At the top of my list is dealing with a reputable Insurance Agent.   

To find a reputable agent, ask other truckers who they use and what they think of their insurance and agent.  Dealing with someone in your own community is preferred.  There are quite a few “independent agents” in every area around the country to choose from that will deal with a variety of insurance companies.  You also one an agent that has experience with trucking insurance.  

To check up on the reputation of an agent do a search in your state by entering your state initials, i.e. WI for Wisconsin, and Insurance Commissioner (WI Insurance Commissioner).  This should give you a start to find your information on-line about any agent or a number you can call in the Commissioners office.

Now that you have found an agent, ask for a coverages and premiums comparison from several different insurance companies your agent deals with.  Your driving record will also factor in for the bottom-line premium.   Have your current insurance information handy for when you talk with the agent.  They will undoubtedly have a list of questions concerning your current coverage.  Also think about and mention any changes you may want to consider making to your coverage.

If you already have or are thinking about buying your own trailer, mention this fact to the agent for your premium quote.  

Ask if the agent will give you a package deal by offering them your personal business for your home and auto coverages, plus any “toys” you may have stashed in your garage or storage building such as snow mobiles, motor cycles, goats, ATVs, and so on.    Most insurance companies have packaged plans for personal insurance coverages that you can take advantage of and save some money in the process.

Ask for the best deal they can possibly give you and tell them you are shopping around so they know you are serious and mean business.  Ask about premium payment plans and what they are and the cost you.  Sometimes if you have a monthly automatic electronic funds transfer (EFT) for your premium you can save some money.  And sometimes if you pay your insurance annually, you get a bigger break.  But ask before you commit to anything.

The higher deductible you take the lower your premium can go.  You decide what is right for you concerning the deductible.  A quick definition for deductible is what you can afford to spend out of your own pocket in the event of an accident.  Some people have more money set aside just for this so they would want to take a higher deductible to lower their premium.  Or you can figure what you save by taking a higher deductible and put it in the bank.  You decide what is right for you and your budget.

Insurance is a necessary thing to have and you want to get the best deal you can for your trucking business.  Also review your insurance coverages on an annual basis for any changes you want to make.  You sometimes can’t prevent someone else from hitting you and having good insurance coverage will help you transition through the claim process a little better.

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My internet search using “usdot numbers” found 3 companies ready to help collect my information, do the necessary paperwork filing, and help me with my insurance needs.  All for a fee of course. 

Or you can visit http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/reg-forms  for instructions and to get the necessary forms to get you started for a do-it-yourself.

The 6 Steps For Authority are:

1. Applicant submits the OP-1 and/or OP-1(P) and/or OP-1(FF)   
2. Applicant receives MC or FF number. 
3. 10-day protest period 
4. Insurance Company files form(s) with FMCSA. 
5. Applicant or Process Agent files Form BOC-3 with FMCSA. 
6. Applicant begins operation AFTER receiving certificate, permit or license for Operating Authority from FMCSA. 

REMEMBER - REFUNDS ARE NOT PERMITTED. 

Each type of Operating Authority requires an additional $300 fee. For example, an application for both Motor Common Carrier of Property and Motor Common Carrier of Household Goods will require two $300 fees for a total of $600. Multiple fees can be combined into one single payment. 

The FMCSA reserves the right to discontinue processing any application for which insufficient payment is received. 

Below are the different types of Operating Authorities and each comes with a $300 fee:

• Motor Common Carrier of Property (except Household Goods) 
• Motor Contract Carrier of Property (except Household Goods) 
• Motor Common Carrier of Household Goods 
• Motor Contract Carrier of Household Goods
• Broker of Property (except Household Goods)
• Broker of Household Goods
• United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo (except Household Goods)
• United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Household Good

Interstate authority is REQUIRED by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) for all motor vehicles operating for-hire and transporting freight or passengers across state lines. 

What is INTERSTATE AUTHORITY? 

Any motor vehicle or freight broker operating for hire across state lines. In other words, if you’re operating (for-hire) outside the state your business is located then you need ICC Interstate Authority.

Everyone who files for ICC Interstate Authority is required by the FMCSA to have a BOC-3 with current “process agents” in every state traveling through or conducting business.

