're over-thinking it. The legwork is simply reading the information that's here, before asking. 90% of what you're asking about is within the sticky posts at the top of the o/o forum. Your first question posted suggests you signed up, went to the o/o forum, then made a post. Maybe I'm wrong, but you're not the first one to do that. It's not a big deal, but not the best way to get good answers.

A good sticky to start with is Becoming an Owner Operator - The steps, forms and info. I know you already got the authority active, but dig into this thread. There are many links in it that point you to a lot more than just filling out the authority application. You might find some things that you didn't know about and can catch them up before you get bit on an inspection or audit.

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt about finding information on what records to keep. Sorry about jumping to conclusions. I can see where if you went directly to the FMCSA site and filled out the forms, you wouldn't be well informed unless you read all the regulations (nobody does that), or at least had more working knowledge of the industry.

Yes TTR is a place where you can come and ask questions. There's also real people behind the names. It's not unlike walking into a room full of strangers in real life. Walk in there barking questions that show an apparent lack of basic knowledge and they will give you grief. You don't have to buy anyone dinner or hold hands or anything. Just take a little initiative to do some reading. You'll end up figuring out better questions and maybe direct them to a smaller group or individual that more closely match the operation you are running.

Last thing, you can scroll to the bottom and PM a forum moderator if you're unsure about finding anything. Even if you don't have the minimum posts to PM others.

 

Another informative thread is this one No experience but getting Authority. The best info starts on page two when RedForeman took over the thread and allowed us to follow his success' and failures in real time. Read it and other suggested forums and threads. The men and women that make up this industry consider it a lifestyle and a family. And like family members they will occasionally give you a hard time. Wade through those comments and you will see that they are also offering valuable free advice and information.

Dont take it personal, keep reading and use the seach feature and you will find that this forum and its members can really give you all the tools you need to become successful in this industry

Good Luck


Edit: One more thing.....Your only actual cost for all of this is the time it takes to read on

 

OOIDA will file the paperwork for the contacts needed in every state you operate in for free when you are a member. This gives the public a local person to serve papers on if they want to sue you for some reason, you need one in every state you operate in. Also, if you haul any hazmat material, you open a whole new door of regulations.

 

yeah, my audit was supposed to be 4 months, but I asked to push it back to about 6 months since I started operating. So now I am getting ready for this audit.

 

That was awesome. I'm in the same position Seeves19822 and I don't get the crass...

 

OP sounds like some people just like to toot their own horn. While others don't care if you read the encyclopedia Britannica before you posted your question. Ask away, your will always get varied answers. Some good some not so relevant. We all collect our information some how. Asking is the only way if you don't know or don't understand. I sounds like you have the right information and sources now.
Good luck.