I have just got new USdot and MC and did a quote on an insurance,13k with 2600 as a down payement, I am based out of Columbus ,OH.
My question is once I pay that insurance downapayement , what else do I need to be fully operational?
You're a motor carrier now, with no employees. So, you'll need to get your paperwork in order for the new entry safety audit, file paperwork for process agents, and hire yourself as a driver. That means the full hiring paperwork process including an application, a copy of your driving history, medical card and pre-employment drug test. You'll need to join a drug test consortium too.
The "Trucking With Authority" podcasts by Kenny Long are a great resource for new entry compliance issues...
Trucking With Authority
The first year podcasts go into these steps in detail.
What is the best loadboard to get loads for a guy with new authority?
I use DAT and ITS Truckstop. I have yet to get a load from ITS, but your mileage may vary. These are brokered loads, so you'll have to get together the information they require - "a carrier packet," and send it to them. They'll want you to sign a contract before you get a rate confirmation. Make sure all the financial condition you negotiate are written in the ratecon - you won't get them after the fact. Make sure you read and understand the contracts, because you're going to have to live with them.
Contracting to work with a broker comes before getting a load from them. I'd hit the load boards to identify the lanes you want to run, and Identify the "market makers" to target first. Hope you're good at dealing with rejection - you'll hear "NO!" a lot. You're going to have to prove yourself in the market before many people will trust you with their freight, especially if they've been burned by losers.
I visited with Convoy at MATS - they specifically said they would work with new entrants. I'd try Uber Freight and JB Hunt 360 too.
How long does it take for my MC to be active once I pay that insurance down payment?
Thank you guys and stay safe.
You should be good to go within 30 days. Good luck!