What is the BOC-3 and tell me again why I need one?

The BOC-3 is the form that is used by the FMCSA to list the “process agents” in all states.  The “process agents” will act as a representative to forward legal / court documents in any proceeding that might be brought against your company. A “blanket coverage” is having process agents listed in all 50 states. 

Without a BOC-3 on file with the FMCSA, you cannot receive a Certificate of Authority. 

This is a quick overview and very basic of what is all involved.  Everything comes with a price tag, you decide what you are willing to pay or not pay for.

Remember that you are working with a branch of the government, so have patience.    

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To improve your financial condition you need to work at.

If you don’t like your current job with the trucking company you are working for, scout around for a new employer.  There are many other trucking companies around the country that may be looking for a driver just like you.  Heck, there are ads in trucking magazines all the time looking for truckers.   Call around and ask trucking companies what they have to offer you.  This is especially true if you have an impeccable driving record and can prove it.  Negotiate for better pay / benefits.  If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Word of mouth is a power thing.  Ask other truckers where they work and what they have to say about their employer and how long they have worked there.  

Keep in mind that some people like to complain for the sake of complaining, so weigh your information carefully before making any employment decisions.

Now that you have a little extra money in your pocket, put it aside in a savings account someplace.  Spending the surplus as fast as as you make it may be a lot of fun and provide some good times, but it doesn’t provide you with any financial security.  Money in a savings account to fall back on provides you with some peace of mind and security if you were to suddenly be without a job due to health issues or layoffs. 

Shop around to different financial institutions that will pay you some interest on your money, regardless of amount.  I recently started a savings and checking account on-line with ING and earn 1.5% on my checking balance and 2.75% on my savings balance.  Check them out and decide for yourself if this is right for you.  Having your savings account a little less accessible is sometimes a good thing.  The likelihood of spending the money is reduced and forces you to really think about every purchase you want to make using your savings

An extra $5 or $10 here and there all add up over time and suddenly you have $100, then $1,000 and then who knows how much.  You get the idea, but you need to start.

What about all that change that rattles around inside your truck.  Gather it all together in one place and periodically cash it in and put it into a savings account.  You’d be surprised at how fast all that change adds up.  I’ve heard of people taking a nice vacation on just what they saved over a couple years in change.

Have a goal for your savings also helps you get more disciplined with your spending.  Pick out a realistic goal and begin saving for it.  Have a picture of your goal so you can see it from time to time and anticipate having it.   

Make a plan and then work your plan to achieve your goal.   

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A 30 something woman, Krystal Vierkant from Waite Park, MN grossed more than $11 million in 2007.  Did that number get your attention because it sure did mine.  Her business now operates nine semis of its own, brokers loads and repairs rigs for independent truckers, leases trailers to them, runs a waste disposal operation and wholesales decorative rock to landscapers.  That is one ambitious woman.  But I’m getting ahead of myself with her story.   Let’s go back to the beginning.

Back 6 years ago Krystal was bored and looking for a challenge.  She had dropped out of college and had jobs as a bookkeeper and an officer manager with two trucking companies and as a teller in a bank.  

She was looking to add a few bucks to her income when she bought a semitrailer truck and hired a friend to drive it.  She had heard of a local trucking company in bankruptcy and negotiated a deal to take over payments on a semi.  She was familiar with the sand, dirt, gravel and rock business since that is what the trucking companies she had worked for did.  She knew what she was getting into and how it all worked. 

That was the beginning.  She found her entrepreneurial spirit and you already know the rest of the story.

Krystal is just one of many trucking success stories you hear about.  She found her niche and capitalized on it.  Would you know a good opportunity when you see one?  Knowing what you are good at and what your goals are is key.  Saying I want more money is pretty broad.  You need a plan to get you what you want.  Just like a road map to get you from shipper to receiver, you need a plan.

Her plan was to work her full-time day job and use her lunch time and breaks to hustle loads for her truck.  She spent her evenings handling billings and other paperwork.  Sleep, what was that.  She averaged 4 hours a night.  

