Own Authority Paperwork.

They run a tight ship there. Usually younger guys that have a decent work ethic and good morals.

 

@nikmirbre Do you have all the paperwork you need done for your own files. Diver file, maintenance sheets, IFTA mileage sheets, etc, etc, etc?

 

Not trying to be one either. Sorry that seems to have struck a nerve for some reason. It's got nothing to do with that kind of security (hacking), or who calls you. It's to prevent identity theft in the form of someone who might falsely claim to be working for you, or pretend they are you, and steal a load. It's not a high tech crime, and only takes reading the company name and DOT number off the door of your truck, which you are required by regulation to display. Criminals have been doing it since the beginning of trucking.

Of course there are other ways to verify, or just refuse to deal with those who do. I got enough other problems to solve, so I'm not going to add another. I'm just saying that the potential exists and it might be a good thing for a newly minted carrier to be aware of. Then if they have the same fears with persec as you do, it won't be a surprise. This isn't intended to be critical of you, personally. That's why I said "not ideal" versus "stupid" or worse. I used to be that way about my persec too, out of concern with an unpredictable and sketchy ex-wife. Fortunately there were plenty of years of no contact before starting this business, it was not a concern. But I get why it would for someone, under the right circumstances.

Speaking of the company name and DOT number on the door, I had a different kind of incident I am sure was done in this fashion. It wasn't someone trying to steal a load though. It was an unemployment insurance claim. Some rando I never heard of in my life, claimed to have worked for my company and been laid off. The home address he gave was in a city that we routinely are picking up, and my trucks are around there a few times a week. Often visible from the sidewalk outside the fence while waiting or loading.

I filled out the response form saying as much and faxed it in. The other option was USPS and I didn't feel like spending the extra time plus a stamp to do that. I probably should have. A few weeks later, a guy from the Georgia DOL called me to ask about the claim. I told him the claim was a lie and could email him payroll records proving it if he wanted. He did not, and was satisfied with just the call.

Had I missed that call due to having a bogus number posted on public records, they probably would have paid the fraudster and my UI would have gone up the following year and I'd never know why. They mail out a computer generated form letter every year notifying you what your UI rate is for the upcoming year. It does not point out any change, nor why such a change occurred. I'd have to notice it went up, then spend time dealing with DOL to find out why, then file a protest and await that outcome on government time.

It's only happened once in 10 years, so I wouldn't say it's a massive thing to worry about. But it's not nothing.

 

A nerve was certainly not struck, my friend. Hence why I specifically mentioned not wanting to come off like an ###. I just don't think it's a good idea to have my accurate email and phone number blasted on a public website for all the world to see and harass me endlessly. If places like TQL or any other brokerage thinks those things need to match what I tell them on the phone that's their problem not mine.

I also refuse to deal with any broker that uses public email servers like gmail, aol or outlook etc etc. No way would I be ok with sending tons of sensitive business information through those electronic sewers.

Crazy about the UI fraud attempt but having a company name on the door isn't required by law. When I paint my truck, I'm removing mine actually. State and federal numbers will be all that's going back on the doors.

 

As long as your insurance is on the safer I could careless. More power to you and yours on that.

 

Have to get an organized system that works for you and stick to it to avoid headaches down the road. On the bright side...we learn best through our mistakes.

 

Did things change?

Any other things that have been added to the list?

 

All actual.