Just getting started...a little help please...

Hello guys...
I been working from 3 years as a O/O and now i am starting my own bussines. I opened my own authority , got the liability/cargo insurance and waiting for my MC to get activated from USDOT

Now i had a few questions for you...
I want to start with a flatbed but i am a little concern...

Wich equipment is more proffitable ( money , job..etc ) , Dry Van , Flatbed , Reefer ...?

How long it usually takes to get the money after you deliver a load ? Is there any way to get it ASAP ?
Is there the possibility to get screwed by a broker and not getting paid ? If yes ( wich i know it is ) how can i avoid it ?

What general broker would you suggest ? I was thinking to start with CH Robinson or Land Star..? Any sugestions ?
(p.s I live in Jacksonville , FL )

What is this DOT Safety Audit ? What kind of documents should i have when they'll come ?

OK , that's it....for now lol.

Appreciate any help

 

As far as getting your money from a broker. Most are supposed to pay net 30 days. Some do and some WON'T. I have had some take 90 days to pay after I made MANY phone calls to them.I finally found a good factoring company to buy my invoices and have had no issues since. Cost 3% of freight invoice to get 90% 0f my money same day then remaining 7% once broker or shipper pays the factoring company. If they don't pay on time the factoring company starts the collection process. Brokers won't mess around as long with the factoring company as they will with you being a new authority. Your MC number is a dead give away you are just starting up and some will see how long they can hold out.

Each time you consider moving freight for a new broker or shipper simply call your factoring company and they can tell you if you can trust the broker or not for payment. Call OOIDA for some help in finding a factoring company. The company they refereed me too only took large accounts but they were able to refer me to an honest factoring co that took small accounts like me with 1 truck. Also OOIDA will file your BOC3 with the FMCSA for you free if you are a member.


Use a popular web based load board to find freight and don't rely on just one broker. Thats the whole thing about having your own authority, you are available to carry freight for anyone you choose. Post your truck available on the board and HUNDREDS of brokers can see you are available. Some will call you and you can negotiate the deal on the load if you are interested. If you choose you can call on loads posted as well.

Contact you local Motor Carrier Enforcement office for a free DVD explaining everything you need for preparing for a DOT audit. NC had this available for me. An inspector will contact you within your first 18 months in business. My DOT came in 90 days! This first audit is more of an educational audit for you. If you are in violation they most likely will tell you to fix the problems then come back to verify you are now doing it correctly. Once you pass the inspector sends the report to the FMCSA in Washington DC. You will get a letter from the FMCSA letting you know if your DOT number is permanent or not and if you may continue to operate as a motor carrier in the USA.

 

With L.S. broker loads, that is only true if you sign up for their "quick pay" program. If you do that you have to give up an extra 2% of the gross to get your money in a tiomely manner. If you don't do their quick pay program, they pay whenever they feel like it(just like most other brokers). I have a couple of Landstar invoices sitting on my desk that are yet to be paid and they were originally sent to LS on 12/21/07 and 1/13/08 respectively.

 

Hey guys , thank you for your answers..

I was just talking with LandStar and they require 2 years experience with your own authority to be able to work with them...

DayCabber , what is the name of that company OOIDA referred you ?
I mean , how can i get in contact with them ? ( or with OOIDA )

 

For OOIDA just add dot com

 

You may want to contact OOIDA and check the status/outcome of the lawsuit they filed against Landstar. The details of the law suit can also be found on their website....it was filed on behalf of O/O's leased to Landstar....improper and unauthorized deductions, excessive charges, etc. ....Don't have any info on the brokered freight but not surprised to here about unpaid invoices....Just a word of caution.....

 

I use Assist financial Services (AFS) in Madison, SD. They do exactly as they promise........ Regarding the brokers you have mentioned, you haven't lost anything if you never pull a load for either. I have agreed to haul some for CH Robinson only as back hauls. I have had better experienses with some mom and pop operations who work from home. The smaller brokers tend to know more accurate load details and are usually easier to negotiate with than the big company brokers.

 

I would try them as well and see how it work out..
Thank you for writing buddy...
And if you know any decent trustful broker , let me know man because i am a little scared i might screwed ( feel free to contact me in privat if you want )

Now , another question...where can i find some Lease Agreement between my company and the driver that's gonna drive my truck ?
I got 2 drivers and i don't feel like having them as my employees. It's better off as a independent contractor or something...

 

You might want to read this thread.

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...operator/32780-benifits-for-your-drivers.html