Word of mouth spread quickly and Owner Operators were asking her to broker for them too.  By the end of her first year she had six “dedicated” truckers working solely with her brokerage company.  This company now accounts for 90 percent of her revenue.

Other opportunities opened up and she next started the trailer leasing business.  Then she was on to her third business to offer repair services to the independent truckers.

By 2003 she quit her full-time bank job and devoted all her energies and attention to her businesses and would add 3 hours of sleep a night to her schedule.  For two years she sacrificed and worked herself hard to build her businesses.

As things slowed down in the construction business she started up a waste disposal operation that supplies containers to collect debris at remodeling sites as well as to the outdoor construction sites her truckers serve during the summer.

Was it all worth it, you tell me with a bottom line of grossing $11 million in 2007.  Six short years from being a teller wanting a little more money in her pocket to making millions.  I would say her hard work paid off.

Find your niche, make a plan, write down your goals and work your plan.   Go after your dreams.   

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Model - describes the type of computer you have.  Each manufacturer may put out several different models of the same computer with different features under different names and different prices.  You decide what you may or may not want to spend your money on. 

Mgf -  the manufacturer who has made the computer, i.e. Intel, Asus, Acer, One, Everex, Dell, HP, you get the idea.  Some of the names may not be familiar because they are sold by another company under another name.

Weight - how much does the computer weigh.  Desk top models may weigh more than laptops.  A laptop will be made more durable to withstand being carried around.  A desktop is designed to be on a desktop. 

Disp. Size - the display size of your monitor or screen you are working on.  The larger the screen the more you can expect to pay.  You decide on what your working needs are.  

Display - resolution size, i.e. 800X480, 1024X600, 1280X768, 1280X800, 1200X900.  The higher the resolution the better the quality of images on your screen.  Here again, you can expect to pay more for better quality.

Win OS - type of operating system - XP, Vista.  These are the most common for the average user.  Unless you have an Apple computer, then you are Linux.

CPU - Central Processing Unit, CPU for short, is the logic of your computer that runs the programs.  This is a chip that is part of your computer tower or laptop.

Speed in GHz - this has to do with your internet connection.  You can have the fastest connection possible and still be limited by the GHz, gigahertz, size you can handle in your computer. 

Storage size in GB (gigabytes) This is how memory is measured.  The more GB you have the more storage space that is available to you for programs, pictures, videos, whatever you are saving to your computer.  This is a picture of what memory can look like

RAM in GB (gigabytes)  Random-access memory, RAM, is measured in gigabytes (GB).  This is thehorsepower you have in your computer to process data.  If your computer seems to take a long time to logon, move from place to place or screen to screen, you may want more RAM in your computer to process your commands quicker.   This picture is of a RAM card.

Battery Life - If you are using a laptop, the battery life is something you will be interested in unless you plan on always having your laptop plugged in to an electrical supply.  Battery life is the amount of time you have to use your computer working strictly from the computer battery.  Your computer will alert you when you are running low on battery time, advising you to plug it in soon.

Is your head spinning yet?  This is just a little background info for you so the next time you are in an electronics store to buy a new computer (or just shopping around), you’ll know just a little bit more about what the salesperson is talking about.  

Buy the best computer for your needs based on product & manufacturer reputation, word of mouth recommendations, warranty and bang for your buck.  Don’t buy it because it’s the right color, you like the name or it’s the cheapest you can find.  You sometimes get what you pay for and if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

Word of mouth is also a high recommendation coming from trusted friends, co-workers or relatives.  Everyone will be more than happy to share their nightmare stories.  Look for the stories where your informant was very happy with the service and knowledge base of the sales staff and performance of the product.  Nothing like word of mouth to make or break your business.

For a cheap fix to get more more memory or faster response out of your current computer, consider adding more memory or RAM.  Check with a knowledgeable computer person for their input before having this done.

I hope you have found this information helpful.   

Easy Truckin is brought to you by Easy Trucking Software. We hope you enjoy it.

Little did you know, or maybe you did, that you new computer has come loaded with a bunch of trialware programs.  Each of these programs will take up space and you may never ever use them so why keep them.  So much for your new computer bliss. 

