Man...
There's a LOT to know, even if you'd been driving for years.
Even if you'd been an O/O for years.
Your best bet is to join OOIDA and query them even if you don't use the services.
I hope you've got a fat bankroll.
After you get the T/T('s), you'll need operating authority from FMCSA.
That's only $300 but you'll have to have public liability for about a month before you're actually allowed to operate.
I suspended my authority about 2 1/2 years ago.
At the time my P/L premiums were about $6K per unit, per year...
But that was with 10-20+ year drivers, all having really good MVR's and a track record which didn't include a bunch of claims. I know guys that have been griping about rate increases ever since but I dunno rates lately.
I knew guys when I was running that were paying half-again what I was paying.
Being a newb company AND a newb driver, you'll be lucky to get written.
I would guess $10K plus (annually).
Then you'll need cargo.
Not as bad as P/L but again, being a newb, you'll pay the highest premiums.
Then you'll endure a 'new entrant audit'.
That's a safety audit where FMCSA will send an agent to look over your files and tell you for how long you'll be going to prison.
You'll need your authority, insurance, IFTA license, etc on hand.
You'll need a maint file on each unit (even if you haven't driven off the lot).
You'll need a file on every driver (including yourself) with I-9's, ten years work history, drug and alcohol test, etc.
The drug testing is a big one. They have NO sense of humor about that AT ALL.
The fine is up to $10K. Maybe more these days.
You'll need to enroll each driver in a consortium and have records of pre-employment drug screens on hand.
There are 2 or 3 states left that have ad valorem tax.
That means if your registration includes the state, you have to figure the percentage of miles driven in that state and pay them personal property tax on your equipment.
KS & AR are the ones I recall off hand.
My tax in AR was zero one year so I didn't file it...
The fine for failure to file was a hundred bucks.
They're still waiting.
KY & NM have weight-distance tax.
You get to file with them quarterly and pay them around a nickle per mile for running there (exclusive of IFTA).
Same deal with the filing. If you don't file you get fined, then revoked. Miles or no miles.
John???
Where are you going John?
OOIDA 816-229-5791
You can use this number for a referral and join for $25 the first year (instead of $45).
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