Getting Shippers when starting out

Chances are, you won't get shippers when you're just starting out unless you know someone.
I could be wrong, but I'd imagine shippers would want to see some sort of a track record of you running on your own. I don't think I'd even try to get direct business right out of the chute. You'll be very busy with everything else that's involved in running your company. Concentrate on that first.

 

i'm not an O/O but i would imagine you'd wanna start out possibly leased with a company, then maybe move onto a broker and then 100% independent with your own shippers. jumping in with both feet could spell serious disaster.

 

As an O/O for just over a year now I can say that I have never been turned down because my company was to new or anything like that. Sometimes we could not get together on rates and once I was rejected because I did not have Workers Comp Insurance, even though I don't have to have it on myself. My problems have been finding the freight, once I find it making the deal to move it is seldom difficult.

 

Blacksmith, can you please clarify the Workers Comp Insurance thing? As an O/O that hires drivers do I have to provide them workers comp insurance?

 

Yes absolutely

 

Can't I hire the drivers as a third party contractor whom will waive their workers compensation?

 

States vary on the workers comp requirements. It is usually tied to the number of employees. In my state I don't need workers comp unless I have at least 7 employees. Another state that I checked some time ago only required workers comp with 15 employees. I believe that North Carolina require a workers comp policy with only 1 employee. You need to check your state for current requirements. You may be able to have an occupational accident policy in lieu of workers comp. The occupational accident policy should be less expensive. If you only deal with independent contractors you could require them to either furnish their own workers comp or occupational accident policy. OOIDA has a policy that costs about $140/month. Personally, I prefer the occupational accident policy.

 

Most brokers will load you without a minimum amount of time in business. I can think of a couple who will not load a new carrier until they have been in business for at least 6 months to 1 year.

As a carrier, I don't do business with a broker who doesn't have a track record unless they want to pay up front. In fact, I usually won't even bother until they have been in business for a minimum of 1 year. And I ALWAYS check credit.

 

Not legally.