If I were to tell you there is an easy way to clean your new computer of all the extra program “trialware stuff” that was loaded on would you believe me?  Well, it’s true.  

There is a program that you can get for FREE, you read it right free, that you can run to uninstall the “stuff” you don’t want.  It’s called PC Decrapifier.  Hey, I didn’t name the program and would probably couldn’t come up with anything as creative anyway.  But the inventor did named it for exactly what it does.

Click here to get the free PC Decrapifier tool.    PC Decrapifier

With this tool you don’t have to go to the Control Panel and remove programs.  The PC Decrapifier will automatically detect and uninstall most of the pre-installed software unattended.  It will also reset your browser home page and default search engine for you.

Here is what you will see:

Above is a list of programs that the PC Decrapifier program can remove.  Most of these programs are trialware developed by OEM partners including Norton, Yahoo, Dell, Roxio, Sonic, Corel, Google and Microsoft.

This software has been around for a while and the latest version is 2.0.

Pick and chose what you want uninstalled from your machine and what you may want to take a look at first and maybe uninstall later.  You decide what is worthy of staying on your machine.

Not may things in this day and age come to you free.  Take advantage of any extra FREE help you can get to keep your computer clean and working at top speed.

Don’t forget to always, always, always run your antivirus program and an anti-spyware program to get rid of any nosy tracking spyware that has attached itself to your computer.  The spyware does just that, spies on you and eports on your on-line shopping habits and sites you frequently visit.  And you wonder where all that unsolicited email comes inviting you to visit certain websites.  This is how they find out about you.  So do yourself a favor and run your anti-spyware program often.  

You don’t have to buy the protection either, just google free anti-spyware program.  There are quite a few to choose from.  Pick one that gets the highest marks for protection that is free.  No sense spending money on something you can get for free.   

Easy Truckin is brought to you by Easy Trucking Software. We hope you enjoy it.

Okay, first lets talk about the term Operating System and exactly what it means.

Operating System - Also abbreviated as OS.  This is referring to Windows Vista or XP, or Mac OS X, or Linux Distributions such as Ubuntu and SUSE.  This is what all your programs operate in, your operating system or OS.

If you are like most truckers and have your laptop with you in the truck, you will want to set up an OS password on your computer.  This will protect anyone from being able to enter your computer without the correct password including you.  Also be sure to change this password from time to time.  Don’t just create the password and then never change it.  To protect your information, you should be changing your password at least once every 6 months unless you are paranoid.

To set your password in the OS

As your computer is booting or starting up, begin mashing F8 very quickly.  This should gain you access the Admin account in Windows.  This is also booting into safe mode.  Set your password and be sure to pick a password that you will remember or jot it down someplace safe in case you forget it.

Now that you have your password set, train yourself to lock the computer every time you are away.  For those of you running Windows, it would be the Windows key + L (selected at the same time).  This prevents anyone from messing with your laptop while you are at the buffet getting yourself something to eat.

There are also physical measures you can implement to keep your computer safe such as locking cable tethers or computer safes that would be mounded to your truck.

A cable lock will cost you about $40.  Locking your computer with a cable that attaches to your truck seat or something permanently part of your truck insures your computer isn’t going to grow legs if left in your truck.  Unless the thief really wants your computer and comes prepared with bolt cutters, the cable can pose as an obstacle to a quickie grab-and-run thief.

Then again a computer safe that is mounted to your truck protects your computer and is out of sight of would-be thieves.  These can cost you about $100 plus time to install.

There are also vehicle laptop mounts that hold your computer in place, provide access to your computer while you are behind the wheel, help cushion the motion of your truck for your computer, and mount to your seat bolts.  Something bolted to your truck is again less likely to walk off.   There is also added security in having your computer attached to this type of system, locked tight and bolted to the floor of your truck. Cost will depend on the style, your computer brand and security features you want.

Any measure you decide on will help safe guard your computer from growing legs is better than nothing.  

And remember, your laptop can always be replaced and your programs reinstalled on the next computer.  Your data that you have on your laptop concerning your business is sometimes a little harder to reproduce unless you faithfully back up your data.  There are several methods to backing up your data.  One is an external hard drive with enough capacity to handle all your data.  Another method is to a flash drive, again large enough to handle your data.  These can be found anywhere electronics are sold and will vary in price.

Do yourself a favor and do something, anything you are able, to safeguard your computer and your data.  After all, this is your business data you are protection and your livelihood.

Easy Truckin is brought to you by Easy Trucking Software. We hope you enjoy it.

This past year has been a brutal one for everyone.  From storm damage to sky rocketing fuel costs to a slumping economy.  And don’t even get me going on the stock market.  

History is an indicator of financial cycles going up and down.  We are in one of those cycles right now and we need to get creative and think outside the box to survive.

Being creative with your business is something to consider in todays market.  Two guys, Brad Hawley and Bryan Thompson out of Birmingham, started their own business called Blacktop.  

What Blacktop does is sell outdoor advertising on the sides of trucks, a rolling down the road billboard.  Pretty clever if you ask me.  Blacktop will contract with trucking companies to place ads on their trucks to create a moving billboard.  Pretty clever idea and if Brad and Bryan in Birmingham can do this, why not you too.

If you are an owner operator or company driver, this is an idea you too could capitalize on in your area.  Sitting around thinking about how bad things are doesn’t put money in your pocket or food on the table.  As a trucker you need to think outside the box, as they say.

If you are an owner operator, perhaps there are businesses in your area that are starting to expand their market and you could help get the word out.  Check them out and ask for their business.  Go in with a plan and some idea of how much money you would want to display the advertising. 

Even if you are a regional hauler, I’m sure their are businesses in your hauling range that would be interested in listening to this idea.  Even a local outdoor sign advertiser would be a great place to start and let’s not forget about political campaigns.  

If you are a company driver, bring the idea up with someone that does advertising in your company.  Explain the concept and ask for the credit if they use the idea.  The word “credit” here could translate as extra cash for you.  The company would have some connections and may see it as an opportunity to partner with another businesses to make a little more money besides load hauling.  This could be a win / win situation for you and your company to make some extra money.  

Let’s face it, you cover a lot of ground with your truck and trailer and there are companies out there looking to expand their advertising in a cost efficient way.  You could be the one helping out another business and yourself in the process.

If you would like more info about Blacktop or to see how they do things, visit their webside www.blacktopmedia.com.  

So, what do billboards and trucks have in common…….

As Bryan Thompson said, “You’ve got blank space riding up and down the road every single day that is a great background for advertising that isn’t being utiliz     

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But what if something does happen, regardless of what kind of shape you are in?  Would your traveling companion, if you have one that can talk, know whether or not you are allergic to anything?  What about your primary doctor’s name and phone number.  I know my blood type is red and that’s about it, but what about yours?

Worse case scenario is you are unconscious for whatever reason, have allergies, are on medications that if not taken could be life threatening and you are alone.  Do you want to leave it to chance that the EMT is going to know all your information by ESP?   Or what about being serious ill and you need to be hospitalized.  Most of us in this situation will be pretty worked up about needing hospitalization that not all the questions asked will get an accurate answer.

Having your medical records and medical care directives on hand in your truck with you would sure help the EMT’s, doctors and nurses treat you according to your wishes.  Not everyone wants to be revived and live on life support indefinitely and not everyone wants to be an organ donor.  And unless you have something in writing stating your wishes, no one will know.

There are websites that have forms to create medical records and advance directives.  One such site is nim.nih.gov/medlineplus/advancedirectives.html

This website is a joint venture of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (nim) and National Institutes of Health (nih).

Your medical records should include the following and feel free to copy the list and create your own:

• Name, birth date and social security number
• Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts
• Blood type
• Contact information for physicians, dentists and pharmacies you have recently used
• Health insurance information
• Health conditions, including dates of past surgeries and whether you have artificial joints, heart valve replacements, etc.
• Vision or dental problems, including whether you wear glasses, contacts, or dentures
• Current medications and dosages
• Allergies to drugs and/or foods
• Recent DOT physical findings
• Immunizations
• Organ donor information
• Family health history
• Tobacco or alcohol use
• Dates of any recent viruses, colds toothaches, etc.

Having this in your truck with you at all times will help in the event of any health emergency you may have.  Even if you don’t have absolutely everything completed in the above list, something is always better than nothing in cases of emergency.

Health ID tags are also a good choice for anyone having diabetes or blood thinners.  An ID tag is hard to miss by an EMT or doctor doing an examination of you.  Help make it easier for a doctor/nurse/EMT to care for you in a safe manner having life-saving information readily available.

Finding a physician or hospital away from home can be as easy as connecting to WebMD.com or call your insurance carrier, if you have insurance.  The WEbMD website also has a secure place for your medical information.  Any medical provider can also log-in at WebMD and if they know your user name are able to access your records.

Having fuel for your truck or drugs for your body should have to be a choice you are faced with.  Most drug companies have prescription assistance on their websites if you need it or call toll-free 1.888.477.2669 to Partnership for Prescription Assistance.  

Several pharmacies such as Walgreens, Target & Wal Mart have a flat $4 fee for common medications.  Visit their websites for their $4 drug list.  A prescription that I personally take is $4 a month or 3 months for $10 at Wal Mart.  And I get my prescription in a breakable tablet so my doctor wrote my prescription for twice the dosage and I can get a 3 month supply for only $7 because I cut my tablets in half for the correct dosage for me.  Yes I have prescription coverage but with a high deductible, so I’m saving money anywhere I can.  Always ask your doctor about generic drugs, FREE samples if they have them and for alternative medications that would fall into the $4 category.   Don’t forget to take your bottles of medication with you on the road in case you need a refill or for any medical emergencies.   Be smart and travel safe.

 Easy Truckin is brought to you by Easy Trucking Software. We hope you enjoy it.

While I was web surfing the other day, I came across a website called 12V Auto Tech.  They had this handy little portable stove the size of a lunchbox called Stove To Go.  It plugs into any 12 volt receptacle and provides you, the road warrior, with some other options for quick hot meals.  Take left-overs and/or sandwiches along from home to heat up on the road.  Buy canned stews or non-refrigerated prepackaged meals to heat up or even some frozen meals.  It looked to be a pretty versatile item that didn’t take up much space either.  

The Technical Specifications are:

• Operates from any 12 volt DC power source
• Will reach and maintain cooking temperatures of 250 to 300 degrees
• 190 Watt Output during start up
• 100 Watt output during cooking
• 4 pounds
• 10.5” X 6” X 8”

This website also has an Oven To Go that can cook, bake and warm up food.  This too would plug into an 12 volt receptacle.   Another pretty handy gadget for being on the road and short on time to eat.

They also had a listing for Tools, Accessories, Radar/Laser Detectors, Lighting, Cleaning, Package Deals, Cooking, Coffee, Outdoors, Safety, Comfort, Emergency, Cell Phone Adapters, GPS Receivers and Accessories, Power inverters, Hands Free Sets and Replacement Parts.  Pretty interesting website, especially for anyone that travels or camps out.

In this day of pinching every penny until it screams, you do what you need to and can do to cut costs on the road.  Bringing food from home or shopping at home to get a better price and buying in quantity to save money on favorite foods can also help.  When you are on the road you are at the mercy of stores and restaurants that are within walking distance or have parking available for your rig, which leaves you with a limited selection and sometimes higher prices.

Life is just too fast paced and you end up running, literally, from getting unloaded to getting loaded again and hit the road.  Not much time left in there to eat.  Having the option of stopping at a wayside or parking area of some kind and heating up something to eat takes less time than looking for and stopping at a restaurant.  This can be especially true when you are under the gun to get to your next destination quickly.

Now I’m not saying don’t stop at that favorite truck stop to talk with other truckers and take a well earned break.  You need to do that too.  I’m talking about the time when you are just too rushed and you still have to eat.

An empty stomach makes it extra hard to concentrate on driving and staying focused.  Stay safe out there and take good care of yourself.  Some planning on your part before leaving home can save you money on the road.  Select food items that are single serving size so you don’t have leftovers that may need refrigeration and don’t forget about having plenty of fresh fruit on hand too.

Easy Truckin is brought to you by Easy Trucking Software. We hope you enjoy it.